chapter 34 SKN mall

On the way back, Fernando drove the car, and Ella trembled slightly. It was unclear whether she hadn't fully recovered from the shock of the cement mixer incident or if the gruesome scene of the arms splattered with blood had deeply frightened her. The journey continued in silence, but Ella couldn't shake the subtle feeling that the bald man's severed arms were somehow related to Fernando. Observing through the rearview mirror, Ella noticed that Fernando remained stationary throughout the entire incident, not making a move. The car smoothly pulled over in front of a mall. Ella took a glance and felt a bit bewildered. SKN Mall, where globally renowned luxury brands were sold, with annual sales amounting to a staggering two hundred billion. It was one of Jinghai's most luxurious shopping centers. Back when she was still the heiress of the Gu Family, she used to frequent this place for shopping. After all, what girl didn't like stylish clothes and beautiful handbags? "Fernando, why are you here?" Ella's eyes were filled with a sense of loss. Since being expelled from the Gu Family, she had never set foot in this place for more than seven years, not even passing by. The expenses here were far beyond what she could afford now. "Tonight, you're attending a class reunion. Go pick out some clothes." Fernando chuckled. The outfit Ella was currently wearing wouldn't cost more than two hundred bucks in total. It was evident that everything she had on was purchased from street markets. Ella looked surprised, not at Fernando suggesting buying clothes here, but because she had planned to go to the wholesale market later to buy herself something. Over the years, she had never been cared for so intimately by any man, making her momentarily forget that this place was far beyond her current means. "Go ahead, I have some matters to attend to. I won't accompany you." Fernando said. Choosing clothes was never Fernando's forte. Over the years in the palace, his clothes, be it summer or winter attire, were all custom-made. He never had to go shopping himself. Ella looked hesitant. She couldn't afford to spend here now. This place could easily surpass her annual income with just one piece of clothing. As she was contemplating how to express her dilemma, Fernando took out a black card from his pocket and handed it to her, saying, "Go ahead, buy whatever you want, and get a few things for our daughter too." Ella stared at the card, featuring a vivid dragon emblem, resembling a credit card but unlike any she had seen before. Ella gave a wry smile. Even when she was the heiress of the Gu Family, she never could buy whatever she wanted every month. Fernando seemed oblivious to the exorbitant costs here. Just as she was about to say something, Fernando had already driven away. Standing at the entrance of the mall, Ella checked the time and realized it was still early. She decided to go in. She had no intention of buying anything here. Since she was here, she'd take a look at the current trendy clothes. Later at the wholesale market, she could purchase something similar based on the general style. Unconsciously, she found herself standing in front of a store she had once liked. After a moment's hesitation, she walked in. "Miss, may I ask what you're looking for? We have just received the latest styles, all of which are global debuts," a saleswoman in a black suit greeted with impeccable manners. It had to be admitted that the shopping mall was indeed luxurious. Just the suit the saleswoman was wearing seemed quite expensive. "Uh, I'm just browsing," Ella replied quietly, lowering her head. At this moment, an older saleswoman at the front desk glanced up, frowned, and gestured for the previous saleswoman to stop. She recognized Ella at a glance. She used to be a loyal customer at their store, visiting every month to buy something, and qualifying as a VIP customer. During festivals, they even specially sent her gifts like desserts to express gratitude. "Violet, what's the matter? I have a customer here," the young saleswoman walked over, looking puzzled. "This is Ella," Violet Cao said with a mocking expression. The saleswoman was momentarily stunned, then covered her mouth and whispered, "Sis Cao, is this the Ella you told me about, the one kicked out by the Gu Family?" Violet nodded. As part of the store's after-sales service, she wondered why Ella hadn't visited in a long time. After some inquiries, she learned that this Gu Family heiress had long been expelled. Violet adjusted her attire and walked over. "Miss Gu, it's been a while." Violet walked up to Ella with an arrogant stride. Ella was taken aback, looked at the woman, and smiled back, "Miss Cao, I didn't see you when I entered. I thought you might have changed jobs." Violet gave a cold smile and said, "Miss Gu is joking. Ordinary people like us can't afford to quit whenever we want. Unlike you, backed by a big family. Oh, my apologies, I think I remember a few years ago; you were already kicked out by the Gu Family." For a young lady like her who could bring business to the store, she naturally treated her with great respect. However, this Ella, a person expelled from her family, what qualifications did she have to shop here? No wonder she hadn't appeared for several years. Ella was stunned. She didn't expect the other party to suddenly say such things. Seeing Ella's expression, Violet became even more triumphant. "Miss Gu, you know, the clothes in our store are all valuable items. If you don't plan to buy them, it's best not to touch them. If you get them dirty or damaged, I'm afraid you won't be able to afford them. Oh, by the way, don't bother looking either. If you can't afford to buy after looking, it must feel uncomfortable." "You..." Ella was furious, clenching her teeth. However, no matter what, she used to be a regular customer here. In recent years, she couldn't afford the clothes here, but there was no need for such harsh reality and unpleasant words. "Me? Miss Gu, everything I said is the truth. Look at your cheap outfit. Tsk, tsk... It's better to go buy from there; that's the place truly suited for you," Violet said, arrogantly turned around, and walked toward the front desk, ignoring Ella. Shaking with anger, Ella turned and walked out. The reality was indeed cruel. When you could spend, people treated you sweetly; when you were down and out, they sprinkled salt on your most painful wounds. This reminded her of the classmates and friends who used to surround her. Back when she was still the Gu Family's heiress, these people always stuck around her. But from the moment she was expelled from the family, these people seemed to have vanished. Just as she reached the door, she suddenly thought of the bank card Fernando had given her. After hesitating for a moment, she walked back in.