The sneer froze on sales associate Lana Chen's face.

The globally exclusive black card gleamed coldly under the boutique lights.

The cashier's hands trembled slightly. "You... You're Mr. Roscente from HM Group?"

Ethan Roscente's icy gaze swept across the room. His thin lips parted. "Yes."

The entire boutique fell dead silent.

Lana's legs gave out. She collapsed to her knees with a thud.

The gravity of her mistake finally dawned on her.

"Mrs. Roscente..." Lana's voice shook. "I was blind—"

Jenna Roland looked down at her, crimson lips curving. "Is this how luxury sales associates behave?"

Lana pressed her forehead to the floor. "Please have mercy..."

Ethan's eyes turned glacial.

He dialed the mall's general manager.

Three minutes later, Manager Chen arrived, sweating profusely.

"Mr. Roscente!" He bowed deeply. "Who dared offend you?"

Lana scrambled toward him, sobbing. "Manager Chen, help me!"

Slap!

A sharp crack echoed through the boutique.

Lana clutched her cheek, stunned.

"Idiot!" Manager Chen roared. "You didn't recognize Mr. Roscente? Are you blind?"

His dress shirt was soaked through with sweat.

This mall was just a minor asset under HM Group's vast empire.

Only then did Lana recall the imposing man who'd been standing by the entrance earlier.

But she'd been too busy mocking the "penniless woman."

"Mrs. Roscente..." Lana crawled to Jenna's feet. "My son is only five. This job supports my whole family..."

Ethan turned to his wife, gaze softening. "Your call."

Jenna's voice was arctic. "Name?"

"L-Lana Chen..."

"Remember this." Jenna enunciated each word. "I want you to beg on your knees."