Chapter 70
I chuckled with Teri, completely unaware that Evelyn and Sharon were fuming inside the store.
Sharon asked, “Evelyn, are we really going to let those two walk away after insulting us?”
Evelyn’s perfectly dolled–up face darkened with anger. “We still have unfinished business from last time. Just wait and see.”
She walked over to the appraiser who had just exited the VIP room and inquired about the items.
The appraiser responded, “Yes. Ms. York has brought in several valuable items for sale.”
Evelyn then said, “We’d like to check them out. There might be something of interest to us.”
The appraiser’s demeanor shifted to one of greater respect. “Of course, Ms. Snow, Ms. Lowry. Please, come in and have a look.”Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
As Evelyn and Sharon entered, they were taken aback by the sight of a large table covered with sparkling luxury handbags, including several limited editions.
Sharon quietly tugged at Evelyn’s sleeve. “Evelyn, we can’t afford any of these.”
Evelyn gestured for her to be quiet and turned to the appraiser with a forced smile. “I have a friend who loves this brand. I’ll call her to come take a look.”
After a brief phone call, she came back
“My friend will be here soon. And by the way, if Ms. York ever plans to sell more items, we’d appreciate it if you kept us in the loop discreetly. We’re very interested in what she has to offer.”
She smiled slyly
Teri and I sat in a barbecue restaurant, waiting for our food. The lively atmosphere made me feel slightly on edge, so I shifted a little closer to her..
Teri had ordered a spread of grilled meats, sides, and even a case of beer. I was surprised.
“Teri, do you actually drink?”
Teri skillfully popped open a bottle of beer. “Of course, I drink! Oh, wait–I forgot you have amnesia and might not remember.”
She smiled wryly. “It wasn’t until I started working that I realized alcohol could serve as a lifeline. With an irresponsible father, a neglectful mother, and an incompetent brother, it feels like I’m the only one working myself to the bone every day.”
Noticing that Teri’s mood had dipped again, I couldn’t help but try to comfort her. “It’s okay. Look at me- I’ve had a rough seven years, and my reputation is in tatters. Does that cheer you up a bit?”
Teri managed a smile, but it quickly turned into a wry expression. “Your way of comforting people is quite unique. At least you still have some money left. The harder I work, the less I seem to have.”
I patted her shoulder. “Starting today, things are going to look up for us.”
Teri’s spirits lifted instantly. She raised her beer glass and clinked it against mine. “Cheers to that! Here’s to better days ahead!”
She downed her beer in one go, while I took a cautious sip and scrunched up my face.
Chapper 20
“This stuff tastes terrible. Why do so many people like ?”
Teri burst into laughter. At that moment, I noticed a group of burly men at the next table grinning and staring at us. Their intense gazes made me uncomfortable, and I instinctively shrank back a little.
Teri had her back to them, so she didn’t notice them, Instead, she was busy serving me more food and drinks.
The late–night snacks were a delightful surprise as I had never tasted such down–to–earth food before–at least, not that I could remember.
Teri was in high spirits, and as I began to relax, I ended up enjoying several beers. By the time we finished eating, the bill came to just 50 dollars.
I was taken aback. “This is so cheap!”
Teri rolled her eyes and replied, “This meal’s on me. Ms. York, you probably haven’t had such an affordable meal before. Welcome to everyday life.”
I responded with an awkward smile.
Just as we were about to settle the bill and leave, a group of burly men from the next table approached us, their imposing figures blocking our path.
One of them, Lucian Sullivan, flashed us a sleazy smile and asked, “Hey there, ladies. Why don’t we exchange phone numbers so that I can add you on WhatsApp?”