The Dragon King's Heart

She could not believe what she heard. But regardless, it was something worth celebrating.

"For the customers who still want the piece, take down their names and address," Laina instructed. 

"What for, Miss Laina?" 

"To take down their orders of course. Tell everyone. If any customers want an item that is sold out, take down their names, addresses, and orders. We will make a new batch and have it delivered to them."

Laina also instructed them to make a down payment or full payment in advance. The sales assistant went off to do as Laina asked. With the problem solved, she sat back down to finish up her slice of cake. 

As she ate the final bite, Laina noticed someone entering the store. To her surprise, it was Lady Wilma. Laina greeted her in person and brought her further into the store. 

"Thank you so much for coming," Laina said as she lead her further into the store. 

The customers, who saw Lady Wilma, whispered amongst themselves. They were surprised to see the Mayor's wife in person at the store. 

"Thank you for your invitation. I had to move a few things around but I'm so glad I made it in time for the opening."

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As the sales floor was too crowded, Laina led Lady Wilma and her guests to one of the private rooms. Knowing what Wilma liked, Laina came prepared with a series of items she knew she would like. 

"How are the sales so far?" Wilma asked as she looked at the pieces Laina prepared for her. 

"So far it's been really great. We've even sold out on a few designs," Laina replied cheerily. 

Lady Wilma looked up in surprise, "Really? That's amazing!" 

Laina and Lady Wilma continued to converse about the pieces, as well as future plans for the shop. The former princess was grateful for Lady Wilma's advice. 

"I don't think it would have been this successful, if not for your keen eye, Lady Wilma," Laina praised. 

Wilma chuckled as she took a sip from her cup of tea, "You flatter me too much, Laina. You have to give yourself credit too."

Just then, a knock on the door cut their conversation. It was Margaret. From the look on her face, it was clear something had happened. Margaret glanced over to Lady Wilma, then back at Laina. 

She hurried into the room and walked over to Laina. She whispered into her ear what was happening outside. Laina leaped out of her chair immediately. Her initial smile faded away in the blink of an eye. 

Lady Wilma tried to catch what Margaret said to Laina. But she was not able to make sense of it. However, she did hear a name. A name she was very familiar with. 

"Did you say Jerome is here?" Lady Wilma asked bluntly. 

Margaret almost leaped out of her skin. She had hoped Lady Wilma did not hear what she had said. But here they were. Margaret turned to Laina, uncertain if she should tell Wilma the truth. 

Laina made the decision for her, "Yes, Jerome is here. It seems like he's here to cause a scene."

Lady Wilma bit her lip. She got up from her seat too. 

"I'll deal with him. He doesn't know I'm here but when he does..."

Laina stopped her. 

"Do not worry, Lady Wilma, I will take care of it. But I'll apologize in advance if I offend you with what I may do."

Lady Wilma shook her head, "No need to apologize. I can't thank you enough. But if it gets out of hand, you can count on me."

Laina nodded in acknowledgment. She excused herself from the room and went out with Margaret. As they re-entered the shopfront, Laina was surprised to find it mostly empty of customers. Laina scanned the space. She heaved a sigh of relief when she did not see Dante. 

If he was here, Jerome might not live to see the sunset. She would have a lot of explaining to do to Lady Wilma if that happened. 

"Where did Dante go?" Laina whispered to Margaret. 

"He went out to run an errand."

"Good... good..."

Jerome noticed Laina re-enter the sales floor. 

"Oh look who decided to finally join us," Jerome called out as he beckoned Laina to go over to him. 

Jerome had his usual lackeys with him. But that was not all. This time, he even had the police with him. Neil and the other children were rounded up. They stood before the police with worried looks on their faces. 

When they saw Laina emerge, they had a look of hope on their faces. Neil looked straight at her. In his hands was the title deed to the shophouse. He gripped onto it tightly. Laina straightened her back and dusted off her clothes as she walked over to greet them. 

"Is there anything I can help all of you with?" Laina asked as she came up to them. 

"You're Miss Laina?" one of the officers asked Laina sternly. 

"Yes I am."

The officer held up a piece of paper with an official wax seal from the Administration of Luzernia. Laina quickly understood what was happening. 

"The title deed I have here in my hand is the official deed for this shophouse building," the officer declared. 

One of the officers went over to Neil. He attempted to wrestle the title deed Neil was holding in his hands. But the boy refused to let go. Laina gritted her teeth. Without thinking, she moved forward and pulled the officer's hand away from Neil. 

"What do you think you're doing to Neil?!" Laina demanded sternly.

"The title deed in the boy's hand is a forged! These children do not own this shophouse and neither do you," Jerome gloated with the widest grin on his face. 

Laina paid him no attention at that moment. Hearing the pitch of his voice was enough to make her blood boil. Even Margaret was enraged by the way he spoke. Florin and Kol, who were watching from the corner had their weapons ready to be drawn. 

"We didn't forge it! That's a lie! This was given to us by the previous owner!" Neil exclaimed. 

"Liars lie! That's what you kids are good at! A bunch of trouble makers," Jerome rebutted. 

Laina could not believe the scene before her. She never expected Jerome to stoop this low. 

"Let me get this straight," Laina folded her arms as she tried to make sense of the situation, "You think the deed he has is fake. The one the officer here is holding is real so I do not have real ownership of this place.

Is that what you're gunning at?"