"Different?" Madison asked curiously.
The manager nodded. "Yes, ma'am. The fifth floor has a more private entrance, mainly because most of the boutiques there cater to high-profile clients."
He called over one of the mall assistants. "Please escort these ladies to the fifth floor."
"Of course, sir." The assistant approached them politely. "Please follow me."
She led the four women toward a private passageway.
Madison looked around curiously. "Why is this floor separated from the others? Shouldn't every customer be able to access the entire mall?"
"Normally, yes, ma'am," the assistant explained politely. "But the fifth floor is different. The boutiques there carry extremely exclusive brands, and the mall provides a separate entrance for privacy and security."
Madison nodded, though she still looked intrigued. The assistant led them into a private elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor.
When the doors opened, the atmosphere immediately changed. The fifth floor was quieter than the rest of the mall.
The polished marble floors reflected the warm lights above them, while enormous glass storefronts displayed designer clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and accessories. Everything looked carefully designed to give the impression of exclusivity.
As they walked down the corridor, Madison's eyes widened. "This place is completely different."
Even Eva looked around with interest. Sophie remained quiet, while Olivia stared ahead with growing curiosity. Soon, they reached the end of the corridor. And then they saw it.
ANGEL BY ANNE
The name stood above an enormous glass storefront in elegant lettering.
The entrance was framed with white marble, while carefully arranged displays showcased Anne's latest collection. The store was spacious and sophisticated, yet there was something warm and elegant about its design.
The assistant stopped at the entrance. "This is the store you were looking for, ma'am." She gestured toward the elegant interior.
"There are several store assistants inside who can help you with anything you need. Please let us know if you'd like any assistance."
"Thank you," Madison replied with a polite smile.
The assistant bowed before leaving. For a moment, the four women remained standing at the entrance. None of them spoke.
They were all taking in the sheer scale and elegance of the store. There weren't many customers inside, but the few who were there were dressed elegantly, carrying themselves with the confidence of people accustomed to luxury.
Several store assistants approached them with polite smiles. "Welcome to Angel by Anne."
Madison looked around, her eyes shining with pride. "Anne really built all of this..."
Olivia slowly turned her gaze toward the displays. She had expected Anne's store to be successful, but she had never imagined it would be this impressive.
Every detail appeared carefully designed, and every display carried Anne's name. Everything inside seemed to whisper the same message:
Anne had built a world of her own.
Olivia forced a smile. "Wow... Sister really has done well for herself."
But beneath her smile, something dark stirred inside her.
She already has everything.
Her eyes moved across the luxurious store.
Beauty. Success. Respect.
And now another thought entered her mind.
And if Jason still has feelings for her...
Her fingers slowly curled into her palm.
Then I can't afford to underestimate her anymore.
They walked toward the reception area, where a young store assistant stood behind the counter. She wore an elegant black uniform dress with a neatly placed name tag.
The assistant immediately stepped forward with a professional smile.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. How can I help you?"
"We're looking for some elegant party gowns," Olivia said, returning the woman's smile. "Could you show us around?"
"Of course. Please have a seat. I'll bring some of our latest designs for you to look through." The assistant gestured toward the sitting area before walking away.
Olivia sat down gracefully. Eva watched her quietly.
There was something about Olivia's behavior that made Eva uneasy. She had seen Olivia's sweet and innocent expression many times before. But Eva knew there was more beneath it.
Her thoughts briefly returned to an incident from several years ago.
She tried to push Anne down the stairs.
Eva's expression hardened. She still remembered the fear and anger she had felt when she witnessed it. She had been ready to confront Olivia herself, but Jason had stopped her.
Mom, don't say anything to Olivia. I love her. I'll talk to her and make sure she behaves properly with everyone.
Those words had stayed with Eva. So had the look on Anne's face when she heard them. Eva glanced at Olivia again.
And Anne had been standing right there.
She slowly looked away. Because of Jason, she had chosen to remain silent. But that didn't mean she trusted Olivia.
The store assistant soon returned with a rack of gowns.
"These are some of our latest party-wear designs. Please take your time."
She began showing the dresses to Olivia. One after another, Olivia examined them.
"This one is beautiful..."
She looked at another "But perhaps something a little more elegant."
The assistant nodded and continued. Then Olivia's eyes suddenly stopped on a baby pink gown displayed inside a large glass case. She stared at it. The gown was breathtaking.
It's fitted corset was decorated with delicate diamond-like beads that shimmered beneath the lights, while the flowing princess-style skirt gave it an elegant and regal appearance.
Olivia couldn't take her eyes off it. Something about the design felt strangely familiar.
Where have I seen this before?
She stared at it for another moment, trying to remember. Nothing came to mind.
Finally, she turned toward the assistant "Excuse me. What about that gown?"
She pointed toward the display "I really like that one. I'd like to try it."
The assistant followed her gaze. Her expression became slightly apologetic.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. That particular design is reserved for customers with premium card membership."
Olivia's smile faded slightly "Premium membership?"
"Yes, ma'am. That collection is part of our exclusive line." The assistant gestured toward another section.
"If you'd like, I can show you some designs that are similar to it." Olivia looked back at the gown. "But I really like that one."