…but I have to get back to the office," Niklaus explained.
Hermia raised an eyebrow. "I didn't ask," she muttered, but her lips twitched in a half-smil while Niklaus shook his head.
Jared handed her the bag containing the dress and another smaller one. "This is a complimentary gift for shopping with us for the first time," he said cheerfully.
"Thank you," Hermia replied, her tone genuinely grateful as she accepted the bags.
"I'll pay you back," she said as they walked out of the store, her arms now laden with shopping bags.
"Okay," Niklaus replied absently, already striding ahead.
"I mean, I can't pay the full amount now, but I can cover 30 percent," she continued, quickening her pace to keep up.
He didn't respond, so she pressed on. "It's not like I don't have the money, but I'm being financially wise."
