The Day Our Promise Breaks

Dahlia wrapped up her little power play with a satisfied smirk. She turned to the shop assistant, tilted her chin up a notch, and said with all the arrogance she could muster, "Call security and clear the store. I don't want to share space with people who shouldn't be here. It's ruining my shopping vibe."

Dahlia had a knack for vanity and loved putting on a show. When she was around Charles, she pretended to be someone who wanted for nothing, making it seem like being with him was all that mattered. But away from him, she was a different person altogether. She basked in the superiority that came from Charles's status and influence. To flaunt her position, she'd have the store cleared out every single time she visited. This wasn't her first rodeo, and the staff knew the drill.

Hearing Dahlia's orders, the shop assistant approached Evelyn, apologizing, "I'm sorry, miss. Ms. Dahlia is one of our mall's platinum VIPs. She has the authority to request exclusive service..."

"Evelyn, why are you still here? Do you want me to call security to have you thrown out?" Dahlia's eyes were filled with disdain, her attitude unmistakably domineering as she glared at Evelyn. Watching Evelyn shrink back gave her a twisted sense of joy.

Just as Dahlia was relishing her victory, Adam burst in from outside. He roughly grabbed Dahlia by the collar, making her look up. Then he shoved his phone in her face, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he addressed Charles on the other end. "Charles, look at this. Even now, you let Dahlia strut around like she owns the place in front of Evelyn. How can you live with yourself after what happened to Charlie?"

The mention of Charles's name made Dahlia's demeanor change in an instant. Her fierce look melted away as she turned toward the phone, facing Charles's stern expression. Even through the screen, his gaze was icy and made her shiver.

Dahlia quickly adopted a pitiful expression, stumbling over her words as she tried to defend herself, "Charles... I didn't... I..."

Charles, holding the phone, didn't even glance at Dahlia. Instead, he looked up at Aiden, who was standing in front of him, with a gaze that could freeze fire.

Aiden felt a shiver run down his spine. He'd heard what Adam said, too. Under Charles's intense stare, sweat began to trickle down his forehead. Earlier that morning, Mr. Jenkins had called him to sort out this mess. An hour ago, he'd wrapped up all the tasks Mr. Jenkins had set for him. Who would've guessed Dahlia would still be flaunting herself at the Jenkins family mall, especially in front of Ms. Evelyn? He felt his year-end bonus slipping away.

Cursing the incompetence beneath him and Dahlia's utter lack of self-awareness, he wondered what gave her the gall to flaunt Mr. Jenkins's status in front of Ms. Evelyn. Ignoring the sweat on his brow, Aiden quickly said, "Mr. Jenkins, after your call this morning, I had her card frozen. It can't be used now."

He made sure to speak loudly, knowing the call was still live. Evelyn was listening in. This was his way of letting Ms. Evelyn know it was the mall's oversight, not Mr. Jenkins condoning Dahlia's behavior.

With that, he swiftly called the mall

manager. Once connected, henoveldrama

barked, "What are you doing? Didn't make it clear an hour ago that Dahlia isn't allowed in any Jenkins

ie'

Enterprises properties? How did she get into your mall?"

The mall manager, startled by Aiden's reprimand, quickly contacted the store manager. The manager had been delayed by personal matters and had just reached the mal entrance. Frightened by the scolding, the manager hastened his pace inside. Who knew such a delay could cause such chaos?

Inside the mall, Adam, hearing Aiden's words, let go of Dahlia's collar with disdain. Finally, Charlesz did something right. If he kept letting Dahlia bully Eve, Adam would have been done with him. While internally criticizing, he reached out to Evelyn. Evelyn, getting the hint, palled out a disinfectant wipe from her bag and meticulously cleaned the hand Adam used to touch Dahlia. The silence spoke volumes.

Charles, watching Evelyn through Adam's phone screen, spoke with deep regret, "Eve, I'm sorry. It's my fault..."

Adam didn't let Charles finish, cutting the call without hesitation. Use and discard. He knew Evelyn had no interest in hearing Charles's voice.

Dahlia, having heard Aiden's words, was in disbelief upon learning her card was frozen. She grabbed the shop assistant, thrusting her card forward, and demanded angrily, "Swipe it!"

The assistant shook off Dahlia's hand, "Swipe what? Didn't you hear your card's been frozen?"

"I said swipe it!" Dahlia yelled, her voice rising.

She had been living the high life under Charles's favor, enjoying luxury. As the saying goes, it's easy to move from frugality to luxury, but hard to go back. The thought of Charles taking back her privileges...