Chapter 16
"Mmm.I would only need two shopping assistants since I'm not buying much; the rest can leave." Grandma Helen ordered,her voice calm yet authoritative.
The manager complied instantly, dismissing the additional staff and focusing solely on Mrs. Kane. However, his sharp eyes couldn't help but linger on the striking young lady accompanying her-a vision of understated elegance. Though her demeanor hinted at privilege,her identity eluded him, which was unusual for someone skilled at recognizing influential faces.
The shopping trip stretched on, with stops at several high-end stores.Gradually, Lilly noticed the items being selected weren't solely for Grandma Helen. By the third store, it became obvious: Grandma Helen was shopping for her as well.
"Grandma,you don't need to go to all this trouble for me," Lilly said softly.holding back her unease.
"Nonsense," Grandma Helen replied with a wave of her hand."You deserve it. After that delicious meal and your promise to join me in the mountains, this is the least I can do." Lilly smiled faintly but couldn't shake her discomfort. Later, when she excused herself to "use the restroom," her true purpose unfolded. She had spotted a jewelry store nearby and wanted to find a gift for Grandma Helen-something special to show her gratitude. Inside the jewelry store, her eyes wwere drawn to a stunning collection: a necklace, earrings, and bracelets that radiated timeless elegance. "How much for the set?" she asked.
"Altogether, it's $100,000," the salesperson replied.unfazed.
Lilly hesitated only briefly before reaching into her purse. Pulling out her black card. she placed it on the counter. She could feel the salesperson's gaze on her, shock evident in their widened eyes. It was rare to see such a card-reserved for the wealthiest elite worldwide.
"Is everything alright?" Lilly asked casually, though she already knew what had caused the reaction.
"Yes, ma'am, of course," the salesperson stammered, quickly processing the payment.
Lilly left the store with the gift carefully wrapped, her heart lighter. But the sense of peace didn't last. Her steps faltered when she saw someone walking toward the jewelry shop with two others. Her breath caught.
“Kate?”she whispered, panic seizing her. No. She's supposed to be in Europe!
Lilly turned sharply, pulling the hood of her coat higher over her head as she quickened her pace.
Kate, engrossed in conversation, suddenly paused. Something about the woman leaving the jewelry store struck her as familiar. The walk,the slight tilt of her head-it tugged at buried memories. "Amelia?"she whispered, her voicelow with disbelief. "Kate?"one of her friends asked, puzzled, as Kate stopped dead in her tracks. Kate didn't respond. Instead,she broke into a sprint. her gaze locked on the retreating figure.
Lilly's heart pounded as she weaved through the mall. her mind racing.She knew Kate well enough to sense the moment she was spotted. Her phone buzzed in her hand-Grandma Helen's name lighting up the screen but she silenced the call.
She ducked into another aisle, her eyes scanning for a clear path. The mall felt endless; its brightly lit stores were a maze she couldn't escape fast enough. The sound of hurried footsteps behind her scent a fresh wave of panic coursing through her veins.
Kate's eyes darted through the crowd, her mind warring between certainty and doubt. “It can't be her," she muttered under her breath. But the closer she got. the stronger her conviction grew.
“Amelia!"she called. her voice cracking.
Lilly flinched but didn't turn around. Instead, she darted into another corridor, slipping into the shadow of a pillar as Kate ran past,her gaze frantically scanning the throngs of shoppers.
By the time Kate slowed to a halt, she was breathless. Her chest heaved as her eyes swept the crowd again, but the figure she had been chasing was gone.
Her heart sank, her mind reeling. Was it her sister she'd just seen? Or had her imagination played a cruel trick on her? "Kate,what's wrong?" one of her friends finally caught up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Kate shook her head slowly, her gaze still searching the crowd."I thought I saw her," she murmured, her voice hollow.
“Who?”
"Amelia." Kate whispered, her throat tightening. "But.,, she's gone now."
For a moment, she stood frozen, torn between relief and despair. Could it have been a mistake? Or was the past she thought she had buried now rising to the surface?