Chapter 1 - The Glass Prism
The air inside the boutique smelled of polished velvet, expensive white lilies, and ozone from the air filters.
Warm chandelier light bounced off the glass display cases, casting honeycomb patterns across the pristine marble floor.
Victoria adjusted the collar of her light-brown mink coat.
Her manicured thumb flicked the edge of her platinum card against her palm.
Click.
Click.
She stopped right in front of a glass counter where a young woman stood quietly examining a velvet tray.
The young woman wore a simple sleeveless white dress.
Her dark hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, secured with a plain black elastic band.
Victoria’s eyes traveled down the girl’s bare arms, stopping at her wrist.
No watch. No rings. Not even a trace of perfume.
Victoria turned her head slightly toward the sales rack, her lips curling into a tight, thin line.
"This place isn't for her," Victoria sneered, her voice carrying easily across the silent room.
"She's poor and won't be able to buy anything."
The young woman in white did not flinch.
She slowly laid a gold link chain back onto the black velvet cushion.
Her fingers were slender and steady.
Victoria stepped closer, her fur coat brushing against the edge of the display case.
Her gold hoop earrings swayed, catching the sharp glare of the spotlights overhead.
She waited for the girl to look down at her own worn leather shoes.
She waited for the blush of shame to crawl up the girl’s neck.
May you like
The young woman simply turned her head, her brown eyes clear and unhurried.
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