Restoring a Life After Seven Years of Wrong Love novel Chapter 42

Seeing that black card, Yvette's face paled for a fraction of a second.

That was Jabez's limitless black card!

Jabez had never given her anything that represented his status or wealth, terrified she might use his name to throw her weight around and cause trouble for him.

Right now, the clerk looked utterly shocked at the sight of the card. He recognized it immediately—it belonged to Jabez Shelby, the CEO of the Shelby Group.

Could this be the rumored Ms. Huxley who had been making headlines lately? Mr. Shelby's girlfriend?

"Run the card." Yvette pulled out her own card and held it out to the clerk.

The clerk looked back and forth between the two cards, hopelessly torn.

Yvette looked displeased. "I was here first, and I'm ready to pay right now. What's the hesitation?"

"I can pay more. I'll give you two hundred thousand for it," Willow chimed in right on cue.

The clerk hesitated for just a second before reaching out to take Willow's black card.

Charlotte swiftly snatched the black card out of the way. "Of course, it's so much easier to throw money around when it's not yours."

Willow choked on her words, her eyes darkening.

Charlotte pulled out her phone, pointed the camera at the clerk, and started recording. "Come on, everyone, gather round! Let's get some public opinion on this! A massive store bullying its customers. We were clearly here first, but for a quick buck, the store is selling it to the highest bidder behind our backs. Absolutely zero business integrity!"

Her words made all the color drain from the clerk's face.

They were one of the most prestigious antique galleries in Kingsbrook. Their reputation had been painstakingly built over decades.

If the boss found out about this...

He would be fired on the spot.

Willow's face turned grim.

It seemed Yvette had spent plenty of time badmouthing her to Charlotte, which explained the intense hostility.

"My apologies, Ms. Yeats," the clerk forced an ingratiating smile. "I'll process your transaction immediately."

Yvette suddenly felt that the painting in her hands was no longer worthy of her uncle.

"Never mind. Since Ms. Huxley loves this painting so much, she can have it," Yvette retracted her card. "But only at her asking price of two hundred thousand."

Willow stood frozen in place for a long time, her nails digging so hard into her palms they nearly drew blood.

The clerk returned, beaming as he handed over the beautifully wrapped painting. "Here is your artwork, Ms. Huxley."

Willow snatched the painting and stormed out, her face thunderous.

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Wednesday afternoon, the Azure Atelier conference room.

Trent Sterling and Senior Restorer Gareth Raymond were sitting across from each other.

"Is my painting still not finished?" Trent lounged comfortably against the back of the sofa, looking entirely at ease.

Gareth poured a cup of premium tea and placed it in front of him. "Mr. Sterling, the damage to your painting is extensive. The restoration process is incredibly complex and requires an immense level of technical skill. It simply cannot be rushed."

"I need that painting urgently. I'll give you one more week."

With that, Trent stood up and walked out.

Gareth looked troubled. After a moment of thought, he made his way to Matthew's office.