Don't Escape, My Contract Bride

Chapter 6 Facing Her Nemesis

The saleswoman hesitated for a second, but then she broke into a dismissive laugh.

"That card has to be fake, or maybe she stole it! There's no way Mr. Voss would have anything to do with someone as tacky as her!"

Raine realized what was going on. The saleswoman didn't believe she could possibly deserve such luxury.

"You don't believe me?" Raine asked, tilting her head.

"Fine. I can call him here to explain it himself."

The saleswoman smirked, crossing her arms like she was watching an entertaining show. "Sure, go ahead and keep lying, Miss Kleptomaniac. The security team will be here in about thirty seconds."

Before Raine could reply, the door to the store opened again, and another unwelcome face appeared.

"Raine Alden?!"

Vivian Locke strutted inside, her expression dripping with disdain.

Raine's stomach dropped.

Seeing Vivian immediately dredged up unpleasant memories from their school days.

Vivian had been the quintessential rich girl, flaunting her wealth and taking sadistic pleasure in tormenting those she deemed beneath her.

Raine had been one of her favorite targets.

Back then, Vivian had pretended to be kind and friendly, tricking Raine into believing they were close. But it was all a cruel game to Vivian. She had humiliated Raine by exposing her private life, falsely accusing her of stealing, and delighting in Raine's public embarrassment.

It had taken Raine years to understand that Vivian's friendship was nothing more than a way to feed her own twisted ego.

Vivian removed her oversized sunglasses, giving Raine a once-over, her eyes sparkling with malicious amusement.

"What happened to you?" Vivian asked, stifling a laugh. "You look like a sad stray dog."

Raine ignored her, refusing to take the bait.

But Vivian wasn't about to let her fun end there. "What are you doing in a place like this? You know this is a luxury boutique, right?"

The saleswoman seized the opportunity to chime in, sidling up to Vivian like an eager puppy. "Ms. Locke, we suspect this woman is a thief," the saleswoman said. "She stole Mr. Damien Voss' credit card!"

"Mr. Damien Voss?" Vivian's eyes lit up. "You mean the Mr. Voss from Voss Holdings?"

At that, she burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "Raine," she said between giggles, "you've got guts, I'll give you that. Stealing from Mr. Voss? Bold move."

She leaned closer, mock sympathy dripping from her tone. "You were such a little thief back in school. I guess you've turned pro now. Such a shame. What a waste of potential."

The venom in Vivian's words stirred something deep inside Raine, reigniting all the humiliation she'd endured. Her lips curled into a smirk.

"And you're still the same spoiled little brat," Raine shot back. "But here's the thing. I'm speaking to you as Damien Voss' fiancée. So if you keep running your mouth, things won't end well for you."

"His fiancée?! Oh, please, that's rich." Vivian exclaimed with a dramatic gasp, her eyes wide with mock astonishment. Then, smirking with derision, she added, "If you're really Mr. Voss' fiancée, then I must be his mother!"

Raine's smirk didn't waver. "I'm sure Damien would love to hear you say that to his face."

Vivian scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, really? Then why don't you tell me where your so-called fiancé is?"

Raine froze, unsure how to respond. She doubted Damien was still waiting outside the store, let alone paying attention to whatever drama she was caught up in.

"Ms. Locke, some people just love pretending to be important," the saleswoman added smugly, fanning the flames.

The door opened once more, and the sound of footsteps drew everyone's attention.

Raine turned her head, her breath catching as Damien entered the boutique.

His tall, commanding frame filled the doorway, flanked by several bodyguards. The air seemed to shift as soon as he stepped inside, his presence exuding an effortless authority that silenced the room.

He walked over to one of the plush sofas and sat down, crossing his long legs with casual grace. The store manager hurried over, practically bowing. "Sir, is there anything you need? Please, let us know!"

Damien didn't even glance at him. His piercing gaze landed squarely on Raine. "No need," Damien said, his voice calm yet sharp. "I'm here to pick up my fiancée."