Chapter 361: Surprise, Surprise

Chapter 361: Chapter 361: Surprise, Surprise

Alistair Forrest’s lips curved into a smirk. He spoke bluntly, showing Susan Caldwell no courtesy at all. "The Forrest Group’s business has never been small. And while we haven’t expanded into Veridia yet, all it would take is a nod from us to get the best resources. We wouldn’t need Ms. Caldwell to put in a word for us. I’m someone who enjoys making friends, but I don’t particularly care for people who throw their weight around."

He paused, his eyes crinkling with a smile. "And I have this bad habit... whenever I see someone throwing their weight around, I feel compelled to challenge them. It’s just a contest of who has better connections, isn’t it? Who’s afraid of whom? Wouldn’t you agree, Ms. Caldwell?"

Susan Caldwell’s expression immediately soured. Her status was her greatest asset, the tool that had ensured her success her entire life. But now, faced with someone who didn’t give a damn about her status, she was struck by a profound sense of powerlessness.

’Besides, Alistair Forrest’s status is a delicate issue. If he refuses to acknowledge me, then I’m nothing!’

She somehow managed to keep the smile on her face. "Mr. Forrest, I believe you have some misunderstanding about me."

Alistair Forrest smiled faintly. "Are you saying I’m blind, Ms. Caldwell?"

As soon as he spoke, the bodyguard behind him stepped forward, his presence imposing.

Susan Caldwell could no longer maintain her smile. Alistair Forrest walked over to Vera Xavier’s side and said, "Honey, you’ve already won. Surprised? Unexpected? Happy?"

Vera Xavier’s lip twitched. ’Where did this rich-kid spendthrift come from?’

She cleared her throat. "Thank you for your kind intentions, Mr. Forrest. However, I’m someone who takes things seriously. No matter who I make a bet with, I see it through to the end. As for what my pile of stones will yield, that’s already a foregone conclusion. Once the raw stones are cut, you can simply purchase them at market price."

After she finished, she shot Susan Caldwell a cool glance. "Besides, I’m rather looking forward to seeing her eat rocks. So, let’s just finish this bet fairly."

’I already checked Susan Caldwell’s pile of raw stones earlier. There’s indeed some good-quality jade hidden inside, but my pile has more jade of the same quality than hers. If Alistair Forrest just buys them all as-is, I’ll suffer a huge loss.’

’Still, I know he meant well, so I should at least show him some courtesy.’

Alistair Forrest watched her, a little surprised. Her expression was calm and composed, without any excess emotion. She was as elegant and beautiful as a white plum blossom on a branch.

He glanced at the pile of stones behind her and gave her a thumbs-up. "My Honey has guts and integrity. I like it!"

Vera Xavier shot him a look. ’If I wasn’t planning on selling the jade to him, I wouldn’t even bother talking to him right now.’

Susan Caldwell, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief. In her mind, she cursed Vera Xavier, ’Fucking idiot.’ Outwardly, however, she was smiling and praising her. "I just love people who have a sense of responsibility and integrity!"

Vera Xavier gave her a sidelong glance. "That’s what your mouth is saying, but in your head, you’re calling me a fucking idiot, aren’t you?"

Susan Caldwell: "..."

’It felt absolutely terrible to have her thoughts exposed like that!’

Seeing her expression, Vera Xavier said calmly, "Think whatever you want. You’re the one who’ll be crying soon enough."

She smiled faintly. "Most importantly, I have no interest in cheating. I much prefer to deliver a smackdown with pure skill. You’ll get to experience that for yourself very soon."

𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

She meant every word. But aside from Aaron Cheney, who had an almost baffling level of trust in her, no one else present believed a thing she said.