The dazzling lights of Star Central Mall reflected off its glossy floors as the group of four walked into one of the most exclusive fashion outlets on the upper level. Inside, racks of high-end clothing lined the walls, displaying sleek tuxedos, sparkling gowns, and tastefully tailored outfits.
The moment they entered, a quiet murmur ran through the store. A couple of staff members exchanged knowing glances—Miles Sterling had arrived. Without fanfare, one of the senior store managers subtly nodded to the rest of the team.
They knew not to draw attention. No mention of "Mr. Sterling," no bills, no fuss. Everything would be handled discreetly—per his instructions.
"Let's start with you," Celina declared, holding up a shimmering emerald green dress against herself and looking into the mirror. "What do you think?" she asked, turning slightly to get a side view.
Miles leaned against a polished wooden wall, arms folded, watching her. "It's nice. Looks good with your eyes," he said plainly, but there was a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
Becky, holding a lilac cocktail dress, raised a brow. "That's it? Just 'nice'?"
Rose laughed. "Miles, we're shopping. You gotta show more enthusiasm."
"I didn't know I signed up for a fashion review," Miles said, smirking as he watched Celina try another one—this time a deep navy-blue gown with a high slit and backless design. She turned to him again.
"And this?"
Miles actually paused. His eyes scanned her from head to toe before he nodded slowly. "That one's... not bad at all."
Celina blushed slightly but huffed. "Still not good enough, huh? Alright, your turn."
She marched off and came back moments later with a few sets of men's outfits—black tuxedos, velvet jackets, designer formalwear in shades of grey, midnight blue, and maroon.
"Come on, Mr. Minimalist. Try these. You're not walking into Star Harbor's biggest charity event looking like you just stepped out of a lecture."
Miles sighed like a soldier going into battle. "Do I have to?"
"Yes," all three girls said in unison.
In the dressing room, Miles slipped into a dark charcoal three-piece suit with a silk-black tie. He stepped out, slightly adjusting the cuffs.
The moment he did, even Rose and Becky quieted.
"Okay… wow," Becky said.
"Damn," Rose muttered under her breath.
Celina tilted her head and gave a small, satisfied smile. "This one. You're wearing this tomorrow."
"I look like a stock photo for a luxury ad," Miles muttered, glancing in the mirror.
"And we love it," Celina replied, tapping his shoulder.
Meanwhile, the store staff moved quietly, professionally. They brought accessories, tailored sleeves, and offered suggestions—never intrusive, but attentive. There was no register beeping, no discussion of prices. When Becky asked jokingly, "Shouldn't we at least see the bill for all this?" the floor manager smiled gently.
"Don't worry. Everything's been taken care of."
"By who?" Rose asked.
The staff member just smiled again. "We just hope you all enjoy your evening tomorrow."
Celina shot a look at Miles, half suspicious, half impressed. But he simply adjusted his tie in the mirror, avoiding her gaze. "Let's get out of here before they make me try anything with glitter."
As they stepped out of the store with garment bags in hand, Celina bumped his shoulder lightly.
"You don't look like just some regular college guy, do you?"
Miles raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Depends who's asking."
Celina laughed. "I'm asking."
"Then yeah," he said with a grin, "just a regular guy with irregular friends."
The warm afternoon had gracefully melted into a cool, mellow evening. Star Central Mall shimmered under golden lights that reflected softly off marble floors and glass storefronts. The buzz of shoppers continued, but for Miles and the girls, time seemed to slow down into easy laughter and quiet moments.
They were now browsing through a cute boutique filled with toys, books, and candy, tucked away on the third floor. Miles wandered over to a corner shelf stacked with themed plushies and collectibles. His hand reached out and picked up a plush skull doll—black, with stitched white eyes and a slightly lopsided smile.
Celina came up behind him, blinking at the sight."Wait—what are you buying?" she asked, arms crossed with a teasing expression.
"A skull plushie," Miles said plainly.
Celina nearly facepalmed."Oh God. Can you even gift that to a girl? Hope is what—six?!"
Becky and Rose burst into laughter from behind a rack of pastel dresses.
"What?" Miles shrugged. "She likes scary stuff. She'll name it something like 'Skully the Slayer' and make it her bodyguard."
Celina sighed dramatically. "You need help. Step aside."
Taking over, Celina picked up a fluffy unicorn, a glow-in-the-dark fairy wand, and a box of strawberry-flavored candy rings."These. These say 'adorable little sister,' not 'traumatize me softly,'" she said, placing them gently in the basket.
Miles gave a helpless smile. "Alright, you win this round."
Meanwhile, Becky and Rose were going through scarves and accessories. Becky held up a glittering hair clip shaped like a star."How do I look?"Rose laughed. "Like you're about to host a teen pop awards show."
Their laughter echoed warmly through the space.
A little later, Miles stood alone near the entrance of the store, hands in his coat pockets, watching the girls at a distance as they debated over matching bracelets.
A man in his early forties approached him—well-dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, with combed-back silver-streaked hair and a respectful posture. His badge read " General Manager."
"Good evening, Mr. Sterling," the manager said with a slight bow. "I hope you're satisfied with today's visit. Is there anything I can assist you with?"
Miles glanced over and gave a calm nod."Everything's been great. Thank you. Just one thing—make sure all their purchases are delivered to their homes. Quietly. No fuss."
"Of course, sir," the manager replied, adjusting his tie.Miles reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek black card, handing it over without looking.
The manager took it carefully—but then paused."Sir, Miss Monica already called. She instructed us earlier. Everything has been taken care of."
Miles exhaled through his nose with a small smirk."Yeah. She tends to overdo things."
The manager chuckled, understanding the sentiment.Then, Miles added casually, "Also, give every employee here a thousand-dollar bonus this month. Quietly. No announcement. Just… give them a good day."
The manager froze. Eyes wide for just a second, then he regained composure—smiling with a soft sense of awe.
In that quiet moment, he realized—this wasn't just some wealthy young man flaunting riches. The calmness, the authority, the ease with which Miles gave without blinking—this was someone different. Someone who carried power with silence, not noise.
"Thank you, Mr. Sterling," he said sincerely."It's appreciated more than you know."
Miles gave a brief nod and turned back toward the others—who were now calling for him to "come judge their matching rings."
As the shopping spree wrapped up, the group exited through the grand main gate of Star Central Mall, the golden evening light casting a soft hue over the marble steps.
A line of neatly dressed staff members and floor supervisors stood at attention by the exit. As the group passed, they all bowed lightly and said in unison:"Thank you for visiting. Please come again!"
Rose whispered to Becky, "Wow, they're really extra with the hospitality today."
Becky smirked, "Right? Almost like royalty was here or something."
Miles just smiled to himself, walking quietly with his hands tucked in his coat pockets.
A sleek black SUV rolled up moments later, headlights blinking softly as it halted at the curb. The man stepped out and opened the door for them.
Everyone climbed in, their shopping bags were already sent home by staff.
"Let's go have dinner," Miles said casually as the door shut.
"Yes! But this time, we're paying," Celina insisted firmly from the passenger seat.
"Agreed," said Becky, as she and Rose chimed in.
Miles raised an eyebrow, grinning faintly."Okay, fine… At least you girls care about this poor man." He placed a dramatic hand over his heart, chuckling.
"Poor? You?" Rose rolled her eyes."You're literally driving a car that looks like it was built by NASA."
They all laughed.
As the car pulled out of the mall driveway, Miles asked,"Alright, tell me which way to go. I don't have any food spots in mind—I just arrived here last week."
Celina turned in her seat and pointed out the windshield, confidence in her voice."No problem. I know just the place. It's not fancy, but it's cozy and the food is amazing."
"Sounds good to me."
The car cruised down the glowing city streets, the sky above them deepening from amber to navy blue, the quiet hum of tires on the road blending with the occasional laughter in the car.
The car eased to a stop in front of a glowing establishment, its name carved into a smooth white marble arch in soft golden letters. Elegant but not loud, the restaurant stood at the corner of a serene street surrounded by trimmed hedges and warm garden lights. The air was cool, perfumed faintly by nearby jasmine shrubs.
Miles stepped out first and handed the keys to the valet, then looked at Celina with a smirk."Didn't you say it's not fancy?"
Celina grinned back, brushing her hair behind one ear."After buying half the mall for us, you thought we'd take you for street food?" she teased."Who do you think we are, Mr. Sterling?"
"Right," Becky added with a raised brow. "It's time you learn—we're not gold diggers."
"That's right," Rose chimed in, smirking as she linked arms with Becky."We're classy freeloaders."
Everyone laughed as they walked through the entrance.
The ambiance was warm and intimate, lit by overhead amber lanterns and vintage pendant lights. Polished dark wood floors reflected the glow. A quiet piano played in the distance. Rich leather seats lined the tables, and the scent of rosemary, garlic, and slow-roasted butter drifted through the air.
They were guided to a private dining room—small, elegant, with one wide window showing the garden courtyard and a quiet koi pond beyond. A single candle flickered in the center of the round table.
Menus were placed before them, and they began chatting, joking, and recommending dishes. Miles, surprisingly, didn't order coffee this time.
Meanwhile, at the Restaurant Gate
A sleek luxury car arrived. The door opened, and a sharp-eyed man in his mid-twenties stepped out—Ryan Vellin, son of a top industrialist from another city, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit.
By his side was his personal secretary, a woman in her early thirties, confident, clipboard in hand.
"According to reviews, this is one of the best restaurants in Star Harbor," she said."Fitting for your status at tomorrow's charity event, sir."
Ryan nodded without emotion."Get us a private room."
They stepped inside.
"I'm sorry, sir," the manager said, a little nervous."All private rooms are currently occupied."
Ryan frowned."Then just empty one. I don't care who's in it."
The manager hesitated."I'm afraid we can't do that, sir. Those guests arrived before you. It wouldn't be right—"
Ryan looked at his secretary.
Without a word, she pulled out a thick bundle of cash from her handbag and threw it on the front desk with a loud thud.
"Will this change what's right?" she said coldly.
The manager, new in town and not yet aware of who exactly sat in that private room, looked down at the cash—then reluctantly picked it up.
"Wait a moment, sir... I'll arrange something."
The group sat in comfortable conversation, laughing over Celina's misadventure with spicy ramen and Becky's failed online recipe attempt that "nearly blew up" her kitchen.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. The manager stepped inside with a hesitant expression.
"Excuse me, everyone," he said, voice tight."I'm very sorry but... this room was actually pre-booked by a VIP guest. I must ask you to vacate the room. I'll arrange another table for you immediately."
The room fell silent.
Miles, seated calmly with one arm resting over his chair, slowly looked up."You want us... to leave?"
The atmosphere shifted. Celina, Becky, and Rose looked at the manager in disbelief.Even the flickering candle seemed to freeze for a second.
Something about Miles's eyes told the manager... he had made a grave mistake.