The True Heiress's Return

Enrique remained unfazed, even bursting into laughter, "Jackson, actually, Shakira was the one I told you about before, the person who convinced me through Xanthe to join the Southville Project." Enrique was just moderately wealthy before, and Crescentville had plenty of wealthy people.

Thanks to the Southville Project, Enrique smoothly entered the mid-level of Crescentville's business scene and gained the favor of Sean, the boss of Yonder Digital, sparking considerable envy among his peers. Jackson and his family had heard Enrique mention this at the celebration party before, but Enrique wanted to protect Shakira and didn't want to cause her any unnecessary trouble, so he didn't directly reveal her identity. Hearing this, Jackson and his family looked at Shakira with expressions of shock. "She was the one who helped you secure the Southville Project?"

Enrique nodded. "It was her. Do you think she should take the main seat today?"

Jackson and Odalyn gave an awkward laugh, "Of course." At the celebration, Jackson felt envious, wondering why he never encountered such a valuable benefactor. He had never imagined that the fabled benefactor was just a young girl. What was even more surprising was that Enrique actually followed the advice of a young girl to compete for a project that everyone was fighting over... Now, they looked at Shakira with newfound respect, not regarding her as just a junior anymore. Xanthe was keeping the energy high. "Alright, let's dig in. We have a schedule to keep."

Helen asked, "Oh, do you have plans for later?"

"Yeah, there's a promotion at Vogue Mall today. Shakira and I are going to check it out. I'm almost out of skincare products," said Xanthe.

Lucy chimed in, "Xanthe, I'd like to go too."

Normally, Xanthe would have no problem with her tagging along, but this time she turned to ask, "Shakira, would you feel uncomfortable if Lucy came with us?"

Lucy's grip on her spoon tightened. Shakira stayed as calm as always. "Not at all."

"Okay, let's all go together then," Xanthe agreed.

Lucy's smile stiffened slightly, and her eyes turned gloomy as she focused on her meal.

After everyone was full, they sat in the living room enjoying some fruit. Just before they left, Enrique called out to Shakira and handed her an envelope.

Instinctively, she tried to refuse. "I don't..."

Xanthe interrupted, slipping the envelope into Shakira's pocket. Oh, come on. Shakira, just accept it. Thanks to you, our family has made quite a bit of money. This little gift is nothing in comparison." Enrique gave his daughter a reproachful look. "Xanthe's words might be blunt, but she's right. It's a tradition. When you visit us, you shouldn't leave without a gift, right?"

With that said, Shakira didn't insist on giving it back. "Thank you, Mr. Sullivan," she said with gratitude, subconsciously feeling her pocket. Her eyes widened in surprise. This envelope was really thick.

Lucy, walking in front, saw what happened. She spotted that envelope of cash. It was a thick stack, probably 1,500 dollars or even 3,000 dollars. Remembering that Enrique only gave her 1.000 dollars this year, Lucy was green with envy. 1/3

The drive to the mall took-three minutes. Today was Carnaval, and the mall was brimming with festive decorations and a lively atmosphere.

As a mall member, Xanthe checked the day's shopping discounts and, with a grand gesture, announced, "Go ahead and buy whatever you desire. I'm treating everyone today."

Lucy blinked. "Can I really buy anything? I've heard the new LP Black Truffle series is amazing..."

Xanthe, waving her gold card, confidently said, "Buy them all."

"Wow, thanks, Xanthe. You're so generous," said Lucy.

Lucy's eyes crinkled as she smiled, which was exactly why she wanted to go along. Whenever she went out with Xanthe, all she had to do was sweet-talk a little, and Xanthe would buy her whatever she wanted. After she bought new stuff today, she could even pass on the La Mer set she took from Xanthe's makeup collection.

A few girls in her class had been showering me with compliments and calling her Princess Lucy ever since they got their hands on her stuff.

Shakira noticed the scheming look in Lucy's eyes. She remained silent, following them to the skincare section.

The sales assistant recognized Lucy and eagerly introduced the products to them, doing a skin assessment and recommending suitable products.

"You both have nice skin, but it's a bit dry, so our new luxury daybreak series would be perfect for you..." said the sales assistant.

She was all enthusiasm as she recommended products to Shakira and Xanthe. Shakira, on the other hand, took a discreet

200 dollars, and the cream was priced at 250 look at the price tags. The toner was a steep 1,000 dollars, the serum dollars.

No wonder she felt that their flagship store was more luxurious than the other subsidiaries when she followed Brian to sign some documents at the company the other day. Even a single bottle seemed like a rip-off.

Xanthe nudged her. "Shakira, just buy it. I'll get it for you."

Shakira didn't answer right away but asked, "What about you?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Xanthe said, "If you buy it, I will buy it too."

Shakira nodded. "Alright, let's buy it then."

Xanthe smiled happily and told the sales assistant, "Wrap them up, please."Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Lucy, standing nearby, watched them spend tens of thousands without blinking an eye. She couldn't help but grit her teeth. Taking advantage of the moment when Xanthe went to the restroom, Shakira thought about calling over the sales assistant. At that moment, Lucy approached, with her teeth clenched and an icy demeanor. "You've got some nerve, huh? Letting Xanthe buy you stuff that's worth so much?"

-Shakira's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she turned her gaze to Lucy, who no longer hid her disdain and hostility. "Oh, really?

Do you have any problems with it?"

"Of course!" said Lucy. She thought, 'You've spent so much of Xanthe's money, and now she has less to spend on me.' Lucy clenched her fists, glaring angrily at Shakira.

Just before Lucy left, her parents reminded her over and over again to get closer to Shakira and build a good relationship, nu, Nov 21

203, 676

thinking maybe in the future she could help their family. However, Lucy completely didn't buy Enrique's "benefactor" story.

That was just an excuse Enrique made up. He probably wanted to bid himself but didn't want to include Jackson. Enrique exaggerated the risks to make Jackson back out and then took advantage of Shakira's persuasion to join the bid. Ultimately, she just didn't believe Shakira had that kind of ability.

Lucy's eyes were red. "Even if you've done Uncle Enrique a favor, he's been more than generous to you. What you owe should be paid off by now. You spend Xanthe money so recklessly and without restraint. Can you really live with yourself?"