At Golden Crown Mall, deep in the underground parking garage, three women waited beside a row of luxury vehicles.
Wanda, Molly, and Renee had already been there for nearly twenty minutes.
Then an Audi rolled slowly into the bay. The door opened, and a young woman stepped out.
She wore a soft white dress layered with a flowing mesh overskirt. A knitted beret rested lightly on her head, and two delicate braided pigtails framed her face.
Her outfit looked simple at first glance, yet the tailoring, textures, and subtle accessories revealed unmistakable luxury. Elegant. Refined. Gentle.
Every movement she made carried a natural grace, like the girl next door yet touched by nobility.
Molly stared, momentarily stunned. Only now did she understand what it meant for temperament to be cultivated to the point where it felt innate.
When she first met Wanda, she had already felt a huge gap. But now, comparing Wanda to this woman, she realized Wanda hadn't fully mastered the craft either.
Wanda was charming, seductive, but there was calculation in it—a faint manipulative aura.
This woman, however, didn't carry even a trace of that "scheming beauty" vibe.
Even as a woman, Molly felt an instinctive urge to get close to her. If she didn't know the truth, she would've believed this woman was naturally like this.
The woman approached with a gentle smile.
"Sister Renee, Sister Wanda, Sister Molly... I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
Her voice was soft, sweet—like spring wind brushing water. Her every smile felt refreshing. It was as if she truly didn't realize Wanda was her competitor.
This woman was Tara, the senior member sent to replace Wanda.
Wanda studied her quietly. Only now did she fully understand the difference in their levels.
Tara wasn't seductive. She didn't need to be. Her presence alone disarmed people.
Wanda forced a smile, though it came out stiff.
"Tara, your outfit is beautiful," Renee said first, looping an arm around her. "Or maybe it's just your natural charm. I could never pull that look off."
Tara laughed lightly. "No way, Renee. You'd look even better. I'll send you the full outfit details later—I guarantee it'll suit you."
She tilted her head playfully. "But if I wore what you're wearing, I'm afraid I couldn't afford it."
Then she turned warmly. "Wanda, your outfit is so alluring... and Molly, yours is so pure—it's giving total 'first love' vibes. You have to recommend your styles to me later."
Molly beamed instantly. "Oh, no, I just picked something casual... but Sister Tara, you really look amazing in that."
After a round of mutual compliments, the atmosphere warmed rapidly. Tara, Renee, and Molly were laughing like old friends.
Only Wanda felt slightly outshone. The more natural Tara's charm appeared, the more forced Wanda's own felt by comparison. A faint bitterness crept into her chest.
After introductions ended, Tara asked softly, "Renee, is your intel accurate? Mr Carter is really coming to Golden Crown Mall? With his current status, he wouldn't shop personally... Is he accompanying a girl?"
Renee nodded thoughtfully. "My husband's wealthy, but he's still several levels below Mr Carter. I only heard fragments. But I'm certain he'll be here today."
She glanced toward the mall entrance. "Let's head to the café near the front entrance. We'll wait there."
The four women began walking toward the elevators. Each of them carried their own thoughts.
For Wanda, this wasn't just waiting for Jason Carter. It was waiting to see how she measured against the woman sent to replace her.
They entered the café near the mall entrance, ordered milk tea, and took seats by the glass windows facing the driveway.
While they waited, Tara continued chatting happily with Renee and Molly. Her topics were effortless yet precise—luxury fashion pairings, seasonal skincare science, makeup techniques tailored to facial bone structure.
Her knowledge wasn't shallow gossip. It was professional, systematic, almost consultant-level.
Renee and Molly listened, utterly captivated. Even Wanda, though uninterested on the surface, found herself subconsciously pricking up her ears to learn.
Just then, a faint commotion stirred at the entrance.
But Renee, Wanda, and Molly were so absorbed in listening that none of them noticed.
Only Tara, who seemed fully engaged in conversation, turned her head immediately—as if the discussion had only been background noise all along.
Outside, a Rolls-Royce glided to a stop. The rear door opened, and a refined young man stepped out.
Tailored suit. Calm posture. Gentle expression.
The moment Tara saw him, her eyes lit up. In that instant, her entire demeanor sharpened with focus.
Tara: Favorability +10
She had seen photos of Jason Carter before, but in person, his gentlemanly aura, composed confidence, and understated authority were far more captivating than any image could capture.
Following her gaze, the others looked over.
Wanda's eyes brightened too, though a trace of unwillingness flickered beneath. Seeing several senior managers of Golden Crown Commercial lining up respectfully to greet Jason, she felt her heartbeat quicken again.
A fantasy surfaced—if she stood beside him, if she held his arm, wouldn't she share that same prestige?
Renee sighed softly. "I heard yesterday he had dinner with the Will family. And now all the Golden Crown executives are personally welcoming him. It looks like he reached a cooperation deal with them. That's impressive. Partnering with one of the Four Great Families will stabilize his position even more."
Wanda nodded, admiration clear. "Of course. Look at him... Mr. Carter is so handsome."
But Tara, still watching closely, spoke differently. "I don't think it's that simple."
Molly blinked. "If it's not cooperation... then what?"
Tara shook her head slightly. "I'm not sure yet. But if it were a partnership announcement, the Will family would be here. They're not. And look at how deferential those managers are acting... it's beyond normal cooperation etiquette."
Renee leaned forward, observing carefully. "...You're right." She looked impressed. "You're very observant, Sister Tara."
Wanda didn't want to agree, but after watching closely, she had to admit Tara's deduction made sense.
Tara continued thoughtfully, "And that middle-aged man beside Jason—if I'm not mistaken—that's Daniel, former owner of NextEdge Retail. NextEdge and Golden Crown were sworn rivals. So why is he here... at their flagship mall?" She paused. "Something bigger is happening."
Then she stood. "Let's follow him."
Jason entered the mall surrounded by executives and staff. It was impossible to get close, but Tara didn't mind. Even watching from a distance, she remained patient—smiling faintly, as if simply seeing him was enough.
They trailed the entourage through the luxury atrium until Jason eventually returned to the main entrance plaza.
A ribbon stage had been set. Only then did they realize Tara had been right.
This was far beyond cooperation.
The senior manager stepped forward and announced loudly, "Warmly celebrating Golden Crown Mall joining Carter Group! Effective immediately, It will also merge with NextEdge Retail—collectively forming a new group!"
Renee, Wanda, and Molly's eyes widened simultaneously.
This wasn't partnership. This was acquisition—full integration.
That explained why two long-time retail enemies could stand together. Because now, they belonged to the same owner.
Shock rippled through them.
NextEdge Retail alone had a valuation of at least four billion dollars. Golden Crown Mall, backbone of the Will family, was worth even more. How could it be acquired so suddenly?
Tara had predicted it wasn't simple, but even she hadn't expected this scale.
As she mentally added Jason's known assets to this new expansion, her breathing quickened.
In this city, what level had he reached?
Her legs felt weak with excitement.
Tara: Favorability +20
In her eyes now, Jason Carter wasn't just a target. He was the center of an empire—one she intended to step into.
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