Rich Girl Threw Money at a Shop Clerk—Then Her Billionaire Father Made Her Pick It Up

I want a full refund. I wore it for 20 minutes. The hem is dirty. There’s wine on the sleeve and the tag [music] was tied back on. Are you calling me a liar? [music] I’m saying the dress was worn. I can repair it, but I can’t refund it. She’s being fair. The dress was clearly worn. No one asked you.

 This place sells cheap clothes to women who count every [music] dollar. Hey, please don’t touch the other dresses. Or what? You’ll call [music] the police over some dresses? Then take the money, pick it up. People like you should [music] be grateful when someone pays attention to them.  That is enough.  Dad, why are you here?  I came to find an old dress.

Instead, I found you humiliating a woman at work. Pick up every bill.  I won’t.  Then you can walk home. You’ll pay for both dresses [music] and apologize to her and both customers.  [music]  I’m sorry. Please just leave the dress on the counter. Wait, is that Daniel [music] Witfor? It is.

 He owns the biggest department store in the city. [music] And that’s his daughter. She was throwing money at a shop clerk. He made her pick up every bill. Wow, what a spoiled rich girl.  Chloe, get the car. Wait, that pendant. Where did you get it?  My [music] mother left it to me.  What was her name?  Elena Riveras. I came to this street looking for Elena Rivera.

 Why are you looking for my mother?  Elena and I were close years ago. [music] I wrote to her, but every clutter came back.  You can come with me. [music] Pay the shop for the dress. That’s all I’ll take from you.  [music]  You should take more. This place clearly needs it. My mother kept this home with that machine.

 [music] I’m saving for a small shop. Elena dreamed of designing dresses long before she needed that machine. [music]  How would you know that? Her parents owned Revel. I worked in their stock room. Elena was the owner’s daughter. They said I was too poor for her. I left to build a life her family could not take away. You’re poor. You’ll never be good enough for our daughter.

[sighs] I’ll come back when I can give Elena a home. And she was supposed to wait  one year. I wrote every week. Every letter came back unopened.  Her diary says she wrote a letter to you. Her parents told her to give up the baby. When she refused, they threw her out. Daniel, I’m carrying your child.

 I chose you. Come back before my family sends me away. [snorts]  I never saw this. When I returned, her father said she had married a rich man and left.  My mother chose me. She lost her family, her home, and everything she had.  Where is Elena now?  [snorts]  She died three months ago. Before she died, she put this in my hand.

 [sighs and gasps]  I came back too late.  Dad, she could have planned this. She knows you are rich.  She didn’t find me. I recognize the pendant I gave Elena.  A photograph and old letters aren’t proof. Get a real test. I will. You’ll receive your own result. [sighs] [gasps] [panting] Mother, dad found a woman who may be Elena’s daughter.

So, this is the woman with an old photograph who hopes she belongs to our family.  My name is Sophie. Victoria, we’re here for the test.  I’m protecting you, Daniel. People target wealthy families every day. I agreed to the test. How do we know this clinic is trustworthy?  I arranged an independent clinic.

 No one in this room controls the result. I’m ready. Think carefully. A false claim could follow you for years. I understand that. If the result says she is my daughter, you will treat her with respect.  Darling, I’m only doing this to protect you and our family. If the test proves she isn’t your daughter, we all move forward peacefully.

 If Sophia is my daughter, she steps through those doors as my legitimate heir.  And where does that leave me? Don’t worry, sweetie. You were raised with manners. Some people simply never had that advantage.  Victoria, enough. We’re here for the test, not to judge Sophie.  Dad, stop listening to reason.

 We still don’t even know who she is. And you’re already talking about heirs.  The test will answer that.  Until then, she has absolutely no reason to come into our home. Sophie, you don’t have to come to the house before the result arrives.  All right,  the report is sealed. I wanted everyone here before I opened it.

 We can discuss this privately.  You question Sophie in front of everyone. She deserves the answer in front of everyone. Read it.  The test confirms a biological father and daughter relationship.  So it is true.  Elena once told me what she’d name our daughter.  What?  She said if we ever had a daughter, we should name her Sophia.

She said the name sounded strong and kind. She wanted both for you.  She never told me you knew my name.  I didn’t know, but she wanted me to. Sophie, you are my daughter.  I don’t know what to say.  May I hug you? All right.  I don’t know what this changes. We still lost 24 years.  I know.

 I’ll be here tomorrow if you let me.  We’ll see.  You’ll have a room here whenever you choose to use it.  I can stay for one night. That doesn’t mean I’m moving in. She might prefer familiar surroundings.  She also has a father who missed her entire childhood. I want to introduce you at the charity dinner next month.  I need time before I stand in front of strangers as your daughter.

 Take the time.  Welcome, Sophie. We’ll help you adjust. Thank you.  Blood got you through the door, sweetheart. It won’t teach you how to stay.  What did you say?  I said the house can feel overwhelming. Take Sophie’s bags to the storage room.  That room has no proper bed. Then bring one in.  Why are Sophie’s bags still in the hall?  Mrs. Whitmore.

 She wants me in the storage room.  You put my daughter in a storage room.  She needed time. I thought she’d prefer somewhere quiet.  Time doesn’t mean humiliation. Sophie will use the guest room.  Let me help.  All right. You just threw your used napkin onto Mr. Reed’s tray like he wasn’t even there.

 So what? They clear up after us? Have you never had servants before? How pathetic. He’s just doing his job. You don’t have to make it harder. Sophie, do we really need a lecture at lunch?  My mother always said even a simple thank you costs nothing.  Sophie is right.  I don’t need her teaching me manners.

Then you should know better. If you want it, there’s a place for you in the company.  What kind?  Brand consulting. Perhaps you understand clothes and the women buying them.  I’d rather start in one of your stores  on the sales floor. Yes. Same hours, same pay, same rules as anyone else. How sensible.

That should stop people from whispering about favoritism.  You don’t have to prove yourself, Sophie.  I’m not. I need to know what I can earn without your name.  Then start on the sales floor. Same rules as everyone else.  This dress makes me look twice my size. You fixed my skirt at the street shop.

 I hoped you could help me again. The cut is wrong for your shoulders. May I adjust it? Sale items don’t include free alterations. I know. I I already paid the alteration fee. I saved for months for my daughter’s wedding.  Then we’ll make this dress work. Show her the premium collection. She asked for a dress that fits, not a larger bill.

 Mr. Whitmore, Sophie can handle all the alterations from now on. Please let me finish as a regular employee.  All right, I’ll wait.  Raise your arms, please. The waist pulls because the shoulder [music] seam sits too low.  Can you fix it? Try it now.  The waist feels better. Look in the mirror. I look like myself again.

 I almost skipped the wedding because every fitting made me feel worse.  You should be thinking about your daughter, not fighting a dress all day. That is how a dress should feel.  I’ll take it. And the silk scarf she suggested. That silk scarf is from the lower price display. It matches the dress and her budget.  She solved the problem without making me feel ashamed.

 You could have started in the office.  Then I would have missed what happens on this floor.  What did you see? A woman ready to leave because everyone blamed her body.  What do you want to build?  Clothes for women who are tired of being told they are the problem.  That sounds like Elena. Your mother would be proud of you.

 You really think so?  I do. And I am too. May I sit?  You own the building.  I’m not asking as the owner.  Then sit. Every conversation we’ve had has been about your mother and everything I missed. I still know almost nothing about you.  What do you want to know?  Something small.

 What’s the first thing I should remember?  I really don’t like staff being treated this way.  I had already guessed that one.  And I don’t trust promises that are easy to make.  Then I won’t make a big one. Can I make a smaller promise?  What kind?  Lunch here tomorrow. Same time. No company talk and no questions about your mother.

 You’ll eat in the employee break room  if you’ll let me.  Then come tomorrow. Just don’t make me regret saying yes. That’s all I’m asking. There she is. Our new princess gets all this attention after one easy shift.  I asked for this job. Dad arranged the uniform and schedule. I approve the schedule, that’s all.  I only want fairness, Daniel.

 Let her manager decide if she’s really ready for this.  Sophie has to be treated like any other employee.  I’ll get back to work.  We’ll see how long that confidence lasts. He’s making room for her everywhere. If this keeps going, [music] your place in this family is next.  Then stop him before the dinner. Finish it. They’re coming.

The back seam is open. Everyone is waiting for the fitting. Open it, Sophie. The skirt is cut  and the back seam is split. Oh, Sophie, the bag was closed when it arrived. Maybe street shops teach people to blame everyone else. Wait, what are you going to do with it? I need to see what happened first. Sophie, don’t strain yourself before the fitting.

 My sewing box is right here. Give me 20 minutes. She taught me to save fabric before throwing it away. Mr. Reed, could you help me hold the skirt flat?  You’re changing the entire shape.  I’ll shorten the damaged side and use the extra fabric at the shoulder.  The back still needs support.

 I’ll add a hidden strip inside the back. It’ll hold without showing.  You understand construction?  My mother taught me from the time I could hold a needle.  That’s not a repair. It’s a new design.  It looks better than the original.  She only fixed one dress.  She made the dress serve the woman wearing it. That’s [music] the work.

 And she kept her head under pressure. Sophie is talented, but everyone’s still waiting.  Then let the dress answer for me.  I’m developing an affordable evening wear line. I want Sophie on the project. I only worry she’s not ready for professional pressure. I’ve worked with customers for years. I think I can handle it.

 Will you join the project?  Yes. The company approved the affordable evening wear project.  I want the prices printed clearly. No hidden alteration fees.  Agreed. The prices and alteration fees will be clear. You’ll lead fittings with the designer.  She has been here for a few weeks.  She earned the position.

 Khloe’s only worried about the family moving too quickly. Then I’ll make one thing clear. This was my mother’s. [sighs]  Sophie will wear it tomorrow for her formal introduction. Then it goes back in the family collection.  But I was supposed to wear it.  You wore it last year. Tomorrow is Sophie’s first dinner with us.

 And Khloe’s future. I’m dividing the inheritance equally between Sophie and Chloe.  So half of my future goes to a stranger. I’m your sister, Chloe. You can hate that, but I’m not a stranger.  Sophie isn’t taking anything from you. I’m making room for both my daughters.  Will you let me put it on you at the dinner?  Yes.

 Tomorrow night, I’ll introduce the designer you became before I ever found you.  That is the part of me I want them to meet. Victoria, keep it locked in the safe until the dinner. If she wears that necklace, the whole city will accept her.  Then she can’t wear the real one.  The fake goes back in the box.

 Hide the real necklace in Sophie’s handbag.  When they find it there, everyone will think she stole it.  Use the spare key. I will keep her away from the locker. The donors arrive in 40 minutes. Your project is blocking the jewelry display.  The designer approved this space.  These dresses may affect the family sapphire’s presentation.

 They’re affordable. That’s the point. Three donors have already agreed to fund this line. Women who can’t afford formal clothes.  Khloe’s having a hard time with the necklace. It has always meant a lot to her.  I didn’t know she cared about it that much.  She feels like everything changed the moment you came into this family.

I never wanted her to feel replaced. I still hope we can be sisters someday. Miss Chloe, are you looking for something?  My gloves. I thought someone left them here.  Here? I thought these lockers were assigned to the staff.  I must have mixed them up. Mr. Reid, take the finished dresses to the hall entrance.

 Of course, I’ll take them now.  Tonight, I’m introducing my daughter Sophie Rivera. [applause] This necklace belongs belong to Sophie’s grandmother. Tonight, she wears it as part of our family. Wait, this isn’t the necklace I put in that box.  What do you mean?  My mother’s necklace has a W inside the clasp. This one doesn’t.

 Then someone switched it backstage. Sophie was working beside the jewelry display. Sophie did have access to that area. So did half the staff. I never opened that box. Then check her handbag. She brought it out of the staff locker herself.  You seriously think I took it?  Chloe, enough.

 No one is accusing Sophie. Checking the bag would simply clear this up.  Fine. Look.  No, I I didn’t put that there.  Oh, Sophie. Nobody wanted this to be true. But we can’t ignore what everyone just saw.  You knew the mark, and it was inside your bag. What else are we supposed to think? I’m telling you the truth.

 That necklace was not in my bag when I locked my things away. You believe me, right?  Sophie, I really don’t know what happened.  That’s not what I asked.  I want to believe you, but need to understand why it was in your bag.  Then why can’t you say you do? Someone else put it there.  Daniel, the necklace was in her bag.

 We may have to call the police.  The necklace was in her bag. That’s the truth. I didn’t take it.  No police yet. We all go backstage together. No one leaves until I understand how this happened.  Fine. But you can’t make what they saw disappear.  I didn’t take it. I don’t know how else to say it. Sophie says the necklace wasn’t in her bag when she locked this locker.

 Who else came near it?  Backstage was busy. Anyone could have come through here.  Wait, that’s the locker Miss Khloe closed earlier.  You saw Chloe here.  Yes. She said she was looking for her gloves. I questioned her, but I didn’t know it was Sophie’s locker. Because I was looking for my gloves  inside Sophie’s locked locker.

 I thought someone had left them there.  She made a mistake, Daniel. Mr. Reed didn’t know whose locker it was.  That’s true. I only recognized it now because we’re standing in front of the same locker.  And now I know Chloe was inside Sophie’s locker.  Before the necklace appeared in Sophie’s bag.

 That still doesn’t prove Chloe put it there.  No, but it proves Sophie wasn’t the only person who could reach her bag.  You can finally say that now.  I should have said Ed more in the hall. I’m sorry.  Find the truth first. We can talk about us later.  Chloe, tell me why you were in her locker.  Daniel, stop frightening her. She already answered you.

 No, you answered for her. Chloe, tell me the truth.  I was looking for my gloves. That’s all.  Then you’ll say that in the hall. Sophie’s accused in front of everyone, so your answer will be heard there.  You are humiliating her.  No, Sophie was questioned in public. Chloe will answer in public, too.

Chloe, you were inside Sophie’s locker before the necklace was found in her bag. Tell everyone why.  I was looking for my gloves. Daniel, she already explained. Stop fright.  Sophie locked that locker before the dinner. Chloe, answer one question. How did you open a locker that wasn’t yours?  I I don’t remember.

 Victoria, stop answering for her. Mom, you said it would be safe. Stop talking.  What would be safe?  The plan. You said that Sophie would take everything if we let her wear the necklace.  You were the one who planted it.  Because you switched the nexes and told me to hide the real one there.

 Don’t blame me. You told me to. I was protecting Khloe. In a few weeks, you gave Sophie a job, half the inheritance, and chose her to wear our family necklace. I didn’t take Khloe’s place. You decided there could only be one daughter in this family. You said Dad would forget me once everyone accepted Sophie.  I never asked Khloe to disappear.

 You taught her that I could only love one daughter.  She was nothing until you found her. I had a mother, a home, and work I was proud of. I was never nothing.  Everyone heard the accusation. Hear the truth. Victoria switched the necklace. Chloe hid it in Sophie’s bag and Sophie stole nothing.  You treated me like I was guilty because I had less. Now everyone knows who lied.

[snorts]  I’m leaving.  Not yet. You accuse Sophie in front of them. You’ll stay while I clear her name.  Daniel, I was protecting the family we built.  You switched my mother’s necklace and tried to send Sophie to jail. That’s not for protection.  I was protecting Khloe. You changed everything the moment Sophie arrived.

 You used Khloe’s fear and nearly destroyed both my daughters.  She appeared with a pendant and took over everything. I never wanted your house or money. I wanted the truth and a father.  You’re leaving this house tonight. Tomorrow, I’m filing for divorce.  You can’t end our marriage in front of strangers.

 You accused my daughter in front of these people.  Dad, I grew up with you. I was your daughter before she came.  Sophie never took your place, but you chose to frame your sister. I was scared you would stop loving me.  I never stopped loving you. But fear doesn’t excuse what you did. You leave tonight, too.

 Your company job and charity seat are gone. Both of you leave my house. Sophie, I failed when you asked whether I believed you.  You wanted to believe me. When it mattered, you hesitated.  You’re right. I let one necklace outweigh everything I’d seen you do.  I can’t pretend that didn’t hurt.  I know.

 The job is yours because you earned it. And your room is still yours.  I’ll stay. But we take this slowly. And you don’t make promises you can’t keep.  That’s fair.  Then start by showing up when you say you will.  I will. My daughter said I was the best dressed woman at the wedding. You really did it. You opened your own shop.

 One customer and one adaptation at a time. You have another customer waiting. Your billionaire father is back.  Please don’t call him my billionaire father. We’re still figuring out the father part.  Oh, I’ll leave you two alone. I found this in the back of my closet. I almost sent it to another tailor.  Why didn’t you?  Elena repaired it once.

 I wanted her daughter to decide if it deserves another repair.  This jacket is older than the store.  I wore it in the photograph with your mother.  She repaired this shoulder. She said the original stitching was terrible. [laughter]  That sounds like her.  I missed 24 years. I know I can’t repair that with money.

 Good. This store doesn’t accept that kind of payment.  What does it accept?  Showing up when you say you will.  I can do that.  Come back tomorrow afternoon.  I’ll be here. Dad, don’t be late tomorrow. [snorts]