Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 501

Viola’s eyes brimmed with tears, and her voice trembled. “No, let’s go back to the first floor and pick out a few pieces instead.”

As a lady from the Earl of Silverstone’s family, she couldn’t raise her voice to her mother–in–law here. She could only plead with as much humility as she could muster, hoping they would agree to move to the first floor.

Even the items on the first floor were not cheap. The Golden Tower only carried high–quality items.

Serena clung to the jewelry box tightly. “No, I want this one!”

Viola shook with anxiety, her gaze darting around as more heads poked out from the private rooms, all of them wearing expressions of surprise. This only deepened Viola’s sense of humiliation.

How could she possibly come up with almost 40,000 silver coins? Did she have to empty out her dowry and even use the funds from her late husband’s pension?

How could she do that?

Viola stood there, trembling and speechless. She had never experienced such a humiliating situation in her life. She turned to leave, but Rebecca quickly grasped her sleeve. Viola’s mind buzzed as she turned to face Rebecca’s icy gaze.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Rebecca’s tone was gentle, but her eyes held an oppressive weight. “Why are you in such a hurry? You need to wait for the shop assistant to accompany you.

“Then…” The shop assistant was unsure of what to do. He had never encountered such a situation on the third floor before. These women didn’t want to pay for the tiara, nor did they want to return it to him.

“Should I follow you back, madam?”

Guests on the third floor usually took their purchases and settled the payment later. They either sent someone to The Golden Tower, or had the money collected from their home at a later date. After all, most of them were regulars and well–known nobles in the capital.

However, the current situation seemed unusual. The shop assistant felt that if he let them take the tiara without immediate payment, he would never be able to collect the money.

Despite her shaking, Viola managed to respond with a quivering voice, “No!”

As the standoff continued, some people emerged from the private rooms to observe. Viola dared not look up, unsure if any of them were people she knew.

Kiera also peeked out but was pulled back by Carissa, who whispered, “Don’t worry about what’s happening with other people.”

Kiera nodded and continued examining the jewelry Nathaniel had brought for her, though she couldn’t help but be distracted by the commotion outside.

On the other hand, Violet stood at the entrance of the private room, which was separated by a beaded curtain rather than a door. The curtain was usually drawn aside to let in natural light. Only if a guest specifically requested would the shop assistant pull it down to block the view.

After all, who would deliberately block the view? When shopping for jewelry on the third floor, one might run into people they wish to associate with. Over time, they could end up being close.

Nathaniel had clearly heard the commotion. He waved over the shop assistant who had been handling the jewelry, and said, “Please ask William to handle this matter. I will attend to Lady Carissa and Princess Kiera.”

“Yes, sir!” The shop assistant put down the tray and left.

Moments later, a middle–aged man in a blue outfit ascended from the second floor. With a smile on his face, he approached Rebecca and her party, and humbly said, “Madam, we can store the ruby tiara at our shop for you. You can collect it when you wish, and we don’t charge a storage fee.”

William had offered Viola a way out. If the item was stored in the shop, they could maintain some dignity.

I

Viola visibly relaxed, and smiled gratefully. Her eyes were still moist with tears, making her smile appear somewhat pitiful.

Before she could speak, Serena pouted and said, “No need for that! I’ll take it back with me today. Have someone come to our residence to collect the payment.”