The boutique was silent enough that Fiona could hear the faint hum of the air conditioner. Every staff member froze where they stood. Nathan didn't raise his voice, he didn't need to. His calmness alone made the head saleswoman tremble.
The woman swallowed and immediately bowed her head. "S-Sir… I didn't know— I didn't realize—"
Nathan cut her off with a single look.
"I don't care what you realized," he said. "You insulted them."
The woman's hands shook. She looked at Ella and Fiona quickly, then at Nathan again. "I—I apologize. Truly. I didn't mean to offend them."
Nathan stared at her like he was evaluating something useless. "Your apology is too plain."
"You're apologizing because you're scared," Nathan continued. "Not because you're sorry. And I don't accept that."
She blinked rapidly, sweat gathering around her temple.
