Then she placed it gently back on the tray.
“I'll take it.”
Vanessa stared at her.
“Certainly. I can prepare the purchase.”
As she reached for the sales terminal, Amara spoke again.
“One more thing.”
Vanessa paused.
“Yes?”
“Who manages this boutique?”
The saleswoman's fingers stopped above the keyboard.
“May I ask why?”
“Because I want to speak with the person responsible for customer experience.”
Vanessa's professional smile disappeared.
“Is there a problem with the handbag?”
“No. The handbag is beautiful.”
Amara looked directly at her.
“The problem began before I ever touched it.”
Vanessa swallowed, glancing toward the office behind the counter.
“I can call the store manager.”
“Thank you.”
As Vanessa disappeared into the back office, Amara remained beside the display, calm and composed. She didn't raise her voice, demand special treatment, or threaten anyone. She simply waited.
A minute later, the office door opened.
A woman in a tailored burgundy suit stepped into the boutique. She was in her late forties, with short dark hair and an expression that suggested she was accustomed to handling serious situations without unnecessary drama.
Her eyes immediately found Amara.
For a fraction of a second, she stopped walking.
Then her entire demeanor changed.
“Ms. Bennett?” she said, approaching quickly. “I wasn't expecting you until this afternoon.”
Vanessa emerged behind her, looking confused.
Amara offered a polite nod.
“My schedule changed. I thought I'd stop by and see the new collection.”
The manager turned toward Vanessa.
“Has Ms. Bennett been assisted?”
Vanessa straightened nervously.
“Yes. I was just preparing her purchase.”
Amara glanced at the handbag on the counter.
“Eventually.”
The manager's expression grew serious.
She looked from Amara to Vanessa, then back again.
“Would you mind telling me what happened?”
Amara didn't exaggerate or embellish. She simply described the conversation, repeating the saleswoman's words as accurately as she could.
“It's not really for everyone.”
“Perhaps something more accessible.”
“Something more appropriate.”