The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1408

Not only were the clothes and shoes a treat for the eyes, but the jewelry and watches were outrageously stunning too.

If it weren't for the fact that Arabella was the designer behind these pieces, she would have swiped her card without a second thought!

"These are your priciest items?" Serena couldn't hide her disdain as she looked away, her voice dripping with condescension. "It seems the talent of your founder doesn't quite stack up to that of the designers at top-tier brands."

"Our brand has ascended to the international top-tier, and the prime spot we occupy on the Street is a testament to our solid brand strength," Jessie responded with a gentle tone. "Not only that, but even some of the leading international designers have admitted to being outshone by our founder. They've been on the news talking about wanting to apprentice under her, yet they lament never getting the chance."

Ever since QY burst onto the scene, more than one designer had praised Queen Abby's overflowing talent in front of the media, some even harboring dreams of studying under her, if only they could meet her.

"I grew up wearing nothing but top-tier brands, and I'm not particularly impressed by these designs," Serena said haughtily, drawing from her past experiences as she criticized, "Take this coat, for example. If it were designed by someone at Chanel, it would definitely be a tweed suit, which would better complement rich girls' elegance."

"If every designer copied Chanel's style, then the world would be overrun with Chanels," Jessie retorted. "We'd never see the birth of new brands or styles. QY aims to be different. Our founder's designs are versatile—sweet or sassy, gentle or bold—suitable for a broad age range."

"So, the real target audience for QY is people like you? Only those at the bottom can appreciate it," Serena scoffed dismissively. "You simply don't understand the needs of the true elite. Enough talk."

After having her say, Serena was ready to leave when she heard a voice call out, "Hold on."

She turned to see a distinguished-looking lady in her forties, draped in high-end brands from head to toe, yet Serena couldn't place her. "You are entitled to dislike any brand, but please refrain from being offensive. Everyone deserves respect, and I think you owe this sales associate an apology."

Serena couldn't identify the woman and sneered cold-heartedly, "Who are you to her, her mother? Why are you sticking up for her?"

The lady seemed taken aback by such insolence, especially coming from someone so young. It was a lack of manners she hadn't encountered before.

"And you're not my mother, so why bother? Do you think we are all your children and have to listen to you?" Serena rolled her eyes and turned to leave, making a point to say as she stepped out, "Not only are the products unimpressive here, but so is the clientele!"

Jessie, the sales associate, had to bite her tongue in frustration. She had never encountered such an arrogantly rich girl, insulting her and dragging the entire QY brand and its customers through the mud. If it wasn't for the store manager's teachings to remain calm and consider the brand's image at all times, she would have confronted the woman directly.

"What terrible manners that girl has! It's true what they say, when something gets famous, it invites trouble," the lady said indignantly, "Dressed in all those designer labels, you'd never guess her upbringing was so poor."

"Mrs. Cooper, thank you for speaking up for me," Jessie said, expressing her gratitude politely. "I'm sorry it spoiled your mood, let me get you a cup of tea to calm your nerves."

Unaware of whom she had just offended, Serena moved on to another luxury store catering to a more mature clientele. The styles here were tailored for the older generation, and many high-society ladies preferred to shop here.

Serena quickly took a liking to a brooch that suited her grandmother's taste without compromising her status. The clincher was the free bracelet that came with the brooch. She planned to gift it to May, after all, May was her uncle's favorite.

As she headed to the checkout, she caught a glimpse of a familiar person. It was the same distinguished lady from before!