Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Valery..." The young girl was a bit at a loss.

"Why are you looking at me? Do you even know the procedures for financial verification? What if something goes wrong, and we let just any Tom, Dick, or Harry in here? Can you shoulder that responsibility?" "I... I sort of know the procedure. They covered it in training. If, after the verification, Ms. Cole's black card checks out, then the responsibility isn't on me..."

"Heh, haven't been on the job long, but you're a quick learner. Just a heads-up, though, working in our line of business requires a good eye. Knowing who our target clients are, who can afford it, and who can't, is essential; otherwise, it's just a waste of time."

The young girl said, "Thanks, Valery. But I'm still new, haven't made any sales yet. I'm in the learning phase, willing to observe and practice, not afraid of wasting time."

Finished speaking, she turned to Roseanne and said, "Ma'am, according to our standard procedure, we'll need to verify your card. If there are no issues, we can proceed to view the property."

Then she told Norris and Madge, "Please, have a seat over here. Have some coffee; it won't take long."

Norris waved his hands hurriedly, "Oh, no need, you're too kind."

His heart was racing. Anne was actually going through with this?

Once the card was checked, the gig would be up.

Better to bail now, right? A touch of embarrassment is better than a full-on drama, yeah?

Madge was calmer than Norris, at least on the surface. She sat down, deliberately taking a sip of her coffee.

Only... her hand was shaking as she held the cup.

"Right this way, ma'am"

"Okay." Roseanne nodded and followed into an office.

"Snicker all you want, let's see how long you can keep up this act! Some people never learn until they see the coffin..."

...

Ten minutes later-

The two emerged from the office.

"So? The card was a fake, right?" The woman was still waiting at the door, clearly determined to have it out with Roseanne.

However, they both ignored her as if she weren't there.

"Are you sure about this, ma'am?" The young girl looked anxiously at Roseanne.

"Yes."

"Maybe I should show you the actual location? It would give you a better sense of the place and the surroundings before you make a decision..." "No need, I've already seen the model inside."

"But..."

A model's nothing like the real thing, right?! We're talking about a property worth millions here!

"Look at this, still putting on a

show?" The woman burst out

laughing, "Odette, now you see what

the real world is like? Fresh on the

job and you've got so much to learn! Take today as a lesson, so you'll

know to keep your eyes peeled in the future."

Ugh!

"Valery, you might be misunderstanding something here," Odette was embarrassed for her.

"Misunderstanding what? Misunderstanding that someone's trying to punch above their weight, dragging you into this charade?"

As she spoke, her eyes kept darting to Roseanne.

"No, Valery, Ms. Cole's card-"

"I know, it's fake. Next time don't be so naive, someone flashes a black card, and you take it for real?"

Odette: "No, no, it's genuine!"

"Pfft- Are you out of your mind?" The woman rolled her eyes, her smile growing even brighter.

Odette was speechless. How do I make her believe?

"Ma'am, are you sure you don't want to think it over again?" Odette asked Roseanne once more.

"No need, let's sign the contract."

Even though the unit price here was higher than the current average in Pineholłow, its prime location, comprehensive amenities, and

turnkey finishing made a slight

premium totally reasonable.

Compared to Lumina City's prices, it was a steal.

Besides, Roseanne had done her

homework beforehand, familiarizing herself with every detail about the lakeside villas, from layouts and orientations to the hardware and software amenities.