346: An Unexpected Offer

Emma scrutinized the dress the woman was wearing; it was indeed last year's fashion, something most would shy away from admitting due to the embarrassment of being considered out of date. Yet, here she was, a woman in dire straits, making do with what she could afford. "I've seen this dress you're wearing last year. I have a similar one in my collection. Yours is the basic version, and mine is the designer version. If you don't mind, I can have it sent over right now. I haven't touched it since I bought it. That should compensate you," Emma offered generously, recognizing the woman's predicament. The offer left the woman visibly uncomfortable yet also evidently ashamed. She had made a scene over a regular dress, and now she was being compensated with something far beyond what she expected. "Are you intentionally humiliating me?" the woman asked, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and defensiveness. "Why would I? If you think your dress is dirty, I'll compensate you. I