Before the echo of Mr. Lee's footsteps had even faded from the marble corridors of the jewelry boutique, Olga Finlan acted with the swift, decisive grace of a predatory cat. She snatched the shimmering, gold-embossed Sovereignty Card from Allen Morgan's hand and, without a second’s hesitation, thrust it toward the trembling sales associate.
"That pendant we just discussed," Olga commanded, her voice bright and sharp as a diamond edge. "Bring me another one. Exactly the same."
The sales associate, whose heart was still hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird, didn't dare utter a single word of protest. She scrambled toward the secure display cases, her movements a blur of desperate efficiency. She returned moments later, carrying a plush velvet box containing an identical amethyst
