---- Chapter 2 Seeing this, I scoffed in anger. Alas, Tom's mother was in the laundromat business after all. Even though she made my clothes seem completely worthless, she didn't fail to notice the brand labels when she rifled through them repeatedly. In total, the four items were worth at least 10 thousand dollars. She could still earn a tidy figure if she put them on the market secondhand. Seeing that I didn't respond, Tom's mother lifted her chin haughtily. "You know I'm right. There are only the two of us here, and my son has been running the laundromat here for ages now. Even if you spread the word around, let's see if the neighbors will choose to believe me, Tom's mom, or you. "T'm not trying to make life difficult for you either, but since you brought your clothes in, it doesn't make sense for you to walk out of here without getting them laundered. Just pay up like I asked you to, and we'll ---- wash your clothes as usual. I mean, look at the state of your clothes! We're the only ones who'd be willing to do your business even though it's at a loss for us." Her nonsense was giving me a headache. "Ma'am, on account of having done business with Tom for so long now, here's a reminder for you," I said. "The clothes you just took from me are worth enough for me to lodge a police report. If you return them to me now, I'll pretend like nothing ever happened." I pointed at the surveillance cameras in the store to put an end to any further threats from Tom's mother. Immediately, she scowled. She didn't expect me to confront her like that. "Hah! It's just a bunch of measly clothes. You think they're worth a fortune just because you say so? I bet you're just trying to trick me. You're a bad egg through and through. Once Tom gets home, I'll make sure he teaches you a proper lesson!" Tom's mother was clutching the bag of my clothes so ---- tightly that the veins on her scrawny hand were popping, but after much hesitation, she dumped the bag on the floor. I shot her a look of annoyance before thinking to myself, "Yeah, that's right. Tom should hurry back as soon as possible. If he still lets his mom run this store, then I'll terminate my membership and stop giving him my business." Just as I was about to pick up my clothes and leave, a familiar voice called out meekly, "Don't be mad, Cassandra. Grandma is just a bit hot-tempered sometimes. Don't worry. Once you're back, Dad will wash your clothes for you." I spotted Benjamin Payne, Tom's young son, standing outside the laundromat. He was looking at me with apologetic eyes. Tom's mother had been rather loud just now. Clearly, Benjamin heard what she said. I took my bag of clothes before ruffling Benjamin's hair assuringly. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!