Here is a polished, novel-styled rewrite of your scene with more emotion, tension, setting, and character presence. I kept your original storyline but enhanced flow, dialogue and atmosphere:
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✦ Rewritten Scene
Camilla's POV
The scent of frying eggs and fresh butter drifted into my room, pulling me from sleep.
Alex was never patient in the kitchen—burnt breakfasts were almost a tradition—so I rushed out, ready to rescue whatever was on fire.
But instead of Alex, I found Charlie arranging plates neatly on the dining table.
"Charlie?" I blinked, surprised. "What are you doing here this early?"
She bowed slightly, voice formal as always.
"Good morning, Miss Pierce. I've managed to secure our reservation at Aventus, but the competition confirmation email is delaying. I'm certain it will come in before the day ends."
Her hands moved fast, as if the tablecloth needed perfecting simply to avoid my question.
I smiled and handed her a small pack of cards.
"These are contacts—affluent personalities in Helmsville. Find ways for me to meet them. Also, I've registered you for an online class. Don't forget to join."
Her eyes widened in gratitude, though she tried to hide it with professionalism.
After breakfast, we headed straight out. The ride to Aventus took only a few minutes, but the sight of the building stole my breath away—a grand, palatial architecture, white pillars glimmering like something pulled straight from London streets.
Aventus wasn't just a fashion mall—it was where the wealthy shopped to prove they were wealthy, and entry only happened by confirmed reservation.
Since Alex would be leaving soon, I wanted to get him something memorable—designer pieces he'd cherish overseas.
Inside, fabrics shimmered under soft golden lights. My eyes caught a jacket—rare fur, leopard print—the exact one Alex once admired before the accident. Without thinking, I took it and added it to the clothes over my arm.
"Let's get going," I said, leading the way toward the counter.
But a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Hey, lady. Can you even pay for that jacket? And who gave you permission to be in this section?"
The attendant snatched the jacket from my hand so fast my breath hitched.
"Bring it back! Is that how you treat customers?" Charlie fired back, reaching for it again.
I raised a hand gently. Losing composure would only entertain them.
"With all due respect," I said calmly, stepping forward with a polite smile, "why don't you wait for me at the cashier? If I fail to pay, you may disgrace us as much as you wish. But right now, you're only creating a scene unnecessarily."
The attendant scoffed.
"We don't care if you pay or not. Someone else wants this jacket. The young mistress requested it."
I followed her gaze. A lady sat elegantly, legs crossed like she ruled the world. Her lips curled with entitlement.
"What's happening here?" the lady asked, voice dripping with arrogance.
"Miss Brittany," the attendant hurried to her side, "these two won't release the jacket. They are being stubborn."
Brittany stood, chin raised smugly.
"I want the jacket. Let it go, unless you wish to offend me."
Charlie hesitated—fear flickering in his eyes—but I tightened my grip and pulled the jacket back into my arms before she could surrender it.
"Listen, Brittany—or whatever you call yourself," I said steadily, "I picked this jacket first. You have no right to snatch it from me."
Her smile sharpened like a blade.
"I suppose we'll do this the hard way."
At her signal, three men in black suits appeared from the aisle, closing in silently like shadows.
Charlie looked at me, trembling.
"Miss Pierce… what should we do?"
"Call the manager," I said, unfazed. "Now."