Chapter 336

Malin clicked her tongue, ready to let out a string of curses, but then she spun around and saw Esme. Just like that, her anger vanished, replaced by a big ol' grin. "Esme, our boss has been waiting for you forever. Why didn't you give us a heads-up? I could've come down to meet you."

Isabella was just as shocked to see Esme. From what Malin said, it seemed like Esme was here on business. Once Isabella's eyes locked onto Esme, she couldn't look away.

Isabella had met plenty of folks with fancy manners, but none of them held a candle to Esme. Esme's class and grace seemed like they were part of her DNA. Anything that looked forced on others seemed effortless on her.

Esme strolled over, gave Malin a quick once-over, and said, "If I didn't come up, how would I see how you treat your customers? In the jewelry biz, rule number one is to treat the customer right. 'The customer is always right'-didn't your boss drill that into you during training? Who gave you the nerve to throw a fit at a customer?"

Malin's face went beet red. She kept apologizing, first to Esme, then to Isabella. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Miller. I really didn't mean any harm. Please forgive me."

Isabella, being a softie, couldn't handle people begging her. Seeing Malin's genuine apology, she was about to say it was no big deal.

But before she could get a word out, Esme cut in, "If a brand wants to grow and succeed, it's not just about design and products; reputation and honor are key. Honestly, your store's service is way below my standards."

With that, Esme stepped forward, gently took Isabella's hand, and said to Malin, "Tell your boss I was here. As for the collaboration, I don't think we're a good match."

Malin looked like she was about to cry.

But Esme didn't give a damn if she cried or not. She took Isabella's hand and walked out of the jewelry store without a backward glance.

Esme's tone was firm, and her actions were decisive. So Isabella saw Esme as her hero. Watching Esme walk away, Isabella felt like Esme was glowing.

Esme wasn't alone. A middle-aged guy was waiting for her outside. When he saw her come out, he nodded. "Mrs. Black."

Esme said to him, "I ran into a friend. I'll be here for a bit. You can wait downstairs."

"Yes, Mrs. Black." The guy nodded and then turned to leave.

Esme then looked at Isabella, her gaze soft but sharp. "Isabella, I didn't expect to see you here."

Isabella said, "Yeah, I didn't expect it either."

"Are you here to buy a ring? Getting hitched?" Esme asked, a bit curious. "You saved my life. For something as big as your wedding, you gotta let me know. I'll come with a killer gift!"

Isabella smiled. "If you could come, it would be an honor. But I'm not getting married. I was just passing by and thought I'd check it out."

"I see." Esme squeezed her fingers. "Can I call you Bella? It feels more friendly."

"Of course," Isabella felt all warm and fuzzy inside, finding Esme even more charming, though she was still a bit worried. "Do you think what just happened will mess things up for you?"

"Nah," Esme shook her head. "They wanted me to design some jewelry sets. I already did my homework on them and found out their rep is kinda shady. The boss's background is sketchy too. I was on the fence, but they seemed super eager, so I thought I'd check it out. By the way, thanks. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have seen how their sales associate acts. My name, Esme, isn't something to be dragged through the mud by these folks. My rule is either I don't collaborate, or if I do, it's gotta be top-notch. Clearly, they don't make the cut."

Isabella listened, eyes wide with admiration. "Aunt Esme, you're so badass!"

Esme smiled, still a bit cautious. "Really? You don't think I'm too bossy or controlling?"

"Not at all," Isabella said, "You're talented, capable, and totally my hero."

Esme's smile grew. "I'm glad you think so."

She glanced at her watch. "It's still early. If you don't have other plans, how about I treat you to some coffee?"

"Sure," Isabella said, "I was just thinking about grabbing a cup."

As she spoke, Isabella linked arms with Esme, and the two of them chatted while heading to the café.

Back at the jewelry store, just after Isabella and Esme left, Vilma Hansen came out from the back. She checked her watch and asked Malin, "It's this late; why hasn't Esme shown up yet? Go downstairs and check."

Malin's eyes flickered, and she stammered, "Ms. Hansen, Esme was just here."

Vilma asked, "She was here? Where is she now?"

Malin said, "She left."

Vilma said, "Left? Why did she leave? Didn't you greet her? Didn't you tell her I was waiting inside? If she came, why didn't you inform me? Are you all idiots? If she wanted to leave, couldn't you stop her?"

Malin said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Hansen. Here's what happened."

Malin cried as she recounted the events.

Vilma listened, her brows furrowing deeply.

Malin tearfully complained, "Ms. Hansen, I really didn't say anything. Esme targeted me for no reason!"

Vilma ignored Malin's excuses and said to someone nearby, "Pull up the surveillance footage. I want to see what happened."

The footage was quickly retrieved. After watching it, Vilma turned to the still-crying Malin and said, "You're fired!"

Malin was stunned.

Vilma didn't give Malin a chance to explain; she immediately had her thrown out.

Then, Vilma returned to her office and tried calling Esme's assistant. But they firmly refused the collaboration.

Vilma, out of options, decided to call someone else.

As soon as the call connected, Vilma began to cry. "You have to save me this time."

In the coffee shop, Isabella ordered two coffees and two desserts.

When the coffee arrived, Isabella added a ton of sugar cubes.

Esme, watching from across the table, frowned. "Bella, isn't that way too much sugar?"