Chapter 214 The Watch


    “Where’s Selina? What did the doctor say?”


    +10 Free Coins


    “She’s still inside for tests,” Zacharias replied, pointing toward the examination room. “I’ve got urgent business. Since you’re here, I’ll be on my way.”


    Perseus stepped into his path. “I need a word with you. Let’s talk in the stairwell.”


    Thest time Perseus had gone to uderias Tech, Zacharias hadn’t been there, and they hadn’t met. Now, the two men entered the emergency exit, lit cigarettes, and only after a few drags did Perseus speak. “How did you and Anne divide the assets in the divorce?”


    Zacharias inhaled deeply, exhaling smoke with a heavy gloom that couldn’t mask his frustration. The subject of the divorce still stung.


    “She only asked for 500 million in cash.”


    But even that, he hadn’t been able to pull together at once. Most of his wealth was tied up in shares, funds, and properties. Anneliese had pressed hard, even warning that she would take him to court for enforcement if he failed to pay on time.


    The agreement clearly stated the transfer had to bepleted within seven days, and he had been scrambling to raise the money these past two days.


    Perseus frowned. Compared to the White family’s five billion shortfall, 500 million was barely a drop in the bucket. Still, it could buy them some time. His voice lowered. “Zacharias, our family’s projects are in trouble. We’re short on cash flow. Wire that money into White Inc.’s ount.”


    Zacharias flicked ash from his cigarette, ncing at him.


    “Anne would agree to it,” Perseus pressed. “You know my father publicly announced 5% of White Inc.’s shares would go to her. Ourpany’s gain is her gain. Helping White Inc. is helping Anne. And besides, if you hand the 500 million directly to her, she’ll feel secure and be even harder to rein in. Think about it.”


    That afternoon, Anneliese left theb and sent her grandmother’s bracelet to a jeweler for maintenance. It was intact, but knowing Selina had worn it unsettled her.


    The next day, when she went to collect it, she thought of how she had turned down Jonathan’s proposal of a marriage agreement. Wanting to show gratitude for all his help, she decided to buy him a meaningful gift.


    Passing a Patek Philippe boutique, she walked inside.


    One watch caught her eye immediately: a single disy piece with a deep–blue starry dial, diamonds scattered like constetions, and a rich brown leather strap. Elegant, understated, and perfectly suited for Jonathan.


    “Please let me see this one.” Aneliese smiled at the sales associate. But before they could respond, a woman’s sharp voice cut in. I’ll take that one. Wrap it up”


    111


    < <ul><li></li></ul>


    62%


    Chapter 214 The Watch


    +10 Free Coins


    Anneliese turned her head. A middle–aged woman in sunsses stood there, her manner haughty, dressed in the fashion of a socialite.


    The salesperson hesitated. “Madam, this youngdy was just looking at—”


    The woman’s brows arched. “I said I want it. What are you waiting for? She’s just looking. Did she say she’s buying? Look at her–does she look like she can afford it? Hand it over!”


    The associate, caught between them, faltered. Anneliese, unwilling to put him in a difficult spot, stepped back politely. “Give it to her first.”


    But instead of letting it go, the woman gave a sneer. “See? A penniless student like you has no business in a ce like this. You’re just polluting the air.”


    Dressed in a sweater, wide–leg pants, and a cropped down jacket, Anneliese indeed looked like a student- especially since she had spent the past few days in theb, with nothing on her that showed <i>a </i>brand.


    The woman’s biting voice carried, drawing nces from everyone in the shop.


    Anneliese’s eyes cooled. “Then I’ll take this watch too,” she said to the salesperson.


    Startled, they blinked. “Miss, are you sure? This is a limited–edition piece, only one in the country. Price: 3.8 million.”


    “I’m sure,” she said without hesitation.


    The woman’s expression faltered. She snatched the watch straight from the associate’s hand. “I imed it first. If you people sell such an expensive piece to someone ying pretend, don’t be surprised when she returns it tomorrow.”


    Her shamelessness left Anneliese almostughing at herself for stooping to argue with someone like this. “Forget it,” she said coolly. “Clearly something’s wrong with your head. I’ll let you have it.”


    She was about to turn away and look at other disys when the woman suddenly grabbed her arm.


    <b>2/2 </b>