Chapter 4
William Harlan was the President of Evercrest Bank’s New York Headquarters.
This was someone so high up that even Matteo’s grandfather, Hugo Karridge, would usually have a hard time getting a meeting with him. And yet, here he was, standing politely in front of me, calling me “Ms. Akre.‘
Matteo hesitated for a few seconds, then quickly stepped forward and reached out to shake his hand,
“Mr. Harlan, why come all the way here in person?
“My grandfather’s been asking about you. He’d really like to see you again.”
་
William didn’t even look at him. He just gave a quick nod..
ww
W
Then he turned back to me and said, “Ms. Akre, if you need anything else, feel free to reach out anytime.”
With that, he turned on his heel and left the conference room with his people.
He didn’t stick around for even an extra like every moment spent
there was too precious to waste.
Matteo’s hand hung in the air, frozen. His face turned red, then pale.
Annie’s confidence completely vanished.
Her legs were shaking so badly she could barely stand, and sweat was
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already forming on her forehead.
I slowly reached into the suitcase, grabbed a stack of cash like it was nothing, and gently slapped her face with it.
“Ms. Norman, that’s 1.5 million dollars–not a single penny missing.
“And now, this watch is mine.”
Without another word, I yanked the Patek Philippe right off her wrist and tossed it straight into the trash can in front of her.
“You!”
Annie’s eyes practically popped out of her head with rage.
I turned to Matteo and gave a small smile.
“Mr. Karridge, I’ve already covered the cost of the watch.
“Now, let’s talk about compensating for
my phone.‘
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www
H
like she’d just heard the funniec smile
spread across her face,
Annie froze for a second, then
ever
1st the
TAN
She folded her arms and said with a sneer, “How much could a Luminae XR even be worth?”
I held up one finger.
“It’s not that expensive, really–just 20 million dollars.
!!
The whole room exploded into noise, followed by bursts of laughter.
The Marketing Director even slammed the table. “20 million dollars? Ms. Akre, did that cup of latte flow into your brain or something?”
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The CFO pushed up his glasses and tried to sound serious as he threw in another jab. “According to company rules, damaged items should be compensated at market value.
“Ms. Akre, I’m afraid the market price of your phone doesn’t even come close to a few thousand dollars.”
Seeing everyone back her up, Annie got even more smug.
She stepped closer and said with a smirk, “How about I do you a favor and help you find a mental hospital?
“After all, delusions are a kind of illness, and they do require treatment.”
Matteo stayed quiet off to the side, his eyebrows furrowed tightly.
Facing all their sneers and jokes, I stayed completely calm.
“You’re right. A regular
e XR really isn’t worth much.”
Annie let out a sharp laugh. “Good, at least you know. Stop embarrassing yourself already!”
“But unfortunately, this isn’t a regular phone.
”
As soon as the words left my mouth, the conference room door swung open again.
This time, a middle–aged man in a gray jacket walked in, followed by eight bodyguards.
It was Adam Gibson–Ashcroft Global’s senior vice president, a guy who usually only showed up at big press events.
Matteo’s expression changed in an instant. He quickly stepped forward.
“Mr. Gibson? What are you doing here?”
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