The bell above the door of Lace & Grace tinkled softly as the man in his fifties entered the store. The boutique was a charming haven of delicate fabrics and elegant designs, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the displays of lingerie. Annette, a seasoned saleslady with a friendly demeanor, greeted him with a polite smile, her nametag gleaming under the lights.

"Welcome to Lace & Grace! Is there anything specific I can help you find today?" Annette asked, her voice as soothing as the ambiance of the store.

The man glanced around, his eyes lingering on the various items before settling on Annette. "I'm just browsing," he replied, his tone casual. "Perhaps you could show me some of your best sellers?"

Annette nodded, leading him to a section of the store where several items were on sale. "These are some of our most popular pieces," she said, gesturing to a display of lacy bras and silk nightgowns. "They're quite comfortable and very flattering."

As Annette continued to show him various items, the man began to ask questions that made her uncomfortable. "Do you wear these things yourself?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her skin crawl.

Annette hesitated, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "I don't think that's relevant to your shopping experience," she replied, trying to maintain her professionalism.

Undeterred, the man pressed on. "Come on, I'm just curious. Do you think these would look good on someone like me?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Annette's annoyance grew, but she tried to remain calm. "Sir, I think it would be best if you focused on the items themselves," she said, her voice firm.

But the man continued to pepper her with personal questions, his behavior becoming increasingly intrusive. Annette's concern began to outweigh her annoyance. She glanced around the store, hoping for another customer to arrive, but the boutique was empty.

Feeling a surge of unease, Annette decided to take a stand. "Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," she said, her voice steady but firm.

The man chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down Annette's spine. "And what if I don't want to?" he challenged, his eyes narrowing.

Annette's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to back down. "Then I'll have to call the police," she replied, reaching for her phone.

The man shrugged, a smirk still plastered on his face. "Go ahead, call them. I'll wait," he dared, leaning against a display table.

Annette's heart pounded in her chest as she dialed 911, her fingers trembling with a mix of fear and determination. The man, unfazed by her threat, simply smirked and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, ornate charm on a golden chain. The charm glinted under the store's soft lighting, catching Annette's eye just as the man began to chant something under his breath.