Chapter 4 Confidence Comes with Conditions

• Just as she was about to set it down, the fitting room door suddenly swung open. "Clara, what a coincidence! What are you doing here?"
• Upon seeing Angel, Clara's expression darkened, and a wave of unease washed over her. Why do we keep running into each other? It feels like fate is out to get me.
• She initially didn't want to engage, but Angel was relentless. Spotting the dress Clara was holding, she raised her voice dramatically, as if she wanted everyone around to hear.
• "Oh! You're shopping at Seven Clark? Didn't your family go bankrupt and move into public housing? When did Seven Clark start catering to your kind?"
• In an instant, over a dozen mocking gazes turned toward Clara, and the sales assistant snatched the dress from her hands.
• "Miss, we deal in high-end brands here! If you can't afford it, don't touch it! This isn't a flea market! If you get it dirty, can you afford to pay? Just turn right at the next street. The clothes there are only nine dollars each, which should be more your style!"
• Clara clenched her bank card, wanting to assert that she could afford it, but in the end, she let go. It was not worth getting upset over someone like her.
• She turned to storm out, but just then, she suddenly collided with a warm chest. "I'm sorry…"
• A large hand lifted her chin.
• Ryan…Ryan?
• Seeing Clara's troubled expression and the hint of tears in her voice, Ryan's deep gaze darkened instantly.
• As soon as he appeared, the previously arrogant staff scattered and quickly rushed over, bowing deeply. "Mr. Ryan, welcome!"
• Ryan raised his eyebrows and coldly asked, "Which one do you like?"
• His voice caused a stir. The employees exchanged startled glances, and the atmosphere grew tense.
• Clara was stunned, unable to process what was happening. When she realized he was looking at her, she instinctively shook her head.
• "Of course, how could these low-quality clothes ever suit you?"
• "Bring out your best pieces!" he commanded, then strode further inside and settled onto one of the VIP sofas, pulling Clara back with him.
• Silence fell over the store. No one dared to speak out of turn. Before long, the staff began bringing out several unsold items from the back. Ryan scanned the selection and picked up a white dress, handing it to Clara. "Go try this on!"
• After he spoke, he shot a cold glare at the sales assistant, who had just insulted Clara. "You! Go brew a cup of coffee!"
• As Clara stepped out, the same server was bringing over the coffee, but Ryan completely ignored her, walking straight toward Clara.
• "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice unexpectedly gentle.
• At that moment, no matter how much Clara liked it, she shook her head.
• "It's not that great!"
• The server was fumbling around, about to set the coffee down, when Ryan asked, "Do you want coffee?"
• Without waiting for Clara to respond, he added, "Bring it over!"
• The server, already nervous, felt even more anxious. Her hands trembled uncontrollably. Ryan's strong presence only amplified her fear. As she stepped forward, she suddenly spilled the entire cup of coffee onto Clara's skirt, causing Clara to drop the cup in shock.
• "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..."
• The coffee stains were glaringly obvious on Clara's white skirt. The server immediately dropped to her knees.
• Ryan coldly scoffed, "Is this what you call 'high-end' service?"
• With just an indifferent glance, Clara understood the unspoken message and quickly changed back into her own clothes.
• When she stepped out again, the server remained on the floor, and a well-dressed male manager stood beside her, nodding and bowing. "Mr. Ryan, please forgive us! She just arrived from the countryside and doesn't understand the rules here..."
• Ryan shot her a cold glare, showing no mercy. "From what I see of your brand, you only deserve to dress country folks. Let's go!"
• Clara hurried to catch up with him, her heart feeling warm, as if she were carrying a little sun inside her!
• Just as she wanted to thank him, a bucket of cold water was dumped over her head. "How embarrassing! Is your mouth just for decoration?"
• Clara pouted, feeling quite wronged. Who wouldn't want to be assertive? But confidence comes with conditions!
• The little bit of fondness she had just developed for him evaporated in an instant!
• In the end, Ryan dragged Clara to another brand's boutique. Upon entering, Clara wore a sulky expression, and Ryan didn't bother to engage her. He simply picked out two outfits and tossed them at her.
• "Go try them on!"
• Ultimately, Clara chose a knee-length, light pink dress adorned with exquisite embroidery. Ryan paid for it, and throughout the process, they exchanged not a single word.
• Unbeknownst to them, Timothy, who caught sight of their interaction through the floor-to-ceiling glass, was so excited that he had to circle the block before returning. He repeatedly confirmed he wasn't seeing things. Ryan was with a woman!
• At the entrance, Timothy blocked Ryan's path. "Ryan, it's really you!"
• He leaned in for a better look and was met with Clara slowly lifting her head. The smile on his lips froze instantly, shock spreading across his face.