Chapter 345  Andrew spoke calmly, his tone steady but cutting Aspen, theres nothing wrong with a woman being proud and confident.


    As long as she has the right to be proud, thats fine.


    But if a woman is arrogant and foolish on top of it, shes bound to learn some painful lessons.


    Aspen sneered, ncing sideways at Christina


    Christie, did you hear what this man just said? He ims hes going to teach me a painful lesson


    Honestly, with an ex like that, I cant me you for kicking him to the curb.


    If you hadnt, I wouldve stepped in to help straighten him out myself.


    Christinas face darkened as she cast a worried nce at Andrew.


    Why was he so bold? It seemed that he did not understand that going up against Aspen in a gamble like this was reckless


    Everyone, quiet down! The gemstone challenge between Mr.


    Lloyd and Ms.


    Stevens is about to begin, Elsie announced, her voice rising above the crowd.


    She turned to Andrew and Aspen, adding, Do either of you have any additional terms to set ? Aspen shed a confident smile


    I have nothing to add.


    I just hope Mr.


    Lloyd wont start crying when this is over.


    Andrews voice remainedposed.


    I do have something to add


    He paused briefly, letting the crowds anticipation build.


    Whoever loses will forfeit all their winnings to the other person.


    And since Ms.


    Stevens enjoys excitement, lets make it interesting.


    Every gemstone we choose must cost at least ten million dors.


    Is that too much for you, Ms.


    Stevens? The crowd erupted in a frenzy.


    Ten million per stone? Is Mr.


    Lloyd trying to make Aspen gamble away her entire fortune? This isnt just intense, its outright insane!


    The winner will walk away filthy rich, while the loser getspletely wiped out.


    You cant even call this a gamble anymore.


    This is full blown, high stakes warfare ! Aspens confident smile began to fade, reced by a shadow of


    unease


    She stared at Andrew, her voice sharp


    Andrew, are you sure you want to y at this level? Andrew met her gaze, unwavering.


    Just answer the question.


    Do you dare, or dont you ? Aspen gritted her teeth before responding, her tone firm.


    Fine.


    Ill see this through to the end.


    She squared her shoulders and added, You think you can intimidate me? Clearly, youve underestimated me and my family.


    The Stevens family doesnt back down.


    Inside, Aspens mind raced.


    Andrew had upped the stakes to an extreme level, forcing her to 1/2  Chapter 345 gamble with stones worth millions.


    Losing was not an option not only for her reputation but also for herpanys investments.


    Her business ventures in Jayrodale and the Northern District were on the line, and failure here could mean financial disaster.


    Christinas heart pounded as she looked at Andrew


    His wager was enormous, raising more questions than answers.


    Did he truly have the money to back this up, or was he bluffing? Aspen, Im worried... Christina started, hoping to caution Aspen.


    But Aspen held up a hand, her expression resolute.


    Rx, Christie.


    I started this, and III finish it.


    Andrew is just trying to rattle me with his theatrics, but Im not so easily shaken.


    Still stunned by the sudden esction, Elsie motioned toward the raw gemstones. The terms are set.


    Bothpetitors may now begin selecting their stones.


    Her voice trembled slightly, even as she tried to maintainposure


    Aspen strode forward without hesitation, pointing to a stone she had chosen in advance.


    Im ready.


    This is the one.