Derrick's invitation to the dress shop left Patricia feeling flustered, a sight that Derrick found endearing. "No matter her strength, she's still a woman, and a very beautiful one at that," he mused. "I'll show her what it means to be wealthy."

Meanwhile, Patrick seethed as he observed Derrick's blatant admiration for his sister. "That jerk is shamelessly flirting with her," he thought angrily. However, seeing Patricia's excitement, he hesitated. "Maybe this is her only chance to experience something like this."

Reluctantly, he relented. "Let's go in."

Walking into the upscale shop, Patricia felt a wave of discomfort amidst the wealthy clientele and elegant surroundings. Despite feeling out of place, the allure of the dress drew her in, and she couldn't resist trying it on.

However, her excitement quickly turned to embarrassment when the saleswoman glanced disapprovingly at her shabby attire. Ready to retreat, Patricia was stopped in her tracks by Derrick, who blocked her path.

"Where are you going? You haven't tried on that dress yet," he insisted, refusing to let her leave.

With her head bowed in embarrassment, Patricia attempted to decline: "It's alright, I... I don't want to..."

Derrick intervened, firmly grasping her hand and guiding her to face the saleswoman: "How dare you insult my guest?" he admonished, his tone commanding.

Removing his hat, he continued, "I'm Inspector Derrick. Where is the owner of this shop? I must speak with him."

Just then, another woman rushed in, glaring at the saleswoman before swiftly instructing her to apologize.

Recognizing her blunder, the seller quickly apologized, acknowledging her mistake.

The boutique manager intervened with a warm smile directed at Patricia: "I'm the manager of this boutique, and I will personally assist you. Please, come inside."

Derrick gestured towards the dress: "She will try on that one."

"Of course, please have a seat," the manager replied, ushering them into the fitting area.

Derrick, Patrick, and Paige settled onto a sofa, awaiting Patricia's return from the fitting room.

Patrick broke the silence, confronting Derrick: "What's your motive?"

Derrick raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence: "What do you mean?"

"You're not one to offer kindness without an ulterior motive. So, what's your game, Inspector?"

Derrick's expression softened: "I won't deny it. I'm doing all of this because I have feelings for your sister."

Patrick shook his head in disapproval: "Using your wealth to win her over isn't the right approach. We may be poor, but we're not for sale."

Derrick smiled reassuringly: "I anticipated your concern. I'm not trying to buy anyone's affections. I simply want to introduce Patricia to a world she's never experienced before. Don't you believe she deserves the chance to explore such luxuries?"

Despite Derrick's explanation, Patrick remained unconvinced of his intentions. However, he chose to cease arguing with the inspector, recognizing that further debate would likely be futile.

As Patricia emerged in the stunning dress, the entire shop was captivated by her radiant beauty. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, transforming her into a vision of confidence and grace.

Paige rushed over to her, unable to contain her excitement. "SISTER! YOU LOOK LIKE A PRINCESS!"

Patricia couldn't suppress her joy, twirling around in front of the mirror. In that moment of admiration, she couldn't help but notice the impressed gaze of Derrick, struck by her breathtaking allure.

Patricia, feeling uneasy under Derrick's intense gaze, sought her brother's opinion, but received his usual nonchalant response:

"What do you think, Patrick?"

"You look beautiful in everything..."

Meanwhile, Derrick couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Her beauty and radiant smile tugged at his heartstrings, making him realize he was already smitten with her.

"That dress can't belong to any woman but her," he thought to himself.

"We will buy that dress," he declared.

Patricia was taken aback. "Wait, inspector! This dress is very expensive!"

"It is my gift to you," Derrick insisted.

"I can't accept it! This is too much!" Patricia protested.

Derrick smiled warmly. "Please, my lady, give me the honor and accept my gift."

As Patricia glanced at her brother, she realized he wasn't paying attention, fully expecting Derrick's generous offer. With little choice, she accepted:

"Thank you very much, I will appreciate it..."

Just as Patricia was relishing the moment, a striking lady entered the shop, her black-as-night hair and piercing green eyes drawing everyone's attention.

Patricia overheard some women whispering, "The black swan is here! Let's leave." She couldn't help but wonder who this mysterious lady was. Although she had never heard of her before, it was clear that she held significant importance.

The shop workers rushed to welcome her, addressing her as "Your Highness," but she paid them no heed, instead casting a critical eye over the dresses with a displeased expression.

When her gaze fixed on Patricia's dress, she pointed at it without hesitation. The suddenness of her demand shocked everyone in the shop, including Derrick. Nevertheless, he approached her respectfully, bowing his head in greeting.

"Good evening, Your Highness," he greeted her.

The princess seemed indifferent to his presence. "Inspector, I didn't expect to find you in such a place," she remarked curtly.

Derrick maintained his composure. "I came to purchase that dress for Lady Patricia," he explained calmly."

With a sharp and intimidating gaze, the princess fixed her eyes on Patricia.

"And who might that lady be?" she inquired, her tone cutting. "Is she of noble birth? This is my first encounter with her."

"No, she's not," Derrick replied, feeling the weight of the princess's scrutiny.

The princess let out a mocking laugh. "Hahaha, are you purchasing such an expensive dress for a commoner? You know, no matter how beautiful she may be, it won't alter her humble origins."

Those words stung Patricia deeply, prompting her to retreat and quickly change out of the dress.

"She's right," Patricia thought to herself. "Who am I to wear such an extravagant dress? I'd rather take the money and help my family."

Derrick attempted to reason with the princess:

"It's a gift for her bravery in aiding me to apprehend a dangerous gang."

"Indeed? How commendable! But I desire that dress, and as you're aware, when I want something, I must have it," the princess retorted firmly.

Patrick, unable to tolerate her rudeness any further, cast a disdainful glare in her direction, disregarding her status and title.

"I regret to inform you, this time you won't get your way."