The assistant paused, visibly impressed. "He looks quite distinguished. Seems familiar, too."

Julie managed a courteous yet insincere smile. "He's recently returned from abroad. Life's been modest for him in Duefron."

This seemed to reassure the assistant, who perhaps felt that if Marcus was truly remarkable, he wouldn't opt for their modestly positioned brand for children's clothing. With this in mind, she presented some of the store's priciest items, including a pair of limited edition shoes retailing for over four hundred dollars.

Typically, Julie would steer clear of such extravagant purchases.

However, with Matthew's father present, she anticipated Marcus might indulge in a grand gesture of affluence.