Mr. Crane was like, really handsome and suave and cool and possibly America's future husband. So it was important to make sure he was super impressed with how well she could shake down these fu...n people for their money. This was a big chance to show off, not everybody got to do this kind of work, right?

And like, sure she was young? But she was also clever and knew how to take advantage of people's expectations. America was pretty sure by the end of this the client would either be eating out of her hand or cowering in fear.

Except the client wasn't some mobster or tough guy or sweaty politician or down on their luck actor or anything she'd planned for. No. If was an old a**....assuredly feeble lady. She couldn't even hear America's hard bargaining or attempts at subtle threats, making the young noble repeat herself again and again until she was forced to shout in small sentences.

"MISS! PETTIPOT! YOU OWE! MONEY! PAY! UP! OR! YOU'LL! LOSE! YOUR! HOUSE!" America's knees were on the desk, she'd had to lean over so far to get her words across.

Finally, one shaking hand lifted up and America was sure the old lady would at least like, wipe away some tears? Touch her cheek in shock? But no...no. She lifted her hand and patted America on the head.

"Just like my little granddaughter, such a little spitfire." The woman eventually just left, but not before giving America a piece of hard candy.

Her future husband didn't bother hiding his amusement at the whole interaction.