Chapter 18

Grace was looking down at her phone and did not even lift her eyes when Demi spoke.

Frustration flickered across Demi's face, though she forced a cheerful smile. "Grace, honestly, these clothes aren't really your thing. Just a single top here costs morethan half a year's living expenses for most people. There's a budget-friendly outlet just behind the mall-maybe that's more your speed."

Demi made her point clear by sipping slowly from her hot chocolate. Seeing Grace's discomfort seemed to make the drink all the sweeter for her.

Eventually, Grace lifted her gaze. Her eyes glinted,cold and impenetrable, as she sized up Demi."Finished talking?"

Still smiling sweetly, Demi responded, "Since we've bumped into each other, let me grab you a drink."

"I'll pass. I'd rather not be part of your drama," Grace replied.

Demi's face flushed with anger. Before she could retort, a group of girls walked by, their voices carrying

over in a whisper.

"Wow, look at that woman's white trench coat! Where do you think she bought it? She's stunning."

"Totally agree-the design looks so high-end,probably super expensive."

"True, especially compared to that tacky girl beside her."

A faint smile curled on Grace's lips. She knew her coat wasn't just any white trench-it was a limited anniversary piece, the only one in existence.

Her hand drifted to smooth a wrinkle on the sleeve,the cashmere's subtle sheen glinting beneath the lights, revealing a hidden layer of luxury.

Simple and soft, that coat had always been a favorite,striking just the right balance between comfort and elegance.

Overhearing the whispers, Demi nearly lost her composure. Her fingers clenched so tightly around the cup of hot chocolate.

Her glare followed the girls as they disappeared, her thoughts bubbling with annoyance at their so-called taste.

"Students these days wouldn't know style if it tripped

them," Demi snapped under her breath. "Clearly, they can't spot real fashion."

Were they seriously that blind? For all they knew,Grace's coat could have been bought on sale.

In her mind, nothing compared to the label stitched into her own designer outfit.

Still, seeing Grace's effortless poise stoked her resentment until it threatened to spill over.

Pretending to stumble, Demi tipped the hot chocolate right in Grace's direction.

The liquid sailed through the air. It splattered dramatically across Grace's white coat.

For a heartbeat, everything seemed to pause. Grace stared at the glaring stain as if the world had stopped turning.

A flash of triumph flickered in Demi's eyes,though she quickly hid it behind a gasp and a hand over her mouth."Oh my goodness, look what I've done! Your coat is ruined. I'm so sorry-it just slipped! I swear, it was an accident."

Reaching into her bag, she produced two hundred dollars and held it out. "Here,take this. Buy yourself a fresh coat."

When Grace made no move to accept, Demi pushed further, asking, "What's wrong? Not enough for you?I doubt you've ever even handled this much cash before. Just take it and pick something from the outlet."

Demi's sense of superiority swelled. Nothing pleased her more than the thought of Grace brought down a notch.

All she wanted now was to savor the sight of Grace finally humbled.

With a cold glare, Grace swiftly grabbed the half cup of hot chocolate out of Demi's grip and tossed the drink straight into her startled face.

The drink drenched Demi's face, smearing her makeup and leaving her hair in dripping chaos.

"You little-!" Demi screamed furiously, eyes blazing,her glare so intense it might have scorched Grace.

Just then, Ivy stepped briskly out of the fitting room,immediately spotting Grace's cold retaliation against her daughter.

In a rush, she stormed across the store, her styled hair nearly unraveling in her agitation.

Placing herself between Demi and Grace, she thrust

out a manicured hand, her bright red nails hovering dangerously close to Grace's nose.

Her voice cracked with indignation as she shouted,"Grace, don't you have any manners? Why are you always going after Demi like this?"

From behind her mother, Demi's eyes shimmered with well-timed tears. She stammered, "It was my mistake,Mom.I accidentally messed up her coat and tried to make it right, but maybe she felt it didn't cover the cost..."

Grace watched Demi's well-rehearsed performance with calm detachment. She cóuldn't help but think the world of acting would sorely miss such talent if she ever quit.

If there were awards for theatrics, Demi would sweep the ceremony.

As if sensing Grace's internal amusement,lvy erupted even further.

She yanked another two hundred dollars from her designer purse and threw it disdainfully toward Grace."How about now? Is that enough for your cheap coat?"

Without a hint of emotion, Grace met her glare."Nowhere near enough."

Stunned disbelief flashed across lvy's face.

"Don't get greedy! This is more than generous. You need to know when to stop."

Grace's tone was cold as she replied, "This coat is from Aesthetic Atelier; it's called 'Nieve'. It's an anniversary edition, one of a kind. All the money you've got wouldn't buy a single thread."