She looked at the box. Adrian followed her gaze.
“You told me both pairs were allocated.” Vanessa hesitated.
“One pair is on hold.” Serena waited.
“And the other?” Silence.
Vanessa finally said, “General inventory.” Adrian’s expression changed.
Serena nodded slowly. “So you could have sold it.” Vanessa looked down.
“Yes.” Serena continued, “Then explain why you didn’t.”
Vanessa said she had made a judgment call to protect limited stock. Serena asked what she had been protecting it from. No answer came.
“I also want to understand why you suggested a more accessible range.” Vanessa said she was trying to provide alternatives. Serena reminded her that no budget had ever been discussed.
“And why did you tell me rare pieces should go to customers who understand the brand?” Vanessa’s face reddened. “I meant established private clients.”
“You had no documented reason to treat me as ineligible.” Serena kept her voice even. “Then when I asked questions, you threatened security.”
Vanessa looked toward Adrian. “Ms. Blake, I sincerely apologize if my wording—” Serena raised one hand.
“Not yet.” Vanessa stopped.
“I’m not asking for an apology. I’m asking for facts.”
Adrian suggested moving into the back office. Serena agreed, then turned toward Tessa. “Come with us.”
Tessa froze. Vanessa immediately said, “She wasn’t involved.”
Serena looked at her. “Then she should have nothing to worry about.”
The office behind the sales floor was small and functional compared with the boutique. A desk, inventory cabinets, security monitors, staff lockers, and a row of product boxes lined one wall. Adrian closed the door.
Serena stayed standing. “What is the actual policy on limited footwear?”
Vanessa hesitated. Adrian answered instead. “A documented private-client appointment may hold an item up to twenty-four hours. Otherwise available inventory is available for sale.”
Serena looked toward Vanessa. “How many thirty-eights were documented?”
“One.” Vanessa’s voice was quieter.
“The other was general inventory?” “Yes.”
“So there was no policy reason to refuse me.” Vanessa did not answer.
Serena waited.
Finally Vanessa said, “I believed it had a better chance of going to a repeat client.” Serena asked why that mattered when an actual customer was standing in front of her with payment.
“Luxury retail depends on relationship management.” Serena nodded.
“When the policy supports it.” Vanessa became defensive.
“You cannot run a flagship store without judgment.” Serena agreed.
“Correct.” Then she asked, “What did you judge about me?”
Vanessa stared at the floor.
“I didn’t know you.” Serena replied, “You did not know the white woman who entered behind me either.”
Vanessa looked up.