The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 15

After leaving the jewelry store, Jocelyn couldn't shake the feeling that it was all too good to be true.

Could it be a scam?

But they had agreed to transfer the money before she handed over the necklace. It didn't sound like a scam.

Jocelyn called Sarah.

After hearing the story, Sarah didn't overthink it.

"Maybe they really fell in love with your necklace and were afraid you'd change your mind and decide not to sell, so they deliberately offered a high price."

Jocelyn thought Sarah's reasoning made sense and decided not to dwell on it.

She'd just have to wait and see if that hundred and fifty million actually came through.

That afternoon, Jocelyn arrived at the agreed-upon location ten minutes early.

The Cypress Lounge was a teahouse.

The room was an oasis of Zen elegance, furnished with dark, intricately carved rosewood and the faint, grounding scent of burning sandalwood.

Antique palace lanterns cast a warm and inviting glow, giving the entire room an air of ancient elegance.

When Jocelyn entered, she saw the back of a tall, straight figure.

He was facing away from her, seemingly admiring a piece of calligraphy on the wall.

He looked as if he had stepped out of a painting himself, yet he possessed the commanding and composed presence of a natural leader.

"Hello, I'm the one Sarah arranged for you to meet. My name is Jocelyn Evans."

The man turned, and for a few seconds, time seemed to stand still.

It wasn't his handsome, refined features that caught Jocelyn's attention, but the aura of absolute authority that he naturally exuded.

The man said, "Hello. My name Julian Vance."

Jocelyn instinctively extended her hand.

Julian paused for a moment, his hand not moving.

Jocelyn felt a pang of awkwardness and was about to withdraw her hand.

Just as she began to pull back, his fingers closed around hers. His palm was warm, and a gentle current spread through her fingertips.

The warmth was fleeting. They sat down opposite each other.

Julian asked, "Should I call you Ms. Evans, or Mrs. Lowell?"

Julian paused for a few seconds before speaking slowly.

"The profits you just mentioned are all based on speculation. In fact, by paying two hundred million, I am also making a gamble."

"And if I lose?"

"You won't lose," Jocelyn said without hesitation. "I have complete confidence in this game."

Julian said, "You seem very confident, Ms. Evans."

Meeting his scrutinizing gaze, Jocelyn didn't flinch.

"Of course."

"Alright." Julian agreed. "Three hundred million it is."

Jocelyn was stunned.

Just like that... he agreed?

No haggling or anything?

"However, I have one condition." Julian added.