Store Clerk Kicks Older Lady in Ragged Clothes Out, She Returns in Owner’s Car – Story of the Day

"You're not allowed to touch the clothes with your dirty hands!" an arrogant fashion boutique clerk insults an older woman dressed in rags and kicks her out. An hour later, the clerk terribly regrets it when the same older lady returns in the owner's SUV.

Enchanté Boutique, a renowned high-end fashion store selling expensive shoes and designer fashion labels, was having a busy day in the heart of the bustling town square.

Its sleek glass doors swung open, inviting the elite of the city's fashion connoisseurs. Young women, teenagers, children, and gentlemen were shopping along the aisles here, which was such a pleasant sight on a busy Saturday morning.

The boutique was a haven for the city's most discerning clientele, and Hailey, its young and ambitious clerk who was known for taking immense pride in her job, pouted her lips before heading to the rack displaying the latest limited-edition shoes…

"Geez, look at what just came in!" a sense of pride washed over her as she turned to the sales assistant, Simon.

"...the limited edition Gianvito Rossi! These are gorgeous, aren't they? Oh, how I wish I could buy a pair for myself!"

"They look amazing, Miss Jones!"

"I bet they do...commission on these is going to be crazy. Whoever is going to buy these pumps is definitely lucky coz we have just one pair left, and there are no restocks until fall!" Hailey smiled and approached the register after putting back the designer footwear on display.

She stood behind the polished marble counter, her French-manicured fingers tapping on the surface as she surveyed the well-dressed shoppers browsing the aisle of dresses and shoes.

It was such a feast to the eyes just to stand there and watch all those happy customers. It turned out to be just the perfect day Hailey had wanted.

Enchanté Boutique was bustling with customers on that particular day of the holiday season, and more shoppers meant more turnover for the quarter.

Hailey was so delighted as she anticipated a hike before the next quarter, and for that, she knew she needed to keep customers coming in and outshine the business to impress her Boss.

In her five years of service as a clerk here, Hailey was known for her unwavering, no-nonsense attitude towards customers. Inspired by several leading fashion icons, she was striving to make a name for herself in the fashion world.

Hailey believed maintaining an air of professionalism and class is crucial to the success of the business, and she was ready to give it her all to keep the store bustling all the time.

However, as the autumn sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows on that particular morning, an unsettling sight drew Hailey's attention—A hunched figure draped in shabby clothes and clutching a worn brown leather bag entered the luxurious boutique.

"Excuse me, can I take a look at a party gown for my—" the woman trotted in and exclaimed, gaping in awe as soon as her gaze fell on the pair of limited-edition pumps on display.

"Those are the new Gianvito Rossi, right? I had always wanted such lovely footwear. Can I try them on?"

Simon, who was arranging the new stocks at that time, smiled and welcomed the woman warmly. "Sure, please take a seat, Ma'am. I'll help you try them on."

"Oh, that's great. Thank you, young man. Can I please get a size seven?" the older lady said, her gaze fixed on the dazzling pair of pumps.

"If you don't mind, can you please get me nylon socks so I can try these heels on? My feet are a bit wet."

"Sure. I'll be right back," Simon replied.

Meanwhile, Hailey's finely arched brows twitched in disbelief as she glanced at the older woman from top to toe.

She had seen a fair share of eccentric shoppers at this store before, but this woman looked quite different and 'not the kind of customer' any store this kind would want to have.

'Misfit and dirty' are the words that rushed into Hailey's mind. She pulled a face in disgust.

Hailey looked around and noticed all the other shoppers. They were busy looking for designer clothes in the aisles.

She was glad nobody noticed the poor-looking older woman and decided to send her away before anybody saw her and harbored awkward impressions about the classy store.

Meanwhile, the older woman was drawn to another pair of shoes and wanted to try them as well.

"Excuse me, young man, can I also look at those white pumps as well? They look lovely!

…They would go perfectly well with the new dress I'm looking for! But I like the ones I saw earlier better. They would go with just any dress! I still want to try both of them!" the older lady enthusiastically looked up at the sales assistant, her feeble fingers ready to feel the satin-smooth footwear and try it on.

"Sure, Ma'am!"

The lady's unkempt appearance clashed violently with the boutique's grand ambiance. Hailey couldn't help but wonder if the woman had wandered into the luxurious store by mistake.

Or perhaps she was just here to take advantage of the cool air-conditioning and complimentary beverages on a scorching morning, pretending to be a shopper.

No matter what, Enchanté Boutique never entertained or tolerated the presence of tramps walking into the store. It would tarnish the reputation of the opulent outlet, wouldn't it? What would the elite, affluent shoppers think? That Enchanté Boutique opens its doors to just ANYONE? No way! Hailey wondered.

She was ready to go to any extent to preserve the prestige of the boutique and decided the poor-looking older lady in rags didn't belong there.

So, without hesitation, Hailey stormed to the woman, her stilettos clicking on the marble floor.

"Wait a minute, Simon, I'll take it from here," she instructed the sales associate. "Please assist our esteemed customers in the dress section."

"Alright, Miss Jones! She wanted to try on these heels."

"I said I'll take care of it. Leave…now."

Simon was quite taken aback. He nodded and turned around, leaving the spot as instructed. He had barely taken a few steps when Hailey called out to him again.

"One second, I don't think there's a need for you to bring any nylon socks for such customers without confirming if they are really going to buy anything at all here," Hailey said as she stared at the older woman from head to toe.

"I don't think she's gonna buy these expensive shoes."

Hailey's remark quite disheartened the older woman.

But before she could process what she'd just heard, Hailey turned to her and started questioning.

"Excuse me, Ma'am...Can I help you? You can't just waltz in here like that and bark orders at us," Hailey blurted in an impolite tone.

"I was not barking orders, young lady! I just wanted to buy those shoes," the older woman pointed at the footwear display, almost on the verge of touching the designer pumps again.

Hailey smirked before intently staring at her with disgust and disbelief. "No, don't touch the shoes. That's a $1,200 pair of heels. But by looking at you…"

Hailey stared unkindly at the older woman and then at the old purse she held, "...I think it might be a little bit out of your budget…

…plus, we have only size seven left! And I don't think size seven will fit you well."

The lady looked up with a fragile smile and nodded.

"Oh, dear…I came here to buy something nice to wear. My son and his wife are throwing a baby shower this weekend for their newborn!" the older lady smiled, almost trying to ignore Hailey's harsh words.

"I'd like to buy these shoes to go with my new dress. They look amazing. My shoe size is indeed seven!"

Hailey was clearly not in the mood to listen any further or let the woman stand there even for a minute.

"Everything's expensive here, lady. Are you sure you are in the right place? Coz I don't think so…Moreover, I don't think these shoes would fit your flat feet. You say your shoe size is seven. But this footwear looks quite big, and I don't think it'll fit you well…

…So why don't you just go to another shop? Plenty of shops have annual clearance sales for people like you."

The older woman's smile thinned, and disbelief filled her eyes as she watched Hailey looking at her with disgust. Yet, she maintained her calm and insisted on shopping there.

"Oh, well, seven is actually my shoe size, Miss," she said. "I don't think it should be a problem. Could I try these shoes on?"

Hailey snorted as she rubbed her nose in disgust. She couldn't tolerate the older woman's sweaty body odor or her stubbornness to leave.

"Seriously? Am I supposed to believe you've come to shop? Look, I'm not trying to be the rude one here…

…But I think you're really wasting my time. Why don't you just go to the thrift store at the end of the street? I'm sure you'd find what you're looking for there…within your budget. I can't afford to ruin these shoes by letting you try them on. Besides, you're too old to wear these heels! You sure you can walk around in them?!"

The older woman's face contorted with shock. She clutched her purse tightly and looked around the busy store. As far as her eyes could see, the store was bustling with happy customers.

"Why is there something wrong, young lady?" she raised a brow and looked up at Hailey.

"I'd appreciate it if you could be a little kinder. I'm sure this is not something you'd normally tell any of your customers. So why are you treating me differently? Is it because of my dress or appearance?"

"Excuse me, Ma'am, I don't have the time to answer all your stupid questions. I'd like you to—"

Hailey paused and immediately put on a smile when a wealthy couple entered the store.

"Welcome to Enchanté Boutique, Sir…Ma'am..." She greeted the new customers warmly while ignoring the older woman, making her wait.

Hailey watched the family halt at an aisle nearby and decided not to make a scene in front of them and attract unwanted attention by shouting at the older woman.

However, she could not stand the sight of the lady and wanted her out by all means. But Hailey knew that was quite impossible as the woman wouldn't budge without shopping for her dress.

Feigning politeness, Hailey then turned to the woman. Deep inside, she knew that if she kept insulting the woman, she would give up at some point and leave the store on her own.

"Okay, so what are you looking for? We have Louis Vuitton…Givenchy…Chanel and more famous and expensive brands. If you think there are cheap dresses under $500, like the one you're wearing, then you're absolutely mistaken! All our designer labels are $3,000 and beyond. You still wanna look?"

Hailey thought this would intimidate the woman, but she was wrong.

"Yes, I'm looking for a party gown...and a floral scarf," the older lady replied with a confident grin.

Hailey studied the woman's appearance all over again and almost let out a mocking laugh. "A party gown for you? Well, I'm afraid…my guesses are that all our dresses are pretty lengthy for you. You're quite short. And we don't alter the hems."

"Oh, don't worry about that, young lady. That's why I'm looking for heels as well. That's what heels are also for, am I right? To uplift short people! And I want a nice warm scarf...with floral prints to compliment my dress. Can you help me find them? I'd appreciate a little help!"

Hailey glanced down at the old leather bag the woman was fidgeting with and furrowed her brow. Despite her initial inclination to let the woman browse through the dresses, her mood changed.

Christ, look at her purse! I bet she has no money in it. There's no way this woman can afford anything from this store…and she's only here to waste my time, she smirked.

Hailey's patience started wearing thin when she looked around and saw more affluent customers flocking to the store.

What if they noticed a shabby older lady in the store? What would it do to the boutique's hard-earned reputation? What will customers think?

That's it.

Hailey was unwilling to accommodate the older woman anymore and decided to kick her out.

"I'm sorry...but I don't think this is the right store for you. You should probably leave. I'm afraid we don't have what you're looking for...I know a good store. It's at the end of the street. They sell affordable clothes there. So why don't you try your luck there?" Hailey said.

Her reply caught the woman off guard.

"You don't have what I'm looking for? But how can that be, young lady? I see so many dresses on display here. And I even found the shoes I wanted."

"Don't you understand if I tell you once, lady?" Hailey towered over the woman and scoffed, angrily pointing her finger.

"The footwear you want is from a limited edition collection. We can't afford to have it ruined by letting you try it on…Just look at your dirty feet! And I don't think our store has the clothes you're looking for. The ones you want are sold out. So kindly leave."

However, she was soon interrupted by a rich customer approaching her with a dress.

"Hey, there! Can I get one size smaller? I love this dress…and I want beige pumps to go with it!" the lady asked Hailey.

Her gaze then shifted to the older woman beside Hailey, and she frowned. That stare was anything but kind.

Hailey clearly understood the older woman was making the ambiance uncomfortable for all shoppers with her 'annoying' presence and 'dirty' appearance.

She was furious and couldn't stand the sight of the older lady anymore.

"Of course, let me help you, Ma'am," Hailey replied, following the customer.

But before doing so, she turned to the older woman.

"We don't have the dress you're looking for...and I'm afraid we can't sell the shoes to you. So, please leave," she told the older woman and stepped away for a few minutes.

Hailey thought the woman would get the message through, understand she was being a 'nuisance,' and leave the store.

Just as Hailey left to attend to the other customer, Simon returned to the footwear section, where the older woman was stranded all alone.

"Excuse me, Ma'am, did you get what you were looking for?" he asked.

"I'm afraid not, young man," the older woman replied. "I wanted to try the shoes on…but she wouldn't allow me to try them on…I want to buy a gown for my grandchild's baby shower. But it seems the dress I wanted is sold out…

…never mind, I think this store isn't for people like me."

Simon sighed and knew Hailey would be mad, but she was not in sight. So he decided to quickly let the older woman try the pair of pumps on and see if she still wanted to buy them.

To Simon's horror, Hailey returned just in time and caught sight of the older lady trying to slip on her feet into the costly heels.

Hailey was seething. She knew that once these expensive shoes were destroyed, no restocks would be available until next fall.

Without a moment of thought, she stormed to the older woman and exploded.

"Stop, what are you doing? Get your smelly feet off the shoes, you crone!"

"I was just trying them on."

"Who allowed you to do it, lady?" Hailey fumed, her gaze shifting to Simon. She grabbed his arm to the side and whispered.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? Why did you let her try those shoes on? She obviously can't afford them…can't you see? Just look at her…

…At what angle does she look like a millionaire to you? Glad I stopped her from slipping her stinky feet into the expensive footwear."

Simon raised a brow.

"Well, Ma'am, sometimes appearances can be deceiving. We shouldn't be so quick to judge someone based on their appearance. All she wanted was just to try them on. Maybe she really wants to buy them."

"Look, I know our customers well, okay?" Hailey seethed. "I know who buys and who doesn't. Don't you see her? She's just going to try them on, only to walk away with the satisfaction of having tried on expensive designer footwear far from her reach…

…People like her…they never get to touch or wear such expensive things. Maybe she was just trying for a chance! Look, we can't afford to get those limited-edition shoes ruined. Her feet are so dirty. And she looks disgusting. Take the shoes from her right now, or if anything happens to the footwear, you're answerable to the manager."

"Fine, you know what? Guess I'll have to do it myself," Hailey fumed and stormed to the woman.

"Hey, do you mind putting those shoes back? I need to keep them clean and sparkling for the next customer. Don't touch anything here, alright? You're not allowed to touch things here."

"Thanks!" Hailey grabbed the footwear from the older lady and put them back on the display.

This time, she made sure to put the pumps on a higher rack, so the lady wouldn't be able to reach out to them again.

"You may leave the store now, Ma'am," she said, dusting her hands. But to her shock, the older lady insisted on shopping for at least the dress and scarf.

"Listen, I told you we don't have what you're looking for, so please—"

Before Hailey could finish, her phone buzzed in her coat pocket. It was an important call she had to take, so she moved away for a moment.

"I'm sorry about that," Simon approached the older woman. "There are some clothes we just got in that you might like…would you like to see them?"

Although Simon knew Hailey wanted the older woman out, he thought it was unfair to treat a customer so poorly and decided to give her a chance to at least shop for her dress.

"Yes, that would be lovely, young man, thank you," the lady smiled.

"That's great, Ma'am, follow me. So what kind of dress are you looking for? Silk? Satin? We also have lace and velvet…and there's chiffon."

The older woman nodded with a gentle smile flickering on her face.

As she followed Simon to the clothing section, she looked up at him. "You know, this store needs nice people like you."

Simon smiled. "Thank you. I just try to treat everyone the same, no matter what…" he said, only to pause as soon as Hailey stormed back to the aisle.

She was shocked to see the older lady still there in the shop, browsing through the dresses neatly hung on the racks. Hailey was furious when she saw Simon assisting the woman.

"WAIT! What do you think you're doing, lady?" Hailey angrily snatched a designer outfit from the older woman's hands.

"What did I tell you? Are you out of your mind? She's not allowed in our store. Just send her away," she took Simon aside and barked.

"How could you allow that dirty woman to touch the dresses? What if she ruined them?"

"Mrs. Jones, she hasn't dirtied anything at all. All she wanted was a party gown and a scarf, and that's why I brought her here. She's just like all our other customers. We need to be kind to her."

"I'll deal with you later," Hailey scowled at Simon and stormed back to the woman. "Hey, lady, get your dirty hands off that dress. You're not allowed to touch the clothes. Give it to me."

"Oh, why? I was just checking the fabric," the woman disappointedly said.

"Didn't you hear me out, lady? Are you deaf? You're not allowed to touch the clothes with your dirty hands! You'll end up ruining the fine fabric. Just look at your oily hands. Step away from the rack."

Hailey grabbed the dress from the older woman and put it back on the hanger.

"Miss Jones, I think you're being unnecessarily rude to her," Simon muttered to Hailey.

"Why don't we just let her shop for her dress? Maybe she'll buy what she wants and leave the store."

"Don't pass orders to me, Simon," Hailey hissed before turning to the older woman.

"Oh, dear...I'm so sorry. I was waiting for you...or anyone at all...to show me around. But you didn't show up. I'm glad this young man came to my rescue. He told me I could look for the dress. I like this outfit. May I know where the trial room is? I want to try this dress on and see if it fits well."

Hailey's patience wore out. "I asked you to leave, didn't I? I'm glad your greasy hands didn't ruin the fabric. Do you want to ruin this costly gown by trying it on?

…I can't allow that, lady. What if you don't fit in it? It'll go to waste. And nobody will buy it coz it'll start stinking of your body odor. Why do you smell like a rotten egg? When was the last time you showered?"

"Christ, what?" The older lady bulged her eyes in shock.

"Leave the store right now. And you…" Hailey yelled at Simon. "I'll make sure you're fired once the Boss gets to know what you've done."

Simon sighed and walked away.

Hailey rolled her eyes and waited for the woman to leave.

A smile lit up her face when she saw more customers approaching her. She walked away to tend to them, only to feel a sharp tap on her shoulder five minutes later.

"Haven't you left yet? God, I can't believe this…What are you still doing in the store?" Hailey scowled when she saw the older woman standing behind her.

"I'm sorry for bothering you again, young lady...Can I get a size bigger for that purple dress I wanted to try?" the lady said, pointing at a purple gown on the display.

"The thing is, I really love that dress, and I don't think I have the time to look for a replica in another store. The baby shower is in two days, and I need to buy my dress before that. So, can I please try it on?"

"You want to buy that gown? Do you even know how much it costs? It's a designer piece...How many times do I have to tell you everything here is expensive? Things people like you can't ever afford…

…Do you have that kind of money to buy that dress, lady? I don't think so. So why don't you just go to some thrift store and get some cheap dress to wrap around that fragile body instead of wasting my time?"

"What? That's not the kindest thing to say to an elderly person, young lady," the older woman said. "I expected polite service from this store…guess I was wrong."

The shocked older woman disappointedly turned around and walked away.

Hailey thought she'd finally gotten rid of the woman and busied herself with tending to the other shoppers when her assistant came running to her moments later.

"Miss Jones...you should see this...please, come with me. It's...it's the old lady...You won't believe what she has done!"

"What happened? I thought she left the store?" Hailey gasped as she hurried behind her assistant all the way to the trial room.

Hailey's eyes bulged in shock, and she exploded when she saw the older lady step out in a designer purple gown.

"Oh my God...what did you do?" Hailey yelled at her. The older woman was wearing the costly purple gown, the only designer piece left.

Although she wanted one size bigger, the one she was wearing seemed to fit her well and she was so happy.

"Simon, what the hell? Did you allow her to try the dress on?"

"No, Miss Jones. I was in the stockroom," Simon rushed to the scene. He was equally stunned at seeing the older woman in the new dress.

"Lady, who asked you to try the dress on?" Hailey barked.

"God, what will it take for you to understand that this store isn't for people like you? You ruined that expensive gown by putting it on your smelly body."

"Miss Jones, I'm sorry for interrupting. But I think you're going a bit overboard with her. She told us she wanted to buy that dress…so why don't we just ask her to buy it instead of shouting at her?"

The older woman overheard them and interrupted before Hailey could ridicule her any further.

"I thought customers had the liberty of trying the dress on before buying them," the older woman replied as she held the ruffled hem, running her fingers through the shimmery fabric.

"This dress fits me perfectly! What's the big deal if I try it on, young lady? Don't customers in your store try the outfits they want to buy?"

"You disgusting old crone! Who said YOU could try it on? You ruined the beautiful dress. Get back into your rags and OUT from here!"

Hailey shouted at the woman as the other shoppers flocked around to witness the chaos.

"OMG, is that Gucci she's wearing?" a customer whispered.

"Yeah, heard it was the only piece left. And she ruined that lovely evening dress by wearing it," added another.

The rumble of whispers angered Hailey.

Now, nobody would want to buy that dress, let alone try it on, she thought.

Five minutes later, the older woman emerged from the trial room.

"Give the dress to me?" Hailey grabbed the dress from her hands.

She turned to a sales associate and instructed her to take the dress to the register.

"Don't mix it with the other clothes. We can't afford to let them all stink," Hailey said as the associate took the purple gown away.

"Do you have any idea what you did, lady? Nobody will buy that gown. How could you do such a stupid thing by trying it on?" Hailey barked.

"You ruined that dress...it'll start stinking of your body odor. And now you'll have to buy it. You better keep your wallet ready, lady…coz you'd have to spend your lifetime's worth earnings on this dress."

Hailey angrily escorted the woman to the checkout and asked her to pay the bill.

"$3,500!" she said, extending her hand. "Cash or card? Can you make it quick?"

The older lady was so happy about buying the dress until she heard Hailey mention the price. Disappointment washed over her like a tidal wave.

"$3,500? Oh dear...that's so costly...I don't have that kind of money."

"You can't afford it? You should've thought about that before slipping your dirty, disheveled body into that dress! Didn't you check the price tag before trying the dress on, lady? Look, I don't have time to waste here. Hurry up…pay the money and leave with the dress."

"Alright, I'll buy it…"

The older woman rummaged through her bag and pulled out some money. She placed the cash on the counter and began counting.

"Nine hundred…one thousand…that would be one thousand five hundred," she mumbled as Hailey rolled her eyes and frowned.

However, the money wasn't enough. The older woman still needed to pay $2,000 more. She handed her card, but it declined.

At this point, Hailey was boiling with rage.

"Great, now what?"

"I'm sorry, dear. I don't think I can afford this dress," the older woman disappointedly said, hoping Hailey would understand her situation.

"What do you mean you can't afford it? You should've known earlier. Now it's too late. And I don't think anybody would want to buy this smelly dress again. By the way, who is giving you a choice? I don't care what you do, lady. Pay the money and get out with this dress."

The older woman paid the $1,500 she had.

"You have to pay $2,000 more, lady. Pay the balance and then take the dress. Quit wasting my time," Hailey slammed her hand on the table and stared annoyingly at the woman before tucking the dress in a packet and shoving it into the rack behind her.

"People like you need to think twice before entering expensive stores…how could you even walk into a luxurious boutique when you're clearly unable to afford anything?

…NOW GET OUT! Come back with the balance, pay it, and take the dress. And never show up here again. You'll not get this dress until you pay the remaining money. Let me remind you that we'll throw the dress away if you don't show up in two days...

...NOW OUT!"

Having endured enough of those insults, the older lady decided it was time Hailey learned to respect her elders and customers from all walks of life.

"Stop, right there. This is not how you talk to your elders, young lady!" the older woman snapped at Hailey.

"You're paid to serve all your customers equally regardless of their background or appearance...not look down upon them or ignore them."

"Oh, that's enough!" Hailey waved her hand in dismissal before the woman could finish.

"Stop schooling me. I don't have the time to listen to your nonsense. Get out. And don't forget to pay the remaining money and take your goddamn dress. Or we'll have to throw it…

…Security? Take this woman away."

"I can go out on my own. Young lady, it's time you opened your eyes and learned to respect people," the older woman turned around and stormed out of the boutique.

"...you're just about to regret the consequences of your actions!"

"Yeah, whatever!" Hailey shrugged it off and went about her business, guessing little that the older lady had meant everything she had said…and would come for her in ways Hailey could've never imagined.

"Miss Jones, I just got a call. Boss is on his way. He wants you to wait," the receptionist hurried to Hailey.

"Oh, really? What a surprise! I'm sure Boss would be impressed. Everything looks perfect!"

Hailey's heart fluttered with hope. She thought her Boss would hint at her upcoming salary hike and promotion.

Hailey looked around and took pride in the sight of all the wealthy customers in the store. Moreover, she was glad the 'dirty' older woman was gone.

An hour later, a black SUV pulled outside, and Mr. Thornton, the boutique's owner, hurried out and stormed into the store, his face red and eyes fierce.

"Hailey? What the hell did you do? How could you do this? Were you out of your mind or something? Christ, do you know who she is??" Mr. Thornton barked at Hailey at the counter.

She was stunned, not knowing what her Boss was talking about and who he was mentioning.

"Know who, Mr. Thornton? I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you're talking about."

"I'm talking about her," Mr. Thornton said, pointing to the older woman stepping out of his SUV.

Hailey's eyes bulged in horror when she recognized the woman. She was the same older lady she had kicked out of the store just an hour ago. But this time, she looked entirely different, and Hailey froze.

"Do you even have an idea who she is? She's Mrs. Larsen...the famous designer from Europe. I've been dying for an appointment with her...and you ruined everything in just a wink. How could you be such an idiot and treat her so poorly?"

"Wha-What? Mrs. Larsen? The fashion icon? Oh my God…Mr. Thornton, there's gotta be some mistake. I had no idea it was her. I swear."

Hailey gasped in horror as the older woman she had berated and kicked out just an hour ago entered in an elegant suit, donning well-groomed hair and a flawless grin. She was wearing expensive heels, musky perfume, and a diamond necklace.

"So, you there! Am I smelling nice now? Have I dressed elegantly to enter your luxurious boutique? Do I now meet the eligibility criteria to shop in your store?" Mrs. Larsen scoffed.

Nobody dared to talk.

A thick gust of anxiety settled upon Hailey as she hung her head in shame, her heart racing wildly.

"I'm shocked by the poor treatment I received here. By the way, is that how you treat customers? By how they look? Jesus…and for your kind information, the reason I looked so simple was because I just headed here straight from the salon…and I didn't have time to change."

Hailey was beyond shocked. She knew she had to talk now and started stuttering her apologies.

"I'm...I'm so sorry, Mrs. Larsen. I didn't know it was you...I'm really sorry...you could've told me it was you. I would've never behaved that way."

"Sorry? I'm extremely ashamed of how some people like you try getting away by just saying a simple 'sorry' after hurting...and insulting someone based on their appearance and status. But the trick is not going to work with me, young lady!"

Mrs. Larsen then pulled out her phone and asked someone to cancel a contract. "Yes, you heard me! Let's not waste our time with this boutique anymore...I'm sure we have other good options to look into! Yeah, cancel it."

Mrs. Larsen hung up and smiled as Mr. Thornton and Hailey turned pale with shock.

"I wanted to change before coming here from the salon. But then, I decided to stay in my dirty outfit and disguise myself as a poor woman to observe the true character and kind of service your store offered to people from underprivileged backgrounds. I'm so glad my plan worked. I found out the truth before collaborating with you!

...Mr. Thornton, it's quite disappointing to inform you that I no longer want to partner with your store for my charitable fashion project in New York aimed at helping underprivileged women. There's more news! I will make sure we don't partner with any of your outlets in the future."

"And you, young lady," Mrs. Larsen snapped at Hailey, slamming the $2,000 on the desk. "Here's the balance for the purple designer dress I tried on...one that you said would stink of my 'body odor!' Donate that dress to charity!"

"Mrs. Larsen...please reconsider your decision. Please...I apologize on behalf of my staff. Please don't do this. This fashion project is really important for us...."

But Mr. Thornton's pleas were dismissed. Mrs. Larsen put on her sunglasses and stormed out of the boutique, her heels clicking on the floor.

Just as she was about to exit the door, she turned around and glanced at Simon.

"Like I said, this store needs nice people like you, Simon. Mr. Thornton, you should be glad to have kind employees like Simon who know how to respect people…unlike some who only discriminate and mock customers based on appearance and background."

Saying no more, Mrs. Larsen hurried out of the store without glancing back.

Mr. Thornton and Hailey watched in disbelief as the renowned fashion icon and philanthropist got into her limo and disappeared into the thick evening traffic.

It was then that Mr. Thornton turned to Hailey.

That day, then and there, Hailey was fired from her prestigious job. Her pride and lack of respect for people from all walks of life cost her big, and she ended up losing her position to Simon.

As Enchanté Boutique's new clerk, Simon vowed to himself that he would be fair and respect customers equally, regardless of appearance and background.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

Amanda was a rich businesswoman whose patience wore thin when an older woman at her clothing store started to behave 'annoyingly.' Amanda insulted the lady and kicked her out of the store, guessing little she would regret it big time and cause irrecoverable damage to herself the very next day. Here's the full story.

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