549: Shop War

As the boutique atmosphere thickened with tension, Lillian, standing triumphantly with her friend, reveled in the discomfort she believed she was causing Emma and Jada. Her words dripped with condescension, aimed to provoke. "I've heard about your recent setbacks, Emma. Looks like you could use some generosity. Why don't I take these off your hands as a favor?" Jada, her patience frayed, snapped back, her voice tinged with disbelief and anger. "Your arrogance is astonishing, Lillian. It's clear you wouldn't be flaunting any of this without Clarke Zodiac's backing." Lillian's smile faltered for a moment under Jada's sharp retort but quickly returned, more smug than before. "Oh, Jada, if not for your family connections, where would you be? You think you're better than me? I'm back now, and I'll reclaim everything that was taken from me in a heartbeat!" Turning her gaze to Emma, Lillian's expression hardened. "Especially from you, Emma. You pushed my mother and me aside, but here I