Despite the loss of face and confusion over what had just transpired, Sophia didn't act rashly or create a scene. She was smarter than that, recognizing that dwelling on the encounter would only make things worse for both of them.
She sighed softly before reaching out to grab James's hand, gently tugging him away from the area. "Let's go."
James followed her lead silently, his earlier confidence visibly shaken as they walked through the mall corridors.
He could feel the lingering stares from people who had witnessed his attempted advice backfire. Only when they reached a quieter section where they were no longer the centre of attention did Sophia finally speak.
"You didn't need to do that, James. I picked you because you're intelligent. You're smarter than that guy will ever be, regardless of how much money he was throwing around back there."
