Brandy strolled through the high-end boutique, her two friends trailing behind her. They were laughing and browsing the racks of designer clothing, oblivious to the surprise that awaited them. As they turned a corner, Brandy's eyes widened, and she froze in her tracks.
"Lily? That couldn't be you," Brandy said. Lily turned to face Brandy and her once pleasant expression dropped to a slight frown.
There, amidst the luxurious display of designer dresses, stood Lily, her half-sister. Brandy's mind raced with confusion and disbelief. What was Lily doing here? She certainly didn't have the money to shop in such an expensive store.
With a smug smile, Brandy approached Lily, flanked by her friends who were eagerly awaiting the drama about to unfold.
"Hello Brandy," Lily said, struggling to fake a smile.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't my dear big sister," Brandy sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. "What brings you to this exclusive boutique? Did you take a wrong turn? And it is Luna to you."
Lily's gaze hardened, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. "I shop here because I can, Brandy." Lily emphasized her name, refusing to call her Luna. "No wrong turns, just personal choices. What are you doing here?"
A vein pulsed in Brandy's temple as anger surged through her. She couldn't stand Lily's calm demeanor, her refusal to back down. Brandy was accustomed to being the center of attention, the one who always had the upper hand.
"I mean you did ruin my wedding dress by wearing it. So, I had no choice but to go shopping," Brandy replied. "But the real question is why are you here? Are you trying to fake as if you're part of the elite? You always did have a knack for pretending to be something you're not."
Lily's jaw tightened, her fists clenching involuntarily. She refused to let Brandy's words undermine her. "You know nothing about me, Brandy. This has nothing to do with pretense or faking. I have my own means. And that's rich from someone who likes to steal what doesn't belong to them," Lily retorted.
"How could I steal something that you were undeserving of? You just don't know how to know your place," Brandy countered.
The boutique's clientele began to take notice of the brewing confrontation, casting curious glances at the unfolding scene. Brandy seized the opportunity to humiliate Lily further.
"Everyone, please take a good look at Lily," Brandy proclaimed, her voice rising to ensure maximum attention. "The poor little Omega who thinks she can play dress-up with the rich and famous."
Lily's face flushed with embarrassment as the shoppers' exchanged whispers and sideways glances. Brandy's friends giggled behind her, reveling in their friend's display of power.
Adam had stepped out of the boutique to take a call and didn't notice when Brandy and her flunkies had entered the boutique. He couldn't help but growl at hearing how Brandy was talking to Lily.
'Wait. We need to see how this plays out. We can't rescue her when she faces the other Lunas. Lily needs to know how to handle herself,' Thad, Adam's wolf said.
'I know but that girl needs to be put in her place,' Adam growled.
'And our Luna will be the one to do it,' Thad said. 'Have faith in her. She can handle this.'
"You don't know what you're talking about like always. Do you ever think before you speak?" Lily countered. "It's always rank with you, but who cares about rank when you're deplorable person."
"Is that all you have? That's your best comeback," Brandy laughed. Just as Brandy was about to escalate the situation further, a voice interrupted the tense atmosphere.
"Excuse me, ma'am," said Janet, the cashier, stepping forward. "I believe there's been a misunderstanding."
Brandy turned to face Janet, her expression a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "And who are you?"
"I'm Janet, and I happen to know that Lily here is a valued customer," Janet replied confidently, eyeing Brandy with a hint of disdain. "She holds a Sapphire card, our most exclusive credit card. Only our most esteemed clients have the privilege of carrying one."
Brandy's eyes widened in disbelief. How could Lily hold a Saphire card? Brandy didn't even have a Saphire card. In that moment, doubts began to creep into her mind. Had she chosen the wrong man? Should she have pursued Garrett instead of Matthew?
'It doesn't matter. Matthew will be Alpha and Garrett is part of his pack. I can just take his money since his money is the pack's money,' Brandy thought. Her eyes narrowed at Janet's words, refusing to accept defeat so easily.
"I think you have it all wrong. She could barely pay her college tuition," Brandy retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure her sugar daddy's money is doing wonders for her."
Lily's face turned red with anger. "It is better than milking the pack's money dry for selfish wants." Brandy looked at Lily in surprise. "Yes, I know all about your spending habits. How far in debt are you now? You should probably get that in check. As a future Luna, it is part of your responsibility to make sure funding is accurate."
"You little bitch," Brandy growled.
Janet, unimpressed by Brandy's continued antagonism, crossed her arms and leaned in closer. "Regardless of where Lily's money comes from, she is still a valued customer here. And as a valued customer, she deserves to be treated with respect."
Brandy's eyes narrowed as she glared at Janet. She was accustomed to having her way, unchallenged by anyone. The realization that her behavior was unacceptable and that she had no power over the situation stung her pride.
Brandy scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Respect? She doesn't deserve respect. She's just a charity case, trying to fit in with the elite."
Janet's patience began to wear thin, her voice taking on a stern tone. "I won't tolerate any more of your disrespectful behavior, Brandy. Either treat Lily with respect or leave the boutique."
Brandy's face contorted with anger as she glared at Janet. How dare this cashier try to kick her out? She was used to getting her way, accustomed to being the center of attention.
She took a step forward, getting in Janet's face, determined to assert her dominance. "You think you can tell me what to do? I'll have you know that my family has far more influence and money than you could ever imagine."
Janet remained steadfast, unfazed by Brandy's aggressive posturing. "Money may buy you fancy things, Brandy, but it doesn't buy you class or manners. Now, either calm down and treat Lily with respect, or I'll have no choice but to call security."
Brandy's bravado wavered for a moment as she weighed her options. She glanced around the boutique, realizing that the crowd had grown weary of her antics. Shaking her head in frustration, she finally relented.
"Fine," Brandy grumbled, her voice laced with resentment. "But don't think this is over, Lily."