With every sentence, the manager's face became more difficult to read.
Vanessa hurried to defend herself.
“I was only trying to match the customer with the right product. I didn't intend to offend anyone.”
Amara turned toward her.
“Did you ask me what I wanted?”
Vanessa hesitated.
“No.”
“Did you explain the product before suggesting I look somewhere else?”
“No, but—”
“Did you know anything about my budget?”
Vanessa lowered her eyes.
“No.”
Amara nodded once.
“Then what, exactly, were you matching me to?”
The question left Vanessa speechless.
The manager drew a slow breath.
“Ms. Bennett, I'm very sorry. This isn't the standard of service we expect in this boutique.”
Amara's expression softened only slightly.
“I appreciate the apology. But I don't want this to become a conversation about whether I personally can afford a handbag.”
She glanced around the luxurious store.
“I want to know what happens to the next customer who walks in wearing ordinary clothes, carrying an inexpensive purse, and asking to see something expensive. Does your staff help them? Or do they decide that person doesn't belong before giving them a chance?”
The manager said nothing for a moment.
Then she looked at Vanessa.
“Please step into my office.”
Vanessa's face paled.
“Now?”
“Yes. Now.”
The saleswoman followed her toward the office, no longer wearing the confident expression she'd displayed only minutes earlier.
Amara remained beside the counter as the manager paused at the doorway and turned back.
“Ms. Bennett, would you join us, please? I think your perspective would be valuable.”
Amara looked once more at the black handbag resting on its presentation tray.
Then she followed.
Inside the office, the manager closed the door and introduced herself properly.
“My name is Evelyn Carter. I oversee this boutique and several other locations in the region.”
Amara shook her hand.
“Amara Bennett.”
“I know who you are,” Evelyn replied quietly.
Vanessa looked up sharply.
Evelyn continued.