The employees, trained to accommodate high-end customers with discretion, escorted them into the lounge.

Rita settled onto a velvet sofa, crossed her legs, and requested chilled mineral water and a handcrafted coffee. Gordon asked if someone could lower the air conditioning because the room felt too warm.

The staff politely obliged, and that small amount of special treatment was all Rita needed. Within minutes she acted as though the boutique belonged to her.

After her coffee, she walked out onto the sales floor and pointed at a locked display case. “I’d like to see those.” An associate carefully brought out three handbags in rare leather.

Rita examined each one at length beneath the lights, turning them slowly in her hands. She never once asked the price. She selected all three, then requested matching wallets.

When the associate suggested taking the items to the register, she waved it away. “I’m not done yet.”