Chapter 16: Shopping

Thinking of this, Alaric Vane’s gaze toward Seren Thorne softened slightly. He said, "It’s the weekend, and I happen to be free. Don't you like buying bags and jewelry? Today, I’ll pick up the tab and accompany you shopping. You can buy as much as you want."

Seren wasn't particularly interested in luxury goods; compared to bags and jewelry, she much preferred various kinds of gourmet food. She was about to refuse directly when a sudden flash of inspiration hit her, and she excitedly agreed, "Sure, sure! Let’s go right now!"

Alaric nodded, closed his laptop, and stood up.

Before he could even take a step, he heard Seren’s inner voice: {I heard luxury goods sell for quite a lot second-hand. Today, I’ll fleece Alaric for all he’s worth. Once I sell everything off, I’ll have enough money to run away and find some boy toys, hehehe.}

Alaric’s footsteps faltered. His softened gaze instantly turned icy, and his entire body began to radiate a bone-chilling cold.

He was truly insane to have thought, even for a fleeting second, about being nice to this woman. This person, who thought about other men all day long, was completely unworthy of his kindness!

Seeing him suddenly stop, Seren asked in confusion, "Why aren't we moving? You aren't going to back out, are you?"

Alaric’s face was grim. He replied lukewarmly, "I’m not. Let’s go."

As they reached the entrance, the driver was already waiting outside. Once in the car, Seren rubbed her hands together in anticipation, wishing she could fly to the mall and sweep the luxury stores clean immediately.

Half an hour later, the Maybach came to a stop.

Seren stared at the "Ten-Yuan Discount Supermarket" in front of her, utterly dumbfounded.

"President Vane, you said you were taking me shopping for bags. You didn't mean a ten-yuan store, did you???"

Alaric slanted a glance at her. "What, you don't like it? There’s a two-yuan store across the street; I can accompany you there instead."

Seren: "..."

Motherf—

A CEO worth over a hundred billion was actually only willing to take his wife to a ten-yuan store. She had read so many CEO novels, but she had never seen a boss this stingy! If she weren't counting on this "dog man" to drop some gold coins later, she would have smashed his head in right then and there!

She couldn't help but glare at Alaric before turning around and getting back into the car.

Watching Seren’s retreating back, Alaric felt that even the back of her head was radiating wisps of resentment. He couldn't help but curl his lips. Now that Seren was angry, his own irritation had vanished.

He returned to the car and continued to provoke her: "Not shopping anymore? I also know a one-yuan store. Want to go?"

Seren was so angry her small face turned beet red. She glared at him again. "Are you playing me on purpose?"

Alaric leaned back against the seat, his long legs crossed, looking perfectly composed as he made a full confession: "Yes."

Seren grit her teeth, cursing in her head: {Stingy bastard! Poor loser! You aren't even worth one of the male lead’s leg hairs! No wonder you can't get the girl! I hope you stay single and lonely forever!}

{Oh wait, you won't even live for a whole lifetime. In a few months, you'll be sent to Myanmar by the leads to have your parts harvested!}

Listening to the non-stop cursing in Seren’s head, Alaric felt for the first time that the chirping insults weren't actually that grating. A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes as he spoke to the driver, "Back to the manor."

The driver nodded, glancing at him several times through the rearview mirror. It was rare; he hadn't seen the Young Master smile so happily in a long time.

...

Back at the manor, Seren headed straight for the walk-in closet.

That dog man earned hundreds of billions a year but only spent a few bucks on her—he was stingy to the core. This life was unbearable! Divorce! It had to be a divorce!

Even if Alaric wouldn't buy her new bags or jewelry, it didn't matter. The original host had bought plenty in the past. Plus, when they got married, Old Master Arthur had given her a pink diamond necklace; it should be worth a lot second-hand. Once she saved up five million to live comfortably for the rest of her life, she’d vanish!

Seren marched into the closet with her head held high, ready to sell everything the original host owned.

However, the moment she entered the room, she was stunned.

All the luxury items belonging to the original host were gone. Even the more expensive clothes had vanished—not a single hair was left.

Alaric followed her in slowly, leaning against the doorframe as he watched her with leisurely interest. "Why the rush? It’s not like a ghost is chasing you."

Seren turned to look at him. Even though his face remained expressionless, she felt he was gloating. It was incredibly infuriating.

She ground her teeth. "Where are my clothes and bags?"

Alaric said casually, "Those were all out of style. I had someone come over and collect them for the second-hand market. Someone will deliver several sets of this season’s new clothes this afternoon."

Seren pressed further, "You sold them second-hand? Where’s the money?"

"The money went into my account, obviously. Those clothes and bags were all bought with my money; you didn't actually think you’d get the cash from the resale, did you?"

Seren was ready to explode. In her twenty-plus years of life, she had never wanted to "stab" someone as much as she did at this moment.

Clearly, the dog man couldn't be relied upon; she still had to build her own secret stash through self-reliance. She huffed and walked out, trying to stomp on Alaric’s foot as she passed him.

Alaric reacted lightning-fast and dodged. Instead, she ended up making her own foot go numb from the stomp.

"Pfft." A clearly audible, low chuckle came from above her.

It was the kind of deep, magnetic voice often found in radio dramas—the kind that could easily make one’s ears feel tingly. Unfortunately, Seren was in no mood to appreciate his voice. She just wanted to kill someone.

She glared at Alaric once more and stomped away.

Downstairs, Seren’s mind was racing with ways to make money. The Vane family certainly wouldn't let her set up a fortune-telling stall—mostly because high-society families were obsessed with "face." She’d probably be dragged back the first day she tried. If she went to Alaric’s company to find clients, he’d probably issue an order and no one would dare pay her.

Was there any other way...

As Seren was pondering, she heard someone call her: "Sister-in-law, good afternoon."

She looked up to see Jasper Vane standing in the living room, though she wasn't sure when he’d arrived. He was holding several gift boxes.

Thinking he was there to see Arthur or Alaric, Seren said, "Alaric is in the master bedroom, and Grandpa is in the study."

"I’m not looking for them. I came specifically to apologize to you." Unlike the arrogant brat of yesterday, Jasper appeared exceptionally melancholic and steady today. He had two large dark circles under his eyes, looking as though he hadn't slept at all.

Given the situation at Dominic’s house yesterday, it was indeed hard for anyone to sleep well.

Seren said casually, "I forgive you. No need for the gifts."

She hadn't had much of a conflict with Jasper yesterday anyway. In her eyes, he was just a kid blinded by his stepmother; she hadn't taken the matter to heart.

"I offended you yesterday; this is only right." Jasper placed the items on the table. Seren was about to refuse again when she paused upon seeing the logos on the packaging.

These were several brand-name bags.

Seren’s eyes lit up as she asked Jasper, "How much did you pay for these?"

Seeing her so interested, Jasper knew he had chosen the right gift. He had heard that Seren liked buying bags and jewelry, so he had specifically bought the brands she often carried.

"They cost over four hundred thousand."