Chapter: 187

With a scoff, Joanna retorted, "Did my words fall on deaf ears? How dare you belittle Norah? She's asked me to ignore your antics before, but you've crossed the line this time."

Norah met Kathy's and Madeline's gaze with a serene expression.

“Getting upset over them is pointless. Think of them as mere fools.”

Aaron, impressed, gave a thumbs up. “Norah, your composure is admirable." He was surprised by Norah's patience under mockery. Yet, he suspected anger simmered beneath her calm surface, especially considering the incident with Kathy's hand.

Joanna pressed on, "Norah might overlook your taunts, but I won't. Cross me, and you'll learn your lesson!"

Joanna's gaze was icy as she smiled. "Ever heard of Jordy? Arrogant as he used to be, he didn't dare to play against me. He seems quite timid in my presence. Care to test my reach?"

Aaron's applause broke the silence. “Well spoken, Joanna!"

Norah, touched by their support, suggested with a smile, “Why don't you two go shopping or whatever? Leave us be. You might regret the outcome otherwise."

Madeline, catching Joanna's chilling stare, felt a wave of fear. Her boldness toward Norah stemmed from the belief Norah lacked backing, unlike herself with the Powell and Carter families behind her. Yet, she recognized provoking the Andrews family was a mistake.

Kathy nudged Madeline, whispering, "Madeline, Joanna's upset. We should leave now. Any complaint to her family about us could spell disaster for our families."

Kathy understood Joanna's threat wasn't empty. Bryson indeed had the power to obliterate a significant portion of both the Powell and Carter families' assets. Bryson's influence and strength far surpassed that of their families in Glophia.

Madeline, feeling a mix of defiance and resignation, addressed Joanna, “Miss Andrews, I get that you're sticking up for your friend, but here's a piece of advice. Norah isn't as saintly as you think. Watch out. She might just turn on you."

Joanna's response was swift and sharp. “And you think you're in a position to lecture me?"

Norah, barely concealing her amusement at their disgruntled expressions, chimed in, “We've spelled it out for you. Are you really going to stand here making a spectacle of yourselves? Leave now, or I can't promise you won't regret staying."

Kathy, genuinely intimidated by Joanna, tugged at Madeline's sleeve.

"Madeline, perhaps it's best we leave for now."

Kathy was acutely aware of the havoc Bryson could wreak on the Carter family if Joanna decided to involve him.

Kathy realized that in Derek's eyes, Madeline held a place far more significant than she did. The prospect of Derek holding her accountable for provoking the Andrews family rendered her chicken out.

With a reluctant scowl, Madeline conceded, “Fine. Let's go."

Madeline cast a lingering look of animosity toward Norah before exiting the BelleVogue luxury boutique with Kathy.

Aaron dismissed the salesperson who had been shadowing them. "You can attend to someone else. I've got it from here."

"Understood."

With the salesperson gone, Aaron explained to Norah and Joanna, “This salesperson is new from the main office and doesn't recognize you two yet."

It was common knowledge among BelleVogue's staff that Norah and Joanna were frequent patrons. Their visits were usually attended to by Aaron.