The moment the store clerks confirmed that Dahlia’s mother no longer held an active VIP membership, their attitudes underwent an astonishing shift. Just minutes ago, they had practically tripped over themselves in eagerness to serve her, but now, the glimmer in their eyes was gone replaced by thin-lipped professionalism and cold indifference.One of them even rolled their eyes discreetly as they moved Dahlia’s shopping bags off the checkout counter without a word. Another whispered to a colleague and chuckled.Dahlia’s mother noticed the sudden chill in the air. Her chest rose and fell with rising embarrassment. But pride wouldn’t let her retreat so easily.At that moment she forced her lips into a tight, self-important smile and raised her chin. “This is all just a simple misunderstanding,” she said, voice brittle but loud. “Mr.Zachary will clear it up once I speak to him personally. That card he handed it to us himself. He must have had his reasons for this temporary mix-up.”Hearin