Chapter 92: The Price of Greed

"However..."

James Thornwell paused, his expression calm and unreadable, his posture perfectly composed.

"...the Angel Tear will not be returned."

Silence swept across the garden like a cold wind, extinguishing every conversation, every whisper.

For several long seconds, no one spoke. The only sound was the distant rustle of leaves, the soft creak of tree branches swaying in the evening breeze.

Then, quietly, a few of the businessmen exchanged glances before nodding in agreement, their expressions thoughtful.

"He isn’t wrong."

"The purchase was completely legal."

"The fault lies with the seller, not the buyer."

"Once the hammer falls, ownership transfers."

Even those who pitied Jasper Wilson—and there were many, their faces sympathetic—could not argue against James’ reasoning. He was right.

The mysterious buyer had purchased the tiara through Ashridge Auction, one of the most prestigious auction houses in the country, with centuries of reputation behind it.

Why should he suffer because someone else committed fraud?

Tori Cooper’s face drained of color, her skin going ashen. She hurried forward, her heels clicking frantically against the stone pathway.

"Mr. Thornwell... please." Her voice trembled, desperation seeping through.

"Please convince your boss. I will return every single penny. It was my mistake. I’ll compensate everything."

Lucian Ashridge stepped forward, his movements measured, his expression grave. "Mr. Thornwell.

Ashridge Auction also bears responsibility. Our verification team failed to detect forged ownership documents. We sincerely apologize."

He paused, his voice dropping. "If your employer has suffered any inconvenience because of this incident, Ashridge Auction will take responsibility."

Several guests were stunned, their eyes widening. Lucian Ashridge personally accepting responsibility—that alone showed how seriously the Ashridge family viewed their reputation, how deeply this breach had cut.

James inclined his head respectfully, his movements precise. "I understand, Mr. Ashridge. But once my employer makes a decision, it is extremely difficult to change it."

Jasper Wilson slowly walked toward James, his cane tapping against the stone, each step deliberate.

The old man’s voice had lost all authority, all command. Only a father’s desperation remained, raw and unguarded.

"Mr. Thornwell, I know your employer has every legal right to refuse. But..." His eyes softened, glistening in the lamplight.

"That tiara belonged to my daughter. It is all I have left of Maria. For an old man, it is priceless."

James remained silent for several moments, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded, his voice quiet. "I understand. I’ll try once more."

He stepped away from the crowd, moving toward the edge of the garden, and made another phone call, his voice too low to hear.

Everyone waited, the tension thick and suffocating. Even the music had stopped, the orchestra silent, their instruments resting. Only the evening breeze rustled through the ancient trees of Ashridge Hall, their branches swaying gently.

Nearly three minutes later—each second stretching like an eternity—James returned, his expression unchanged.

"My employer has agreed."

Hope instantly appeared on Tori’s face, her eyes brightening, her shoulders sagging with relief.

"But..." James continued calmly, his tone measured, "there is one condition."

"What condition?" Tori asked eagerly, her voice rising. "I’ll agree to anything."

Being branded a thief among Cracros’ upper class was far more terrifying than losing money. If the Angel Tear wasn’t returned, Ashridge would never let this matter rest. And she couldn’t afford to offend the Ashridge family.

She had never imagined Jasper Wilson shared such a close friendship with William Ashridge. She had to recover the tiara. At any cost.

Standing farther away, near the oak tree, Layton silently glanced at Mindy, his gaze lingering. He finally understood.

She already knew. Months ago, when he had secretly handed her Tori Cooper’s name in exchange for postponing the divorce, he had only believed Tori was somehow connected to the Angel Tear.

He never imagined the tiara had reached Tori through illegal means.

James looked toward Tori, his expression neutral. "My employer purchased the Angel Tear for one hundred and fifty million dollars."

Tori nodded repeatedly, her head bobbing. "I’ll return every cent."

James finished, his voice calm. "My employer is willing to return the tiara for two hundred million dollars."

A collective gasp echoed through the garden, the sound sharp and shocked.

Even William Ashridge raised an eyebrow, his expression surprised.

Mindy quietly smiled, her lips curving.

Beside her, Wade let out a small cough to hide his grin.

Tori stared at James in disbelief, her mouth falling open. "What nonsense is this? I’ll return the full one hundred and fifty million! Why should I pay another fifty million? What for?"

James answered without the slightest change in expression, his tone professional. "Mrs. Cooper. This is simply business. My employer purchased the Angel Tear because it was intended as a gift for a member of his family. Instead, he became involved in an illegal transaction. He has lost valuable time. He has suffered unnecessary inconvenience. My employer believes that inconvenience deserves compensation. So yes. He expects a concession."

Many businessmen quietly nodded, their expressions understanding.

"Fifty million is a lot, but from a business perspective, he isn’t being unreasonable."

"He has every right to negotiate."

Tori stood frozen, her body rigid. Fifty. Million. She felt her heart bleeding, each word a knife.

Wade folded his arms, his voice casual. "If Mrs. Cooper finds the amount difficult, perhaps Mr. Richard Cooper should handle this matter."

Tori instantly paled, her face going white. "No!" The word escaped before she realized it, sharp and panicked.

Everyone looked at her, their expressions curious.

She quickly composed herself, her hands smoothing her dress. "I mean, there is no need to trouble my husband. I can solve this myself."

She could never let Richard Cooper know. Never.

She glared at Wade with undisguised hatred, her eyes burning.

"Give me a moment." She walked several steps away, her heels clicking, and made a phone call, her voice low and urgent.

No one interrupted. Several minutes later, she returned, her face noticeably paler, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"I’ll pay. I agree. Two hundred million."

Even saying those words felt like someone had carved out her heart, each syllable painful.

But she had no other choice.

James simply nodded, his expression unchanged.

A black luxury sedan stopped outside the garden, its engine purring. One of its drivers stepped out carrying an elegant velvet box, the fabric deep blue and pristine. He handed it to James before leaving without saying a word, his movements efficient.

Tori immediately completed the transfer, her fingers flying across her phone screen.

After James confirmed the payment, his phone chiming softly, he picked up the velvet box.

Tori stepped forward, reaching for it, her hand outstretched.

Instead, James calmly turned. He walked past her, his steps measured. Straight toward Jasper Wilson.

Holding the box respectfully with both hands, he said, his voice warm, "Mr. Wilson. I believe this belongs to you."

Jasper accepted the box with slightly trembling hands, his fingers shaking. For a long moment, he simply looked at it, his eyes tracing the familiar velvet. His fingers gently brushed across the surface, his touch reverent. His eyes had already become moist, tears gathering.

"Thank you, Mr. Thornwell. Thank you for your cooperation."

James smiled politely, his expression sincere. "It was my pleasure."

Tori watched the scene with bloodshot eyes, her vision blurring. She had paid two hundred million dollars, and the tiara hadn’t even passed through her hands.

Mindy released a quiet breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her shoulders sagging.

Beside her, Wade gently squeezed her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. No words were needed. They had finally brought Maria Hawthorne’s keepsake home.

One of the officers stepped forward, his voice firm. "Mrs. Cooper. Please come with us. You’ll need to provide your official statement."

Missy stared at the Angel Tear in Jasper’s hands, her gaze fixed, unblinking. Her nails dug so deeply into her palms that they almost drew blood, the pain sharp.

Jasper slowly turned toward Mindy, his movements careful. A warm smile spread across his face, genuine and bright. "We finally have it."

Mindy looked at the velvet box, her eyes tracing its edges. A single tear escaped her eye, rolling down her cheek. Then she laughed—not bitterly, not painfully, but with genuine happiness. A laugh she hadn’t laughed in years, bright and unrestrained.

She turned toward James, her voice soft. "Mr. Thornwell, thank you."

James simply nodded, his expression warm. "It was an honor."

William Ashridge suddenly laughed loudly, the sound booming. "I swear, it’s never a dull day whenever a Wilson is involved."

The tension finally broke, shattering like glass. Laughter spread through the garden, warm and relieved.

Even Lucian’s usually stern face softened, his expression relaxing.

He cleared his throat before addressing the guests, his voice carrying. "Ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely apologize for today’s unfortunate incident. Ashridge Auction will fully cooperate with the police investigation. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

Mindy looked toward Jasper, her voice gentle. "Poppy. We should leave."

William immediately pouted, his expression exaggerated. "Leaving already?" Then he looked at Jasper, his tone shifting. "By the way, I already asked Mindy to marry Lucian."

Jasper instantly frowned, his voice sharp. "My granddaughter isn’t marrying your grandson. She just escaped one terrible marriage. She needs time."

William nodded seriously, his expression earnest. "That’s perfectly fine. Lucian will wait. I even promised a huge dowry. Don’t worry. If this brat ever makes Mindy cry, I’ll personally break both his legs."

Lucian rubbed his forehead, his voice pained. "Grandfather, would you please stop discussing my marriage in public?"

Mindy couldn’t help laughing, her hand covering her mouth. She looked at William and smiled, her voice warm. "I want to focus on my career for now, Grandpa William."

William’s eyes lit up at being called Grandpa, his face brightening. "See? What a wonderful girl! I’ll ask again in a few years."

Jasper immediately objected, his voice firm. "No. You won’t. She isn’t marrying anyone for years."

William sighed dramatically, his shoulders sagging. "Fine. I’ll wait."

Mindy laughed again, the sound bright.

Lucian silently shook his head in resignation, his expression long-suffering.

"Poppy." Mindy gently took Jasper’s arm, her touch tender. "You need rest."

William immediately seized the opportunity, his voice teasing. "Yes, go rest. At your age your bones must be hurting."

Jasper glared at him, his eyes narrowing. "My bones are stronger than yours."

Mindy and Wade both laughed, their voices mingling. Their childish bickering hadn’t changed in decades.

Just then Drake approached, his steps hesitant. "Grandpa. Where are you staying? I’ll accompany you."

Jasper didn’t even hesitate, his voice flat. "No need. You should stay with your sister." He glanced toward Missy, his gaze cold. "She looks like she’s about to faint."

Missy’s face instantly turned pale, her expression stricken.

Without another word, Jasper, Mindy, and Wade left Ashridge Hall together, their steps synchronized.

Ana hurried after them, her voice calling out. "Wait for me!"