Chapter 41

"Mr. Cortez, the earrings you're after already belong to someone else," Evelina said firmly, meeting his gaze."Perhaps you'd prefer anotheritem, or I can simply transfer three hundred million directly to your account."

Knowing the Ghost Market's customs, Evelina was fully aware that rejecting Idris outright would jeopardize her future dealings.

Therefore, she'd rather settle the hefty price without negotiation.

Idris blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "I hadn't realized you had such deep pockets, Evelina."

Under normal circumstances, he might have considered the generous offer, but after today's embarrassment, his pride wouldn't let him back down.

"The earrings are special," Idris insisted, feigning sincerity. "They're a birthday gift for my daughter."

Careful not to offend Jasper, he softened his tone. "If you can't make this happen, I'm afraid the Ghost Market can no longer serve your requests."

"Fine," Evelina interjected quickly, sensing Jasper was about to intervene once more-she'd already burdened him enough today.

She quickly added a caution. "However, Miss Barton recently acquired the earrings and might be reluctant to part with them. I'll need some extra time."

Idris, seeing a possible advantage, began calculating again, only for Jasper's cold reminder to interrupt sharply, "Speaking of timing, have you settled your debts yet?"

Jasper's words were unmistakably a veiled threat.

Whatever deadline Idris set for Evelina, Jasper would surely impose the same for ldris's repayment.

Idris reluctantly said, "My daughter's birthday is the seventeenth next month. I trust you'll deliver by then."

This provided Evelina with three weeks to negotiate the earrings from Esme, and she immediately agreed."Consider it settled."

Idris stormed off, his frustration evident, leaving behind disappointed onlookers who had hoped to gain his favor.

"Evelina," Jasper said gently. "You didn't need to accept so hastily."

"It's okay, Jasper." She reassured him confidently. "I wouldn't have agreed if I didn't have a backup plan."

Her expression softened, gratitude clearly visible. "I truly appreciate your support today. Without you, I can't imagine how difficult things would have been."

Losing wasn't the real issue-it was the thought of enduring Idris's unwanted advances for an entire month that unsettled her deeply.

Perhaps she'd been overly confident three years ago, thinking failure impossible, only to face heartbreak in her marriage.

"No need for thanks; helping each other is what friends do-"

Jasper was interrupted as Evelina's phone rang unexpectedly.

Caleb appeared onscreen in a video call, visibly concerned from the airport."1"mn so sorry, Evelina. Did you lose? If the Ghost Market falls through, I canstill help you-"

"Lose?" Florrie, overhearing Caleb, jumped in immediately. "Uncle Jasper helped Evelina win!"

"How is that possible?" Caleb's expression shifted; skeptical.

He'd reluctantly left when Evelina needed him most, and now Jasper had somehow conveniently saved the day--it all felt suspiciously orchestrated.

"Why not?" Florrie retorted defensively. "Your.poor shooting doesn't mean Uncle Jasper can't excel-he was a military sharpshooter!"

She eagerly praised Jasper, effectively silencing Caleb and raising Jasper's stature in Evelina's eyes.

Jasper was on a whole other level-there was no way Caleb could measure up.

"You're just showing off!" Caleb retorted at Florrie.

Evelina smiled quietly, amused by their playful banter.

Florrie proudly ended the call, satisfied with her victory, her earlier anxiety about the upcoming surgery nearly forgotten.

"Uncle Jasper, you were incredible today! Can you teach me shooting after my eyes recover?" she pleaded eagerly.

"Absolutely," Jasper answered warmly, grateful for his niece's lively defense.

"What about you, Evelina? Interested in learning?" he asked, suddenly turning her way with a look that carried more weight than the words alone.

"Of course she wants to," Florrie replied swiftly, preventing any refusal.

She cleverly added, "But I'd rather not train alongside Evelina. She masters everything-medicine,combat,shooting. It would be intimidating. I'd prefer private sessions with Uncle Jasper."

Clearly, Florrie wasn't about to become a third wheel during Jasper's precious alone time with Evelina.

"Clever girl." Jasper praised affectionately.

Seeing Evelina's distraction, Jasper gently said, "With Mr. Quinn leaving, shall I recommend a reliable divorce lawyer for you?