"I want to buy it." The voice belonged to a woman, probably in her early forties, with shoulder-length brown hair and piercing green eyes. She had been standing nearby, silently observing the interaction between Lireal and the sales assistant. Her tone was firm and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
"I am sorry, but this is the last one we have. It was already set aside for another customer," the sales assistant explained politely.
"I will pay you double its original price," the woman insisted, her eyes not leaving Lireal's face. The sales assistant looked surprised and looked at Lireal, unsure of what to say.
Lireal felt a mixture of emotions: anger, frustration, and confusion. She couldn't believe that this stranger was trying to buy the necklace right out from under her. But
