Mysterious Wife: Of The Cold CEO and Mafia Boss

With just a few steps, Alice walked towards the exclusive section.

Alice examined the dress before her, a stunning piece that was undeniably high-end. The fabric hugged the curves of the mannequin, showcasing both elegance and allure with its sleek, close-fitting design. It was a rich, midnight blue dress with a slit on one side, which, if she wore it, would reveal just a hint of her leg up to her thigh, while the neckline dipped tastefully, accentuating her poise. The dress was among other high-end pieces but was separated from the rest because they were high-end and expensive.

This exclusive line of wear held high-quality items from designer brands, and the price alone was massive, befitting the elegance of the dresses.

With a cool, graceful demeanor, Alice turned to the sales assistant and said, "I'll take this one. How much is it?"

The sales assistant hesitated, eyeing Alice's understated but high-quality attire. Before she could respond, Sherlyn appeared out of nowhere, eyes gleaming with malice as she stepped closer, having overheard Alice's request.

"Oh, please. You can't afford that," Sherlyn sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. She didn't bother to pretend anymore since John wasn't present and intended to humiliate Alice. She reached out, her fingers brushing the fabric of the dress. "Let them give it to someone who can actually pay for it."

The sales assistant's eyes flicked between Alice and Sherlyn, her face showing a hint of amusement. With a sly smile, she remarked, "This dress is from our exclusive line. It's quite pricey, ma'am. I'd hate for you to have any… surprises when it comes to the bill."

Alice's expression remained impassive, but her gaze turned steely as she looked at Sherlyn, unfazed by her attempt to belittle her.

"You don't have to worry about that," Alice replied, her voice cold and calm. "I wouldn't ask if I couldn't pay."

But Sherlyn wasn't done.

"We all know you can't afford this dress." With that, she snatched the dress from Alice's hand, pulling it forcefully as if asserting her right to it. In her haste, the fabric tore slightly, a soft ripping sound filling the air.

The sales assistant's eyes widened as she took in the damage. "Excuse me, but one of you needs to pay for the damage to this dress," she said, her voice a mix of irritation and authority. Her gaze landed on Sherlyn. "Since you were the one holding it…"

Sherlyn's face contorted with anger. "Why should I pay for it? If she hadn't been trying to buy something she couldn't afford, none of this would have happened! She should be the one paying."

Alice crossed her arms, her expression icy. "I have no intention of paying for your mistake, Sherlyn. You tore it. Own it."

The sales assistant nodded. "The cost of the dress is $7,500. Payment is required immediately, and it's policy that the person responsible covers the damages."

Sherlyn's smugness vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of shock. Her eyes widened as the amount sank in—more than she could comfortably cover, even with her monthly allowance. She had only wanted to humiliate Alice and didn't want to waste that kind of huge amount of money on a dress; her face contorted and twisted slightly.

Just then, John returned, noticing the tension. Seeing Sherlyn's reddened face and Alice's calm demeanor, he sensed that a confrontation had taken place.

"Oh, is there a problem here?" John asked, his tone dripping with faux concern.

The sales assistant, sensing an opportunity to resolve the issue, quickly stepped over and explained the situation to John in a low voice, detailing how the dress had been damaged and the policy requiring immediate payment.

John glanced at Sherlyn, then at Alice, taking in the scene with a calculating look. A faint smile crossed his face as he recognized an opportunity to make a statement.

Without missing a beat, he reached into his wallet, took out his card, and said loudly, "I'll pay for the dress. The price is nothing."

His gaze lingered on Alice, watching for any hint of jealousy or discomfort, but she simply raised an eyebrow, as if indicating that he should hurry up and go pay for the dress because she didn't want to look at him for a second longer.

Seeing her expression, he headed towards the register to process the payment.

__

As John moved to the counter to complete the payment, Sherlin took the opportunity to saunter over to Alice with a smug smile. Her gaze flicked over Alice with disdain, and she leaned in, her voice dripping with feigned sympathy.

"Isn't it funny, Alice?" she sneered. "You might have picked the dress, but it seems I'm the one who actually gets to wear it. John's taking care of me now... not that you'd understand what that feels like anymore."

Alice's expression remained unfazed, her icy gaze meeting Sherlin's with calm indifference. In her mind, John was nothing more than discarded trash—a pathetic remnant of her past that she had no interest in reclaiming. It seemed fitting that only someone as petty as Sherlin would be infatuated with such garbage.

With a mocking tone, she said, "It seems you're yet to realize, Sherlin. John is simply garbage I discarded, and only people like you would love garbage like him. So you two make a perfect match."

Sherlin's face contorted with anger, her taunts failing to provoke any reaction from Alice. Her face twisted with irritation as her voice grew sharper, more venomous. "What, Alice? You think any man would want you? Or maybe you're just too busy taking care of your bastard child to look at yourself in the mirror."

She couldn't accept the fact that Alice had become so stunning and used this to comfort herself.

Alice's demeanor shifted in an instant. The insult toward her daughter struck a nerve, igniting a fire in her cold eyes. Without a word, she raised her hand and slapped Sherlin hard across the face. Sherlin staggered back, stunned, but Alice stepped forward, her voice low and filled with an unwavering fury.

"Apologize," she demanded, her voice as icy as her gaze. "Apologize for calling my daughter that."

Sherlin blinked, still processing the sudden attack. "I... I don't have to apologize—"

Another slap echoed through the store, as sharp as the first. Alice's face remained stoic, but there was no mistaking the intensity of her wrath.

"Apologize. Now."

Sherlin hesitated, glancing around and seeing the attention they were drawing. Realizing that Alice wasn't going to relent, she gritted her teeth and muttered, "Fine... I apologize."

Alice gave a slight nod, satisfied, before taking a step back.

Just then, John returned from the counter, his gaze narrowing as he took in Sherlin's disheveled appearance. A flash of irritation crossed his face as he turned to Alice, his voice laced with condescension.

"Alice," he said, "I don't appreciate seeing women resorting to violence. A refined, gentle woman wouldn't act this way. If you apologize to Sherlin now, perhaps... I might consider giving you another chance. You could even win my heart back if you just tried."

Alice's eyes widened slightly in disbelief before a smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. Her voice dripped with sarcasm and cold amusement.

"Are you serious, John? You should go get your brain checked," she retorted calmly in a cold tone, her gaze unwavering. "You're nothing but garbage I threw away, and only a fool would want a trash bag back. I'd rather remain unmarried for life than even think of wanting you again."

Sherlin's face paled, and John's mouth opened in shock, his usual arrogance faltering as he searched for a response. Alice didn't wait for one. She cast a final, withering glance at both of them before turning away, leaving them speechless amidst the lingering echoes of her words.

Just as Alice and Emily took a few steps forward, a slightly cold and irritated voice came through, making her pause.....

As Alice was about to step away, a cold, irritated voice rang out from behind her. "Stop right there."

Alice paused, her daughter at her side, and turned slowly to face the rude sales assistant who had harassed her earlier. The assistant's face was twisted in disdain, and Alice waited in silence, her gaze frosty and unflinching.

"You need to leave the shopping mall immediately, or we'll have to call security," the assistant said smugly.

Alice raised an eyebrow. "On what grounds?"

The assistant sneered, clearly relishing the moment. "You violated store policy by causing a scene and engaging in physical contact with distinguished guests. And frankly, you don't even look like someone who can afford to shop here."

Sherlin and John chimed in with taunting voices. Sherlin's tone dripped with mockery. "Honestly, Alice, some of us belong here. If you can't handle that, maybe you should take your... leave."

Alice's gaze turned icier as she addressed the assistant. "I want to speak with the manager, then."

The assistant folded her arms, smirking. "The manager doesn't have time for people like you. Besides, he's notoriously arrogant and doesn't entertain just anyone."

Alice met the assistant's gaze with chilling calm. "Give me two minutes. I'll call the manager myself, and if he doesn't come, I'll leave on my own."

The assistant rolled her eyes, sneering. "Well, go ahead. Embarrass yourself—we'd all love to watch." She said it tauntingly, clearly amused.

Ignoring her, Alice simply picked up her phone and dialed a number. After just two rings, the call connected.

"It's me," she said.

"Hahaha, sister! You actually remembered me today. I must be blessed by the Buddha! What can I do for you?" A slightly mature voice, etched with respect, came through the other end.

"I'm at your shopping mall in the fashion section. Come over quickly."

"Alright, I'll be there immediately."

With that, Alice hung up. The sales assistant, overhearing the tone of respect on the other end, scoffed slightly, assuming Alice had merely called someone to put on a show. Sherlin and John exchanged skeptical glances, watching in disbelief.

Two minutes passed, and the assistant grew increasingly smug. "Security, please come and throw this lady out—"

Before she could finish, a new voice interrupted her. It belonged to a man in his early twenties, one she recognized as her manager.

"And who are you throwing out?"

All heads turned as the young manager strode into the room, his gaze sweeping over the scene. The assistant looked at her boss in disbelief, unwilling to admit that this woman had actually called him over. Quickly regaining her composure, she opened her mouth to explain.

"Sir, this lady—"

But the manager completely ignored her, heading straight toward Alice, his pace quickening, and his expression shifting into a childlike smile, as if he had just seen his savior.

Everyone watched, astonished. The notoriously arrogant manager, known for offending even big shots, now approached Alice with visible reverence, shocking everyone, especially the assistant, who stood gaping.

The manager offered a slight bow. "Sister—I mean, Savior, I'm sorry for the delay. I was tied up with another matter, or I would have come sooner." He spoke with an uncharacteristic humility and childlike tone that left the entire room stunned.

Onlookers who had gathered around stared, dumbfounded, as the manager continued to regard Alice with utmost respect. Whispers and curious glances passed between them, each person trying to understand why he treated her with such deference.

The manager looked at Alice, genuine concern in his expression, his face beaming like that of a child who had been given candy. "Savior, what happened here?"

Alice glanced around, her gaze cold, before responding in an even tone, "It seems your shopping mall now employs people who judge by appearances and treat guests with disrespect."

The manager, known as Jim, immediately pieced the situation together. His eyes hardened as they fell upon the sales assistant, who had been insisting on throwing Alice out just moments earlier. Without hesitation, he turned to her. "You. Go to HR, collect your final paycheck for the hours you've worked this month, and leave. You're finished here."

The assistant's face paled. She stammered, then pleaded desperately, "Please, sir, it was a misunderstanding! I... I can apologize! Ms. Alice, I'm so sorry—"

But Alice's expression remained icy and unmoved. Her voice was as sharp as ice. "Perhaps if you'd spent more time treating people with decency, you wouldn't be in this situation. Don't waste my time with your apologies."

Crushed, the assistant's pleading expression twisted into one of anger, her humiliation spilling over as she glared at Alice with barely contained fury. Without another word, she stormed out, her pride shattered.

Meanwhile, Sherlin and John watched in amazement, struggling to comprehend how Alice had managed to turn the situation to her favor. Their astonishment grew as Alice addressed the manager with a cool command. "I'd like to request that these two people"—she pointed at Sherlin and John—"be blacklisted from this shopping mall."

Sherlin's jaw dropped. "You can't do that! We're distinguished guests here! This is absurd!"

John chimed in, his voice laced with indignation. "This is ridiculous. You have no authority to ban us."

But the manager merely gave a dismissive wave. "Your status means nothing here if you cannot act with basic courtesy. Security, please ensure these two are escorted out and added to the blacklist, effective immediately."

Sherlin and John's faces flushed with anger, but before they could protest further, two security guards appeared and began guiding them toward the exit.

Ignoring the commotion, Alice turned back to the manager and handed him a sleek black membership card. The crowd gasped softly; the black card was rare, owned only by three top patrons who belonged to the highest echelon of the Pinnacle Society.

"I'd prefer to shop in the VIP private section," Alice said calmly, her expression unreadable.

Jim nodded with deep respect and a broad smile, not even needing the card as proof of her status. "Of course, Sis. I was going to take you there already. Allow me to personally escort you to the private section."

As they began walking, Jim's expression softened slightly. He glanced at her with gratitude. "I'll never forget what you did for me, Sis, saving my life that night when those men came after me. This is the least I can do."

Alice had once saved Jim abroad when he was being pursued by assassins. Seeing him as a young, pretty boy in danger, Alice couldn't let him die and easily fought off the attackers. Jim, watching her fend off dozens of assassins with ease, had admired her from that moment on and had since regarded her as his savior.

Alice nodded faintly, acknowledging his words, though her cold demeanor remained as she stepped with her daughter into the exclusive VIP section, leaving the stunned onlookers behind.

Here's a refined version of your scene:

---

The VIP section of the shopping center exuded an aura of opulence and exclusivity, nestled in a dim, secluded corner where the quiet hum of low voices mingled with the occasional clink of glasses. Jermin leaned back against the dark leather of his booth, a thin line of smoke curling from his cigarette. He carried an air of ruthless elegance and arrogance, his cold, calculative gaze fixed on the scene unfolding outside.

He'd been watching Alice hold her ground with her signature poise, facing down the confrontation in the shopping mall. His gaze narrowed, taking in every subtle detail of her composure.

Across from him, Lucas observed with a slight smile. "She's quite impressive, don't you think? The woman knows how to handle herself."

Jermin exhaled, flicking ash from his cigarette with an expression of disdain. "Don't let a pretty face fool you, Lucas," he said coolly. "A woman like her learns those tricks only when she's had to rely on men to claw her way up."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "I'm not so sure. She brushed me off at the gala—didn't seem like the kind who clings to a man's arm. In fact, she felt… different."

Jermin didn't respond, though his thoughts drifted back to the moment he'd noticed her. One question lingered: How had she gained access to the VIP section? The black membership card she held was exceedingly rare, reserved for only three top patrons of the Pinnacle Network. He was one of those members, but the identities of the others were as secretive as the network itself.

Frowning, he dismissed the thought, assuming she must have acquired the card through some high-ranking connection—perhaps a man willing to grant her access in exchange for her attention. The idea hardened his gaze, yet as he continued watching her, a strange unease settled at the back of his mind.

Just then, Alice entered the VIP section, escorted by the manager. Her gaze scanned the area before landing, briefly, on Jermin's corner. She quickly looked away, her expression unreadable. A quiet thought crossed her mind: why did this man always seem to be wherever she went? She noted to herself that avoiding any interaction with someone as dangerous as him would be wise.

Alice took a seat, and a group of attendants promptly began presenting her with various high-end dresses and accessories. She only selected a few items with a discerning eye, her presence commanding respect as she made her choices. After what seemed like an eternity, she was finally finished. Alice gave her daughter a reassuring pat and exchanged quiet words with the manager, who gestured towards another area requiring her attention.

Glancing down, Alice spoke to Emily in a gentle but firm tone. "Stay here for a moment, alright? I'll be back soon."

With her mother momentarily occupied, young Emily's eyes drifted around the VIP section until they settled on Jermin. Gathering her courage, she approached him quietly, her small voice breaking the stillness as she looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"Daddy," she whispered, a note of pain and longing in her tone. "Why did you leave Mommy? Do you know how hard it's been for her… for us?"