Chapter 117 Young but Quite Pretentious
The moment Rachel mentioned the Thorn Birds, Fallon's eyes lit up.
The Thorn Birds wasn't just any label. Rosie had founded it two years ago, building it into a brand that ran on two veins—original fashion and jewelry. The clothing line itself split into two categories: a more affordable range and an exclusive high-end collection.
The affordable range was priced in the hundreds, accessible to the average shopper. The high-end collection, however, existed only in the most elite malls in Border Ridge City and River City. Dresses and jewelry there started in the tens of thousands and often climbed into the millions, the kind of luxury only the wealthy and celebrities could casually afford.
Rosie's name was a fixture in the fashion world. Five years ago, she had exploded onto the international stage by sweeping the world-class design competition with her “Born of Fire” collection—an ensemble so bold and flawlessly executed it crushed the scores of every other competitor. She became the first independent designer from Celestria to take the crown.
Rosie herself, however, remained a mystery. She never personally presented her work or spoke at award ceremonies; her assistant handled everything. That only fueled speculation, turning her into a legend whispered about in the industry.
She returned the next two years to compete—and won again. And again. Three consecutive championships, a feat that made her name resonate far beyond Celestria. On the fourth year, she didn't compete. Instead, she came home and announced the birth of The Thorn Birds.
Designers worldwide breathed a sigh of relief. Competing against Rosie was like standing in the shadow of a mountain.
From the moment it launched, The Thorn Birds became a national obsession. The affordable line sold out within hours of release. The high-end pieces became prized possessions among the country's elite, fought over by socialites and heiresses.
Every new design from Rosie sparked a wave of discussion. But a year ago she announced her retirement from public life, making many of her high-end creations instant collector's items. Prices skyrocketed, and still, people bought them to lock away like treasure.
Ellison had once lent Amelia the “Deep Sea Siren” gown for the Williams family gala—a shimmering masterpiece worth eight million, one of Rosie's rarest pieces.
So when Fallon heard Rachel say she planned to have The Thorn Birds design and rush uniforms for their team, her pulse jumped. Even though Rosie's assistant now ran the brand, the prestige hadn't dimmed. Custom uniforms from them would easily cost tens of thousands per set.
She had never worn anything so expensive in her life. Clearly, Rachel was willing to spend big to secure first place at the school fair.
While Rachel and her friends plotted to outshine Amelia's team, Amelia herself was walking through River City's most exclusive mall, accompanied by the girl she'd rescued the day before.
Michael had wanted Eric to pick her up after school for dinner, but Amelia had declined, telling him to meet her later at the Martinez family estate instead.
It had been some time since Amelia had taken over this body. Aside from the day Tobias had dragged her to the mall for clothes, she hadn't gone shopping on her own.
Today was different. She needed to buy the girl some everyday clothes, and she was in a good mood. So they wandered together through the gleaming corridors.
"Belle, do you see any brand you like?" Amelia asked, glancing sideways.
The girl didn't remember her own name, so Amelia had given her a nickname.
Belle looked younger than Amelia, maybe fifteen or sixteen. Her dark-gold curls fell soft over her shoulders, her skin pale and fine as porcelain. With a face small enough to fit in a hand, her delicate features made her look like a living doll.
Even in the cheap T-shirt and shorts Amelia had ordered online for a few dozen bucks last night, Belle was striking. She spoke softly, almost shyly, and there was something about her that sparked Amelia's instinct to protect.
Who wouldn't want to shield a doll-like girl like this?
Belle hesitated. "I…"
Amelia caught the flicker of reluctance and cut in. "Don't worry, Belle. I've got plenty of money. If you like a brand, say so. No need to hold back."
It was pure confidence, the kind that came from never having to count bills. She hadn't touched the funds in Rosie's account—too risky, in case the Demon Hunter traced her spending—but she still had millions in liquid cash. And if she ever needed more, selling a few rare pills would solve that instantly.
Money had never been a problem for her, in this life or the last.
"Then… I like that store," Belle said finally, pointing. "I think their clothes are beautiful."
Amelia followed her gaze and saw the sign—The Thorn Birds. It was the affordable line, priced in the hundreds.
She couldn't help but smile. Belle really did have good taste.
"Alright, we'll check it out," Amelia said. "But the styles here are limited. Let's go upstairs to their other store—the one with more variety and better designs."
"Okay! I'll follow you," Belle said with a small nod.
Upstairs was the high-end Thorn Birds boutique. Even from the outside, it radiated understated opulence. The kind of place that made ordinary shoppers hesitate at the threshold.
The exterior featured inset glass display cases showcasing Rosie's rare gowns—pieces kept as the store's crown jewels. Rosie's designs never clung to a single style. Some gowns shimmered with the elegance of a deep-sea siren; others bloomed with the fierce beauty of a midnight rose.
Each dress carried her unmistakable signature—whether vintage, regal, or decadent, they were all breathtaking. No woman could gaze upon them without longing.
Belle was transfixed. "Wow… they're all so beautiful."
Amelia chuckled. "They are. But they're all evening gowns, not practical for daily wear."
"True," Belle agreed.
At the entrance, velvet ropes and brass stanchions marked the boundary. Two attendants stood guard, ensuring no more than three customers were inside at once.
The display cases were close enough to the door that the attendants overheard Amelia and Belle's exchange. They glanced at the girls' outfits—one in a worn school uniform, the other in a bargain T-shirt and shorts—and rolled their eyes.
They shared a look that said it all.
Those gowns cost at least three hundred thousand each. These two probably didn't have three hundred between them.
Even the comment about gowns being "impractical" sounded like posturing.
Still, the attendants assumed they were just here to gawk. Which was why, when Amelia and Belle actually walked toward the door, one stepped forward without hesitation, disdain plain in her eyes.
"Hold it. You can't go in."