Chapter 121: Chapter 121: A Leopard Never Changes Its Spots
Estelle’s POV
I scowled as Asher held the tie possessively against his chest. His face lit up with that familiar cocky grin I had grown to despise.
“You really shouldn’t have spent so much money on something like this, Estelle,” he said, stroking the silky fabric. “This tie is way too expensive. If you have money to spare, you should be spending it on the pack, not on luxury goods.”
His grip tightened on the tie as he spoke. “But I appreciate the gesture. All I really want is for you to come back to Moonveil. Your return would be the greatest gift of all.”
Despite everything he said, he didn’t look like he was going to let go of that tie anytime soon.
Hazel stepped closer, her green eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “See? I told you so. Estelle has always loved you dearly, Asher. Of course she would buy you something to appease you after running away for so long.”
She crossed her arms and smirked at me. “A leopard can never change its spots.”
I felt my jaw clench. These two idiots were so sure of themselves. They were so confident that I was still the same desperate, lovesick fool who would do anything for Asher’s approval.
A cold laugh escaped my lips.
I looked around the store and caught the eye of the sales assistant who had been patiently watching our drama unfold from a respectful distance. She approached immediately when I gestured to her.
“Excuse me,” I said politely. “I’ll need another tie exactly like this one. This particular piece has been dirtied.”
The sales assistant glanced at the pristine tie in Asher’s hands, then back at me. Her professional smile never wavered.
“I can either exchange this for a new one or charge the second tie to his card,” I continued, nodding toward Asher. “Whichever works better for you.”
Asher’s face went slack with shock. “You can’t do that!”
“Why not?” I asked calmly. “I was purchasing the tie as a gift. Since you ruined it by grabbing it so roughly, it’s only natural that you pay for a replacement.”
I turned back to the sales assistant. “I’d also like to purchase that matching blue cufflinks and earrings set over there.” I handed her my black card.
The assistant’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of my card. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll take care of everything right away.”
As she hurried off, I looked at Asher’s horrified expression. His mouth hung open like he couldn’t believe what was happening.
“Just because I purchased men’s wear doesn’t mean I was purchasing it for you, Asher,” I said sweetly. “I have plenty of other, more deserving people I can give presents to.”
Hazel’s smug expression faltered. Asher looked like someone had slapped him.
I turned to Hazel with a cold smile. “You’re absolutely right about one thing, though. A leopard can never change its spots.”
I let that statement hang in the air without clarification. Let them wonder what I meant.
“Now wait just a minute—” Asher started to argue.
“I’m not finished,” I cut him off sharply. “I made these purchases with my own money. Money that has absolutely nothing to do with Moonveil. So tell me, who are you to dictate where and what I spend my money on?”
I gestured toward their multiple shopping bags scattered on the floor around us. “If Moonveil so desperately needs funds, then perhaps you two shouldn’t be out shopping so brazenly yourselves.”
My eyes lingered on Hazel’s designer heels peeking out from one of the bags. Then, on the expensive jewelry boxes visible in another.
For years, I had carefully protected Asher’s fragile ego. I had buttered him up and made him feel important because I genuinely thought I loved him. I had worn rose-tinted glasses that painted him as some kind of hero.
Now I could finally see him for the rotten liar he truly was.
“These things are for Finn,” Asher said desperately. “He’s been sick recently, and I haven’t been feeling well watching him suffer. Hazel just wanted to buy him something to cheer him up.”
He took a step toward me. “You need to come home and take care of him, Estelle. You were always the one to look after Finn whenever he was unwell. He needs you.”
I let out another cold laugh. “I didn’t realize that Finn was capable of wearing six-inch stilettos.”
Asher’s face flushed red. Hazel looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.
“Besides,” I continued, “you made it very clear that you didn’t appreciate my experiments. In fact, the last time I was in the pack house, you tore up my research notes.”
Asher’s face went pale. Those notes had contained detailed information about treatments for Finn’s unique health condition. They had taken me months to compile and perfect. The moment Asher tore them up, he sealed his son’s fate with his own two hands.
The sales assistant returned with my purchases neatly packaged and a small tablet in her hands. “Ma’am, your items are ready. And sir, I’ll need your card for the second tie.”
She held out the tablet toward Asher expectantly.
“Scram,” Asher snapped at her, his composure finally cracking completely.
I smiled slowly, savoring the moment I had been building up to.
“What?” I said loudly, my voice carrying across the entire store. “Don’t tell me that you’ve finally spent your last dime on your mistress here?”
The entire store went silent. Every head turned in our direction.
