Jim held his breath and was completely caught off guard by Kylie’s response. He stole a glance at Samuel, only to see a rare trace of… awkwardness on the latter’s face. … The next morning, Kylie got up early to wash up and change into a new outfit since they were going to the Vance residence. When she came downstairs to the living room, she glanced around. A few housekeepers were busy cleaning, but Samuel was nowhere to be seen. “Where is he, Jim?” Kylie asked. “Good morning, Ms. Clark! Mr. Vance hasn’t come down yet.” Jim approached and carried a tray of delicate pastries. “I had the kitchen prepare some pastries for you, but I’m not sure if they suit your taste. Have them while they’re warm and wait.” “Thank you, Jim.” Kylie finished the plate of pastries half an hour later. By then, the housekeepers had completed their cleaning and left, but Samuel still hadn’t appeared. Jim approached and took in her outfit. Then, he couldn’t help asking, “Ms. Clark, are you going to wear this to the Vance residence?” “Yeah. Is there a problem? Mr. Musk brought this outfit for me when I returned to the Dale family. It’s not from a luxury brand, but the quality and style are nice.” “What’s with that outfit of yours? Are you trying to tell everyone that I, Samuel Vance, can’t afford to dress my woman properly?” A cold voice came from behind her. Kylie turned around to see Samuel standing at the top of the stairs with an icy expression. He was dressed in a black tailored suit that accentuated his good looks. Spotting the displeasure in his eyes, she swallowed back the swords on the tip of her tongue. Jim glanced at the time and moved toward the stairs. “Breakfast is ready, Mr. Vance.” “I’m not eating. I’ve lost my appetite.” With that, Samuel strode out the door. Kylie bit her lip and followed him. The sun shone brightly as the black Bentley sped through the bustling streets. Silence filled the car. Kylie sneaked a glance at Samuel beside her, who was completely focused on reviewing documents and handling office work. His serious side profile exuded an irresistible charm. Kylie watched him for a moment and finally asked, “Wouldn’t it be rude to visit Grandpa empty-handed? Should we…” Samuel let out a cold chuckle as the corners of his lips lifted in a mocking sneer. Without looking up, he said, “You didn’t seem to think it was rude when you forced me into marriage. Isn’t it too late for you to act all virtuous?” Ten minutes later, the car pulled into an underground parking lot at a shopping mall. The confused Kylie asked, “Why are we coming here? It’s getting late. Aren’t we going to the Vance residence?” The Vances disliked her. If they arrived late, she could only imagine the things they’d say. Samuel ignored her question and ordered in a domineering tone, “Get out of the car.” Kylie was stunned yet had no choice but to comply. She got out and followed him into the mall. He pulled out his wallet, extracted a black-platinum card, and handed it to her. Then, he impatiently said, “I have work to do. Logan will take you around to buy clothes.” Kylie frowned. “No need. I have money.” “You do? Yet this is what you wear?” Samuel mocked. Seeing he was about to spit out harsher words to embarrass her, Kylie smiled and took the black-platinum card. Then, she twirled it between her fingers. “Thanks, Mr. Vance!” Taking the card was one thing, and using it was another. Holding the black-platinum card, she turned and walked toward the nearest women’s boutique. Samuel’s lips curled into a cold smirk at the sight of the luxury brand’s logo. Sure enough, Kylie was both greedy and fake. … Kylie had never been interested in shopping. When she lived at the sanctuary at Starlight Summit, she went down only to buy necessities. She entered the boutique and quickly picked out two outfits. Beside her, Logan looked utterly disdainful. This brand was the most expensive in the entire mall. Sure enough, she was nothing but a vain woman. “XS for the clothes and size 36 for the boots,” Kylie said as she handed a card to the cashier. Logan was stunned when he saw the card she handed over. It was an ordinary bank credit card, not the black-platinum card from Samuel. It seemed he’d underestimated her. She was committing fully to the act and trying to win Samuel’s favor by pretending to spend her own money. Logan’s contempt deepened at the thought. After paying, Kylie went into the fitting room and changed into one of the new outfits. When she stepped out, Logan’s eyes lit up slightly in surprise. He quickly stepped forward and said, “Ms. Clark, there are more boutiques ahead. The jewelry stores are on the second floor.” “No need.” Kylie waved at the shop assistant. “Please pack my old clothes.” She had no obsession with luxury brands. Plus, dressing up wouldn’t make Samuel look at her any differently. If anything, he’d just think she was materialistic. She rarely attended formal events, so two outfits were enough. Kylie bought two boxes of tea before making her way to the parking lot. From a distance, she saw Samuel leaning against the car and speaking on the phone. There was a faint, almost imperceptible smile on his face. Noticing her out of the corner of his eyes, his gaze flickered. Her long jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, while her bare face was perfectly delicate. She wore a milk-colored dress with a matching knit cardigan, paired with ankle boots. She looked gentle and graceful, far from the image of a country bumpkin growing up in the mountains. Instead, she had the poise of a true lady, and he could barely take his eyes off her. But the moment he remembered who she really was, his expression turned cold again. After getting into the car, Kylie returned him the black-platinum card. Samuel didn’t take it. Instead, he scoffed. “Keep it. Don’t wear such ragged clothing. It makes me look like a man who can’t afford to dress his woman.” 20 minutes later, the black Bentley pulled up at the Vance residence. Seeing the boxes of tea, Samuel’s lips curled in derision. “Oh, look who finally arrived at this hour! No doubt the future lady of the Vances!” A sharp, mocking female voice rang out as soon as they entered the villa. “This is Aunt Gabriella,” Samuel muttered indifferently and made no effort to help Kylie. Kylie smiled politely and greeted her, “Hello, Mrs. Gabriella.” Gabriella Hicks rose from the couch and snapped back with a sarcastic tone, “Hello? We’ve been waiting for you for over an hour. It’s fine if a country bumpkin like you doesn’t know proper etiquette, but do you not even understand basic punctuality? “Does making the whole family wait for you make you feel important? Oh, save the Mrs. Gabriella after you’ve registered your marriage. I’d hate to claim a title I haven’t earned.” Kylie had a general understanding of the Vance family’s dynamics. They were rich and powerful, and Samuel’s relatives were not the easygoing type. That was especially the case for Gabriella, who, as Euphemia’s close friend, marked Kylie as a thorn in her side. Gabriella eyed the boxes of tea in Kylie’s hands and chuckled. “Two boxes of tea? You might as well be tossing coins at a beggar.”