Back in Time to Fall for Him novel Chapter 21

21 /95

"Maddie…" Kaitlyn turned toward her, trying to find an excuse to get Madison to hand over her card.

But before she could even finish her sentence, Madison cut her off. "I'm going to take a look next door while you settle the bill."

Leaving those words behind, she turned and walked out of the boutique.

The sales assistant came back just then, recalculated the total, and handed the bill to Kaitlyn. "Ms. Swanson, the revised total comes to 385 thousand dollars. Will that be cash or card?"

385 thousand dollars? Why was it still that much?

Kaitlyn's eyes widened, and panic bubbled inside her. The sales assistant, worried that she might change her mind and ruin her commission, called out again, "Ms. Swanson?"

A spark of inspiration hit her just in time. There was a way for her to get out of this bind.

"I… just remembered," she stammered. "My father's been limiting my spending this month. But those clothes are gifts for my best friend, so even if it's on installment, I have to buy them. You can do installments here, right?"

But no sooner had she spoken than several bursts of laughter echoed around her.

"Pfft! Why not just admit you can't afford them instead of coming up with pathetic excuses?"

"This is hilarious. I've never heard of anyone buying clothes on installment."

"If you ask me, her friend's the victim here. She must've been footing the bill for her all this time."

Humiliation and rage tangled inside Kaitlyn as she listened to their mockery. She wanted nothing more than to bolt out the door. But if she ran now, all her effort tagging along with Madison today would be for naught.

"Mind your own business! I'm still buying them, aren't I?" she snapped, glaring viciously at the laughing onlookers before urging the sales assistant to process the installment plan.

Outside, Madison stood by the corner, watching the scene unfold with a cold, mocking smile.

This was only the beginning. Everything they'd taken from her, she swore she'd take it back tenfold.

A few minutes later, Kaitlyn came out, her expression thunderous. She was ready to grab Madison and leave before the latter could go on another shopping spree that would leave her in crippling debt.

Just as she was about to look for Madison, she spotted her across the mall, standing in a globally-renowned designer boutique. Kaitlyn's expression shifted dramatically.