Chapter 292
Chapter 292
Katherine was strong enough, but moving everything back and forth would consume precious hours. She enlisted the mall security guards to fetch shopping carts, transforming what would have been a two-hour ordeal into a mere thirty-minute task.
True to her word, Katherine delayed opening by half an hour, allowing the guards to video-call their wives for live fashion consultations. Since most people gravitated toward familiar colors and styles without fretting over the latest trends or seasonal palettes, it was easy for Katherine to get started.
After bidding farewell to the grateful guards, the boutique resumed normal operations. Katherine's presence had transformed the entire Wilson Corporation mall into a bustling hive—snack stands and beverage kiosks sprouted queues that snaked around corners, complete with numbered tickets.
Katherine lavished attention on each customer until nearly noon, when Stella arrived. She swept in wearing a tailored white suit and designer sunglasses, her entrance commanding attention.
Katherine stepped forward, subtly blocking her path.
"This mall belongs to the Wilson Corporation—surely I'm allowed inside?" Stella's voice carried a note of challenge.
"Ms. Brown, your wardrobe consists of haute couture and auction pieces," Katherine replied with practiced deference. "I'm not barring your entry, merely acknowledging that my humble offerings wouldn't meet your refined standards."
This display of respect seemed to mollify Stella's mood. She brushed Katherine aside with a dismissive gesture. "I'm here to shop today. Can you alter whatever catches my eye?"
Katherine glanced at the lunch crowd queuing with takeout bags. "I'm afraid everyone must wait their turn, even during lunch break. The line speaks for itself, and I cannot offer preferential treatment." She gestured toward the other boutiques lining the corridor. "Ms. Brown, Perhaps you might find the other establishments more accommodating? I'm working alone today, so my service lacks the polish you deserve."
Stella's temper flared, but complaints from the queue reached her ears first.
"Isn't that the same Ms. Brown who caused trouble before? Now she wants to cut in line using her authority? With leadership like that, no wonder this place was empty before Ms. Wilson arrived!"
"Even the Almighty would have to wait his turn—never seen someone compete with paying customers."
"Get your phones out, record this for social media judgment."
In today's digital landscape, any video could unleash thousands of scathing comments. While Stella craved publicity, she refused to achieve it through public humiliation.
Her arrogance deflated like a punctured balloon. "I merely wanted to check how your ground-floor venture was progressing—just having a bit of fun with you. Since everything appears satisfactory, I'll take my leave."
Katherine maintained her composed smile without comment. Stella pivoted and stalked away, her stilettos striking the floor with increasing violence, as if determined to pierce through to the basement.
Once beyond prying eyes, Stella's mask crumbled entirely. She glared venomously toward Katherine's boutique, grinding her teeth. "Enjoy your moment of triumph. Every bully eventually meets their match—just you wait!"
Katherine dismissed the incident entirely. The moment Stella vanished, she seized her lunch break and prepared for the afternoon rush. As Michael often observed, she'd never shown such dedication even when working for W Organization—indifferent toward her own studio while throwing herself into others' ventures with reckless abandon.
Before closing time, her phone buzzed incessantly. Too busy to answer, Katherine caught glimpses of an unknown number. After several failed attempts, the caller gave up.
Only when Michael and Monica burst in, faces etched with panic, did Katherine learn the truth: Edward and Flora had brawled with high school students.
In terms of intellect, the twins certainly outmatched their opponents. But physically, these elementary-aged children couldn't compete with teenagers already through their first growth spurt. Though the school boasted modern facilities and comprehensive grade levels, age gaps remained insurmountable.
Katherine stood frozen momentarily before abandoning her purse and rushing outside without changing clothes. Michael sprinted to retrieve the car while Monica handled damage control.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Wilson's children have encountered an emergency at school requiring immediate attention," Monica announced to the remaining queue. "Please accept these discount vouchers for ten percent off your next purchase—quite substantial savings for larger orders! Tomorrow, your queue numbers will guarantee priority service!"
Given Katherine's exceptional craftsmanship and the generous discount, customers accepted the delay graciously. Katherine climbed into the passenger seat, anxiety consuming her thoughts.
"They seemed perfectly fine yesterday—what could have triggered a fight with older students? These children would never instigate trouble."
Michael focused on driving, pushing the speed limit precisely. His expert parking maneuver landed them closest to the administrative building. "Go ahead—I'll catch up!" He waved her forward urgently.
Standing outside Tamsin's office, Katherine recognized a familiar silhouette backlit against the window. Though his loose-fitting suit concealed his frame, his proportions and bearing remained unmistakable.
"My apologies, Mr. Martinez," the principal was saying. "Middle schoolers can be rebellious, picking up unsavory rumors from who knows where. Edward and Flora suffered unfairly, and I've already spoken with the other parents—they'll bring their children to apologize properly at your home."
Teachers crowded the once-spacious office, their presence creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. Katherine's panic subsided slightly upon seeing Howard, his steady presence offering unexpected comfort.
She pushed through the crowd to examine Edward and Flora's condition. Both children sported disheveled hair and small tears in their clothing, but their skin showed no signs of injury.
"Are you both alright? Tell me if anything hurts—we'll see a doctor immediately." Edward and Flora exchanged glances before simultaneously smoothing each other's hair and shaking their heads in unison.
"Mrs. Martinez, these children possess remarkable strength," Tamsin said, dabbing perspiration from her brow. "Working together, they easily overpowered several robust ninth-graders."
Had Howard not repeatedly insisted against disturbing Katherine, Tamsin would have already produced the other parents' medical reports.
"They defeated high school students? What on earth provoked this confrontation?" Katherine rose, her maternal instincts sharpening.