"Is it strange?" Ethan asked, clearly amused by the surprise on Grace's face.
"No, it's not that it's just.." Grace cut herself off halfway.
She suddenly remembered that male escorts could be super rich, especially one like Ethan.
If he had money, then having cars, a house, and even a butler wasn't that weird at all.
But still... why would someone that wealthy need someone as broke as her to support him?
Grace voiced her confusion, and Ethan's reply was smooth as ever: "You were the one who took advantage of me, not the other way around. Naturally, the one at fault should compensate, regardless of who has more money."
Honestly, it kind of made sense, didn't it?
Grace felt like she had just walked right into a trap, but she couldn't even find any holes in his logic.
With such a rich and insanely attractive escort by her side, it was hard to tell who was really getting ripped off here.
Just as her brain felt like it was about to crash, Ethan handed her a sleek black card.
"Take this."
"What is it?" Grace asked. She'd seen a card like it with William Stewart before, but never figured out what it actually was.
"It's a credit card. Go to Belle and get yourself some clothes. When you're done, throw out those rags you're wearing. I don't want to see them again," Ethan said, barely hiding the way he looked down on Grace Howard's outfit.
Grace blinked. "Aren't I the one who's supposed to be supporting you?"
"Put it on my tab. You can pay me back later."
Wow.
So she'd been played from the start, huh?
Thinking about how the charges would be stacked onto her "future salary," Grace hesitated.
But then she thought of William, clenched her teeth, and decided, fine. She was gonna go all out.
For years, she'd spent all her money on that heartless man and never even bought herself new clothes. It was time to treat herself and spend. She deserved it.
When the driver from the Hugh residence dropped Grace off at Belle Shopping Center, she was stunned.
This place was luxurious.
The crystal mirror walls outside sparkled like crazy, and the geometric architecture gave the whole building this fancy modern art vibe.
The luxury brand posters were framed like gallery paintings. Even the busiest shopping districts couldn't compare to this place!
Grace had always stayed away from places like this. They were too flashy, too expensive, and she didn't want to embarrass herself or waste money.
But today, she was on a "mission." She had no choice but to hype herself up and walk in.
You never know until you try, right? And once you step in... it hits different.
Grace Howard walked into a women's clothing store that looked a bit less intimidating. But the second she saw the price tag on a jacket, she nearly passed out.
Eighteen thousand?! For one jacket?! What, was it made of gold?
Before the smiling sales assistant could even get close, Grace ran out like the place was haunted.
She forced herself to try a few more stores, but it was the same thing every time. The prices kept getting higher and higher.
The only thing she found under a thousand was a pair of socks, and even those were almost too much.
Just as she was ready to give up and run far, far away, Ethan, like he could read her mind. called her.
"Go to Irina's and buy at least ten outfits. I'll have Henry keep an eye on you. You're not allowed to come back until you've got enough."
Henry, that was the name of the driver who brought her here.
"Ten outfits?!" Grace practically screamed. She felt like she'd been electrocuted.
"How long is it gonna take me to pay that off?"
Ten outfits from this place could probably buy her a house on the edge of the city!
"Consider it a gift from me. No need to pay it back. Miss this chance today, and you won't get another," Ethan said calmly, knowing exactly how Grace thought.
Sure enough, when she heard "no need to pay back," Grace was hooked.
She had to buy them. Not buying would be a tragedy.
After walking around for a while, Grace finally found the store Ethan had told her about.
As soon as she walked in, Grace felt the store's unique vibe..
The decor was simple and lowkey, warm and inviting, without that usual intimidating aura that keeps regular people away.
None of the clothes had price tags, kind of like those huge sale racks she was used to, where everything's either $9.99 or $19.99.
That instantly put Grace at ease.
Of course everyone loves a good bargain, but if the prices were too ridiculous, she'd feel super awkward trying to take advantage of the deal.
Even if Ethan was rich, she knew he worked hard for it. And besides, he had his own charm too.
Grace slowly browsed through the clothes until her eyes landed on a white sleeveless dress. It was simple, fresh, and delicate, like a little jasmine flower.
The sales assistant nearby didn't look down on her at all, despite her plain outfit.
Instead, she smiled warmly and helped take down the dress. "You've got a great eye, miss. This is one of our highlight pieces for the spring-summer season. A lot of socialites already reserved theirs, and this one's the only one left in this color."
"Really?" Grace blushed a little from the compliment.
"Absolutely. The fitting room is right this way, miss. Please follow me."
With the assistant's help, Grace took the dress and went into the fitting room.
Just as she stepped inside, a tall, elegant girl walked in with two maids trailing behind her carrying shopping bags.
Two bodyguards in plain clothes stood right at the entrance.
"Miss Mina is here!"
"Quick, everyone, go greet her! Tom, bring the special wine glass!"
The staff in the store basically swarmed her like she was a celebrity.
Their already enthusiastic service went up like, ten levels, everyone was suddenly moving like they were in a drama.
A new employee who didn't know what was going on leaned over to whisper, "Who's she?"
"You don't know? That's Mina Sue, the only daughter of the Sue family. They're one of the top ten richest families in the whole city."
The new girl gasped quietly. She might not have recognized Mina right away, but she definitely knew about the top ten families in Emperor City.
She couldn't believe that on her first day of work, she'd actually gotten to see a real-life heiress.
No wonder Irina was called the luxury of all luxuries.
Mina Sue sat down gracefully on the plush sofa and took off her sunglasses.
She didn't even have to speak. The store manager immediately brought her the latest catalog, and someone else offered her a glass of champagne.
Mina waved off the drink and took the catalog, flipping through it casually.
Meanwhile, Grace Howard stepped out of the fitting room.
The sales assistant looked at her and gasped softly, part out of politeness, but also for real.
"Miss, this dress looks stunning on you!"
Mina Sue turned her head at the sound of the compliment... and froze when she saw Grace in the dress.
Just like the assistant said, Grace and the dress were a perfect match. They literally brought out the best in each other.
Grace had always been pretty, but no one really noticed because of her outdated clothes and messy hairstyles.
But just now, while trying the dress on, her hair tie had accidentally loosened.
Her silky black hair now flowed down her back, and with her graceful figure and the floral dress... she honestly looked like some kind of woodland fairy from a Greek myth.
Grace stared blankly at the girl in the mirror, almost like she didn't recognize herself.
But the girl in the mirror had the same wide-eyed, dazed expression. So... it had to be her, right?
Could this dress… actually be magical?