"I-I…" The manager swallowed hard, struggling to form a response.
"Dismiss those salesgirls immediately—they are unfit to work here," the voice commanded icily. "And that actress? She is permanently banned from the store. Do it now."
The call ended abruptly, leaving the manager in stunned silence. His grip on the phone loosened as sheer panic gripped his chest.
Slowly, he lifted his head, his gaze meeting Augustine's unreadable expression. He bowed deeply, shaking visibly.
"I… I am so sorry, sir," he stammered. "Please forgive my ignorance."
The atmosphere inside the boutique shifted drastically. The salesgirls, who had been watching the situation unfold with arrogance just moments ago, now stood frozen in disbelief. Their gazes flickered between the manager and Augustine, struggling to process the sudden change.
Even Anne was stunned, unable to process how a single phone call had turned the arrogant manager into a trembling wreck.
