Valeria was playing this perfectly–whatever caught Megan’s eye, she’d immediately whip out her card and buy it for her.
Valeria knew you had to spend money to make money.
Her dad had hooked her up with a black AmEx with basically no limit anyway.
This was totally an investment that would pay off big time.
Megan was clearly eating this up.
This was exactly the kind of class and generosity she expected from someone with real money. Nothing like that Rachel girl, who always seemed so tacky and cheap.
Of course, Megan was conveniently forgetting that Rachel had bought her tons of designer gifts and expensive makeup over the years.
But since Megan had always looked down on Rachel, she’d basically erased all those thoughtful gestures from her memory.
They kept browsing through the luxury department stores.
The second they walked into Saks, the sales associate could practically smell the commission and rushed over. “Ladies, welcome! These are all from our newest collection–absolutely gorgeous pieces that would be stunning on you.”
The saleswoman could see that both Megan and Valeria were wearing head–to–toe designer everything and was internally doing cartwheels.
Especially Megan, who was dripping in diamonds and clearly screamed “trophy wife with unlimited shopping budget.”
‘Mrs. Hale, you have to try these two dresses. They’d be absolutely perfect on you,” Valeria said, holding up some incredible pieces.
Honestly, Valeria’s wallet was crying–she’d already blown through six figures today.
she’d never drop this kind of cash on herself normally.
But she was desperate for Megan’s stamp of approval right now.
Once she locked down that Mrs. Hale title, money would never be an issue again.
Right now Valeria was being super strategic about not spending Jasper’s money too freely–she wanted to come across as independent and classy.
Jnless he was the one buying her jewelry or bags.
Though she always made sure to reciprocate with thoughtful gifts.
Megan took the dresses and headed for the fitting rooms.
Just then, the manager at the front called out enthusiastically, “Mrs. Rhodes! What a wonderful surprise! We were just about to messenger the new arrivals to your house for your private viewing.”
Mrs. Rhodes?
Megan immediately spun around and spotted Lancey Carter.
She was wearing this gorgeous updated cheongsam in sage green with a structured handbag–the epitome of understated elegance.
You could tell just by her presence that she came from serious old money.
Lancey barely ever went shopping. She was more of a stay–at–home type who loved her garden and painting–retail wasn’t really her scene.
Plus, every season the luxury brands would send their latest collections straight to her penthouse for private selection.
Chapter 57
She came from this super intellectual family, had natural grace and sophistication, and had been completely pampered by Ian Rhodes since day one of their marriage. Her life had been so charmed that she’d kept this almost innocent quality about her.
Even though she was nearly fifty, she could easily pass for someone in her thirties.
Everyone in their social circle was dying to get close to Lancey, but she was pretty reclusive, so most people had only seen her at charity galas and
stuff.
But Lancey seemed to keep everyone at a polite distance–friendly enough but never really warm or personal.
Lancey totally understood her position and how many people wanted to use her connections, so she preferred to keep things simple.
Different leagues, different priorities.
So everyone was constantly strategizing about how to break into Lancey’s inner circle.
When Megan saw her, she lit up and immediately walked over beaming. “Mrs. Rhodes! Oh my gosh, it’s been forever!”
Lancey paused, then responded with polite coolness, “Mrs. Hale, hello. What a coincidence.”
Her tone made it pretty obvious she wasn’t up for small talk.
Megan was gearing up to keep the conversation going when suddenly Lancey waved toward the entrance with a genuine smile. “Ana, sweetie, over
here!”
