Vivian stood bewildered, unsure why he asked or how to respond. These were consignment items–why did he care?
Not wanting Vivian further distressed, Lucille stated plainly, “Yes. These two.”
Cedrick’s glare burned hotter. “Mrs. Maynard, impressive work.
Though clearly no compliment, Lucille replied coolly, “Thank you. You flatter me.”
“Get over here!”
He erupted in fury.
Lucille sat down, remaining motionless.
He stormed over, looming before her.
Perhaps mindful of their public setting, he choked back his rage with biting sarcasm: “Never imagined I’d face a thief in my own house. Might wake up robbed blind someday.”
Lucille stayed silent.
“Are you that desperate for money? Did I not give you enough?”
He pressed aggressively.
“Not really.”
She shrugged. “Just decluttering lately. Selling off useless things.”
“Useless?”
Genuine anger flared as he pointed at the rings. “Our wedding bands are useless?” She met his gaze impassively. “Aren’t they? If they mattered, did you ever wear yours?” Cedrick choked on his retort, sputtering, “You’d probably sell me off without blinking!” Lucille smiled faintly, glancing at Maricela behind him. “Want him? Selling Mr. Cedrick
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Maynard–second–hand discount, negotiable price.”
Maricela stared dumbfounded.
Enraged, Cedrick snapped at her, “Maricela, go back now.”
Maricela protested, “Cedrick…”
“We’ll discuss the watches later. Go back first!”
He looked stern, not joking.
Among his brothers, he commanded great respect. When he got serious, no one dared defy him–not even Maricela, who usually acted spoiled but knew her limits. Seeing his real anger, she didn’t dare provoke him. Instead, she said softly, “Alright then, darling, I’ll head back first. Don’t be too angry. Lucille must have her reasons. Don’t scold her.”
Hah. Still stirring the pot at a time like this?
The moment Maricela left, Cedrick confronted Lucille directly. “What exactly are you doing? Tell me!”
“I already did.” Lucille remained calm. “I’m getting rid of things I don’t want anymore.” She paused before adding, “Including Mr. Maynard.”
“Are you serious?”
He looked very displeased.
“Yes.”
She had never been joking, nor feeling jealous, nor throwing a tantrum.
“Fine.”
He nodded, “Don’t regret it!”
He returned to the counter, pointing at ten watches, “I’ll take them all!”
Vivian finally understood: Lucille was this gentleman’s wife, and the one who just left with
all that hypocrisy was the mistress.
Vivian actually closed the cabinet door, “Sorry, sir, I’m not selling.”
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Cedrick never expected to be rejected by a salesperson; for the first time in his life, he boasted, “Do you believe that if I want to, I can buy this shop anytime?”
“Oh, I’d rather go bankrupt than sell. I’m small, but I don’t want anything from my hands to end up on the mistress.”
Vivian’s small face was full of stubbornness.
“You…” Cedrick was truly angered.
It was Lucille who came to smooth things over, advising Vivian to sell, “Are you stupid? Sell to him! Sell at a high price! The scumbag only has money going for him, who else would you scam but him?”
Cedrick, who was originally furious, heard Lucille’s words and laughed angrily, “You’re still scamming me as usual?”
Lucille ignored him, just winking at Vivian to charge a high price.
Encouraged by her, Vivian brought out all ten watches, asking for twice the market price.
Cedrick clearly knew it was a scam, but at that moment, Lucille was looking at him with disdain; he scoffed contemptuously: “Swipe the card! Pay the bill!”
“The ring!” He tapped the counter.
Vivian glanced at Lucille.
Lucille reached out, meaning to give it to him!
Vivian didn’t hesitate this time, directly doubling the price.
Cedrick didn’t hesitate for a second; he paid the bill.
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