I Was the Stepping Stone novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6

A sudden gust of wind lifted the hem of my skirt, tangling it around my ankles.

I calmly reached down and straightened it, as if nothing had happened.

From a nearby storefront, a nosy woman couldn’t help but throw in her snide remark.

“Only someone like a princess deserves a general. Not every stray cat or dog gets to cling to that kind of man.”

She chuckled and looked at me expectantly. “Don’t you agree?”

I carried my bundle past her, answering coolly,

“Did your son not ask you for gambling money today?”

The woman clicked her tongue, spat in my direction, and stormed back inside, cursing all the while.

Today marked the first day my teahouse officially opened.

Thanks to my unique taste in blends and skillful brewing techniques,

the place quickly drew in traveling merchants and cultured gentlemen seeking quiet respite.

In just a few days, the shop was bustling with customers. Business was, at last, beginning to flourish.

But success seldom goes unnoticed-especially by the bitter.

The same nosy woman returned the next day, dragging along a few brawny relatives.

“You’ve only been open a few days and already have this many men coming and going.

What filthy tricks are you using, huh?”

With rage on her face, she barged in and began smashing my wares.

A crowd quickly formed around us, eager to witness the spectacle.

Buoyed by the attention, she grew bolder, shouting with her hands on her hips,

“None of you men should buy a thing from her! She’ll seduce your husbands right out from under you!”

Then her men stormed into the teahouse-shattering pots, grinding tea leaves under their boots.

She yanked me by the hair and rammed my head toward the wall.

Just as my vision blurred and the pain surged-

A silver flash cut through the crowd.

A shriek rang out.

The woman collapsed, a long spear now pressed cold against her throat.

Chapter 6

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She froze, trembling.

“Pay for the damages,” the man holding the spear ordered coldly.

“Take your people, and get out.”

He twirled the spear once-sharp and fluid.

The woman fumbled through her robes, pulling out nearly every silver coin she had on her.

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