But his response was a start.
Tiffany, however, interpreted it as a declaration of war.
Tiffany: "Fine. If this is how you want to handle things, we can see what happens when my family hears about it."
She took out her phone and began typing a message. Her fingers moved quickly across the screen. She stopped twice to erase what she had written, then finally sent it.
Natalie did not ask whom she had contacted.
There was no need.
If Tiffany wanted to use her connections to influence the situation, the appropriate response was to document any relevant communication and continue following the established process. A threat was not proof of wrongdoing by itself, but it could reveal the pressure people were attempting to apply.
Officer Turner noticed Tiffany using her phone.
Officer Turner: "Are you contacting someone about the incident?"
Tiffany: "I am contacting my family."
Officer Turner: "That is your choice. Please do not interfere with the witnesses or ask anyone to change their account."
Tiffany looked offended.
Tiffany: "I would never do such a thing."
Officer Turner: "Then there should be no problem."
Tiffany lowered her phone.
The exchange had been brief, but it left her with no obvious way to turn the instruction into another accusation. The officer had not forbidden her from contacting anyone. He had simply made clear that witnesses should be allowed to provide their own accounts.
Tiffany walked toward a display of handbags and stopped beside a large mirror. She inspected her reflection, smoothing a fold in her dress and adjusting a strand of hair. The gestures were automatic, a familiar ritual that helped her recover when she felt her control slipping.
She had learned that if she looked composed, other people were more likely to believe she was composed.
For years, the technique had served her well.
Yet when she looked at herself now, she could not stop thinking about the red mark on Natalie's cheek.
It was not a serious injury. Tiffany repeated that fact to herself as though it settled the matter. She had not used a weapon. She had not caused a severe wound. It had been a single slap, delivered in anger during an argument.
But she knew that the act had not been accidental.
She remembered raising her hand.
She remembered the sound.
She remembered the shock on Natalie's face.
And she remembered feeling, for one brief moment, that she had successfully forced the other woman to recognize her authority.
That was the part Tiffany did not want to examine.
She had not struck Natalie because she feared for her safety. She had struck her because she was angry and believed she could do so without facing meaningful consequences.
The thought surfaced, then disappeared beneath a wave of resentment.
Tiffany: "She provoked me."
She said it quietly, almost to herself.
No one responded.
A few minutes later, a woman in a navy business suit entered the boutique carrying a tablet and a slim folder. She introduced herself as Elena Morris, a regional compliance representative for Bellgrave House. She greeted the officers respectfully, acknowledged Marcus, and then approached Natalie.
Elena Morris: "Ms. Brooks, I apologize for the delay. I was briefed on the incident while I was on my way here."
Natalie: "Thank you for coming. The officers are documenting what happened, and the security team has been asked to preserve the footage."
Elena: "I have been informed. We will cooperate fully."
Elena turned toward Marcus.
Elena: "Have the relevant records been secured?"
Marcus: "The surveillance footage is being preserved. I have also contacted the regional office and requested the complaint records and the current customer-conduct policy."
Elena: "Good. Please ensure that no one edits, deletes, or circulates the recording outside the authorized process."
Marcus: "Understood."
Tiffany approached immediately.
Tiffany: "I assume you are the person in charge here."
Elena turned toward her.
Elena: "I oversee regional compliance. May I ask who I am speaking with?"
Tiffany seemed astonished.
Tiffany: "Tiffany Whitmore."
Elena: "Thank you, Ms. Whitmore. I understand there has been an incident. We will review the information and make sure the appropriate procedures are followed."
Tiffany: "Then perhaps you can explain why your staff are allowing this woman to turn a private disagreement into a formal investigation."
Elena glanced briefly at Natalie.
Elena: "If a physical incident has occurred on our premises, it is appropriate to document it. That is true regardless of who is involved."
Tiffany: "You cannot possibly believe that this is necessary."
Elena: "The officers have requested information, and the company has a responsibility to preserve relevant records."
Tiffany: "I have been a customer of this business for years."
Elena: "We value our customers. We also have a duty to treat people fairly and maintain a safe environment."
Tiffany's expression shifted.
She had expected recognition, perhaps an apology, or at least a more deferential tone. Instead, Elena had responded with the same measured language as the officers and the manager.