Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne knew well that many upscale housing developments had strict requirements for viewing properties, "So what are the non-negotiables for VIP clients?"

"First off, you gotta have the eligibility to purchase at Pinehollow Estates. That's the baseline. Beyond that, you need liquid assets in your account of at least twenty million, or at least one black card from one of the top five domestic banks. Of course, any other proof of your financial standing, like property deeds, would also do the trick."

Cash, savings, or black card-Roseanne had them all.

As she was pondering which option would make the best impression, Norris suddenly grabbed her by the arm and started pulling her towards the exit while murmuring, "This is getting more ridiculous by the second. Twenty million in liquid assets? We're not in a soap opera..."

Madge whispered with a hint of sarcasm, "I wouldn't even dare to write something like this in my novels, and here you are, asking about it. You've certainly grown bold during your years away."

Then turning to the staff with an apologetic smile, "I'm terribly sorry for the disturbance. Kids playing around, you know how it is. We've wasted your time."

At that, the woman couldn't even feign politeness anymore and rolled her eyes overtly.

"Where do these bumpkins come from? Can't afford a villa and yet strut around like they're rolling in dough. Ridiculous."

Madge froze, and Norris' face soured.

But knowing they were at fault, they kept apologizing without making a fuss.

Seeing their reaction, the woman became even more relentless, "You, buying a villa? You probably can't even afford a bathroom in the high-rise! Bad luck!"

She was already frustrated with having to work during the holiday season, thinking she had landed a big fish, only to find out they were just three pennies short of a dime!

Madge frowned, "We may have been out of line, but isn't that a bit harsh? We're potential customers after all..."

"If you think I'm harsh, then maybe you shouldn't have come in the first place. You call yourself a customer? Do you even have the buying power? If you can't afford it, why bother looking? My time is precious, not meant to be wasted by the likes of you!"

"How do you know we can't afford it?" Roseanne's brows knitted together, "Mind your manners, please."

"You say you can afford it as if it's that simple? I could say I'm a billionaire then. Empty words cost nothing."

Roseanne snorted, "Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't buy from someone like you."

"Oh, well, come back when you can actually afford it then."

She was convinced Roseanne was just another broke poser, all talk and no substance. She'd seen her type before.

"Fine." Roseanne nodded, her gaze sweeping the area until it landed on something.

She walked past the snobbish woman towards a young girl standing diagonally across, "Do you work here?"

The young girl, probably new on the

job and visibly inexperienced, was holding a tray. She looked slightly taken aback by Roseanne's

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approach but nodded in response.

"Yes, I do... How can I assist you?"

"Could you show us the lakeside villas?"

"Well..." The girl started, biting her lip, clearly

financial verification before viewing the villas, so..." Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

tant, "Our policy r , so..."

"I understand," Roseanne nodded and pulled out a black card from her down jacket pocket, handing it over, "Will this suffice?"

The young girl's eyes widened in surprise before she eagerly nodded, "Of course! Please, follow me..."

"Hold on!" The ignored woman

suddenly interjected, striding forward in her high heels to point at the black card on the tray, "Make sure that's not a fake, okay?"