From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 42

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**Chapter 6**

The first light of dawn broke through the curtains, casting a soft glow in Olivia’s room. She moved with purpose, meticulously gathering her belongings into her bags. Each item she touched felt like an echo of what she was leaving behind, a reminder of the life she had shared with Alexander.

She felt a wave of determination wash over her. Not a single piece of clothing or accessory gifted by him would accompany her on this journey. She would buy new things, fresh reminders of her independence, before she departed for good.

As she stepped into the bustling department store, Olivia found herself drawn to a full-length mirror. The pale blue slip dress she held in her hands was exquisite, its delicate fabric shimmering as it caught the light. The ruched design hugged her waist perfectly, enhancing her slender silhouette and making her skin appear almost like porcelain.

“That dress looks absolutely stunning on you,” a sales associate remarked, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “Shall I wrap it up for you right away?”

Olivia opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a word, a sweet, familiar voice interrupted from behind her. “Alexander, look at that dress! I absolutely love it!”

Her heart sank as she recognized Chloe’s voice. Olivia’s fingers froze on the fabric, her breath hitching slightly. In the mirror’s reflection, she saw Chloe, radiant and lively, clinging to Alexander’s arm as they approached.

“Get her one just like that,” Alexander instructed the sales associate, his gaze flicking dismissively over the dress that Olivia wore.

The associate hesitated, her expression shifting to one of discomfort. “I’m sorry, sir. It’s a limited edition. This is the last one we have in the store.”

Alexander’s expression darkened, and he turned to Chloe, his voice firm. “We’ll find another one. I’ll get you something even better.”

“But I want this one!” Chloe pouted, tugging at his arm with a playful insistence. “Please?”

The atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension, thick enough to slice through.

For a brief moment, Alexander’s silence hung heavy in the air. Then, with an icy resolve, he turned his gaze back to Olivia. “Olivia Hayes. Take it off.”

Five words, devoid of any warmth or affection.

Olivia met his cold stare with a calmness that surprised even herself. “Mr. Pierce. Task number one hundred. Are you certain you want to squander it on something so trivial?”

“What hundred tasks?” Alexander’s brow furrowed in confusion, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features.

She chose not to elaborate, instead repeating her question with a steady voice, “Are you sure you want me to take it off?”

“Of course,” he replied, his tone sharp and unyielding.

Without a word, Olivia turned and walked toward the fitting room, her heart racing. But as she reached for her own clothes, she discovered them missing. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach; she knew exactly who was behind this petty sabotage.