Chapter 4

Brandon Hayes’ lips curved into a smile.

“My three art galleries operate with top museums across multiple countries. Their market value alone leaves you in the dust.”

Kyle Jensen and Liam O'Connell quickly chimed in. “My Jensen family’s malls are also on the line.”

“And my O'Connell family’s villas as well!”

Brandon Hayes proudly spoke again, “Don’t forget, Chloe Adams, I still have those photos of you. If I win today, this wager, at the very least, needs to double.”

The crowd whispered amongst themselves, full of taunts and eager anticipation for the show.

Serena Vance sneered, bending down close to Chloe Adams’ ear, whispering provocatively,

“What, Chloe Adams, chicken out? If you admit you’re incapable now, it’s not too late. Be obedient, sign the voluntary transfer agreement, then kneel and kowtow three times to me, and today’s matter will be over. Maybe you can even keep some dignity.”

My sister clenched her fists, her nails digging hard into her palms.

A moment later, she pulled out a red file and let out a cold laugh.

“One last chance. Do you still want to bet?”

Brandon Hayes stretched his neck, staring intently at the file.

The surrounding whispers suddenly erupted:

“Isn’t that… a Judicial Appraisal Center’s evidence collection order?!”

“Seriously? How does Chloe Adams have that kind of authority?” Someone questioned.

“She’s probably just trying to scare people with a fake document, even resorting to this?”

Serena Vance chuckled without humor.

“Don’t you dare pretend you have any authority with some flimsy piece of paper. What can a crumpled piece of paper prove?”

With that, she raised her hand and slapped my sister across the face. Chloe stumbled and fell to the ground.

I quickly rushed forward to help her up. Chloe recognized me and was about to call me "sister," but I stopped her with a glance.

Serena Vance, however, laughed mockingly from behind me.

“Oh! Look who it is! Isn’t this Chloe Adams’ useless sister who’s been fooling around somewhere unknown?”

My eyes coldly swept over them. I sneered, “You’ve got a lot of nerve! Who gave you the courage to hit someone?”

The three men stood protectively in front of Serena Vance. Liam O'Connell scoffed, “Where did this psycho come from? Here to cause trouble, are we? I’ll teach you a lesson!”

Before he could make a move, Mr. Jenkins, the appraisal firm owner, finally arrived, albeit belatedly.

“Ms. Sterling, my apologies, my apologies. I just finished a meeting, I’m late. What brings you here?”

When Mr. Jenkins addressed me by my name, a wave of shock rippled through the onlookers.

I didn’t give him a pleasant look. I asked coolly,

“Mr. Jenkins, your firm certainly has a knack for chaos these days. I’m truly impressed.”

“I’m truly sorry to have made you witness this!” Mr. Jenkins said, squeezing through the crowd and loudly signaling,

“That’s enough gawking, everyone, disperse! We have an important guest today, don’t embarrass the company!”

He spotted Mr. Davies not far away and frowned.

“Why are you still standing there watching the show? Shouldn’t you be maintaining order?”

Mr. Davies was momentarily speechless.

“I was just handling a conflict between colleagues. This Chloe Adams…”

“Shut up!” Mr. Jenkins’ face darkened. “Keep meddling, and I’ll fire you on the spot, believe me?!”

Chloe, however, seized the opportunity and loudly declared:

“Mr. Jenkins, Serena Vance swapped a client’s original with a fake! You must uphold justice today!”

Mr. Jenkins’ brows furrowed, a difficult expression on his face.

“Chloe, I’ll resolve this for you, but not now. We have important guests. Why don’t you go back for now?”

“Mr. Jenkins, is this how you handle things?”

Mr. Jenkins quickly explained, “They’re making a mess here, I’ll clear them out immediately.”

I said coldly:

“Mr. Jenkins, given the chaos here today, I can’t help but notice someone’s crying injustice. And it just so happens everyone is here. Why don’t you clear her name right now?”

Brandon Hayes quickly interjected:

“Chloe Adams, don’t think you can scare people with a fake investigation order. If you don’t have the guts, just admit defeat early! Apologize to Serena and clear her name!”

Mr. Jenkins finally understood the full story and said sternly, “Chloe Adams, quickly return the real painting to the client, don’t delay things and bring bad publicity to our company.”

My face instantly darkened. “Mr. Jenkins, since so many people are here, why don’t we continue the wager? A clear win or loss would serve to set an example and clean up this mess.”

The onlookers, seeing the tension escalate, grew excited and chanted:

“Boss, judge it fairly! We want to see what happens next!”

Mr. Jenkins, seeing everyone's interest growing, and at my insistence, could only give a helpless, wry smile.

“Since Ms. Sterling has spoken, this matter will proceed. I will serve as the impartial arbiter.”

I stepped forward, helped my sister up, and embraced her.

“Who’s that new woman? Mr. Jenkins is practically bowing to her.”

“Never seen her before. Probably some company bigwig. But… I saw her and Chloe Adams exchanging glances earlier, like they know each other?”

Mr. Jenkins adjusted his glasses, a hint of impatience in his voice.