The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 67

Nolan stopped Audrey mid-sentence with a shake of his head and a chuckle. "No buts. All that matters is that you like the jewelry. It's my gift to you, and the whole point is to wear it.

"Don't worry. I can afford it. Besides, I bought it with my own money, not the Baxters'. I need you to trust me, Audrey. I can't go into detail right now, but you'll eventually understand that I'm stronger than expected."

His eyes glittered with confidence as he spoke, and he even lifted his chin slightly. He did not look like he was lying.

Audrey parted her lips to say something, but when she saw the look on Nolan's face, she simply nodded and said, "Very well, then. I'll keep the jewelry, but feel free to take them back to the shop anytime you want.

"I have faith in you, Nolan. You're not a bottom-feeder. You're the best!"

Nolan smiled and gave her a small nod. He stroked her hair again affectionately, his gaze tender and indulgent.

Megan and Jeanne clenched their jaws when they saw this. Similarly, Shaun gritted his teeth as he watched Nolan and Audrey, though he could not express his anger and merely kept his head down.

For some reason, from the moment he first laid eyes on Audrey, he wanted her all to himself. It was as if he would not stand to let anyone have her.

Unfortunately, she was seemingly in love with someone else, and that someone happened to be the person the Baxters were indebted to. Shaun, who had been handed everything he wanted in life, couldn't help being bitter about it.

"They're no better than a pair of mongrels. Audrey must be blind to choose a guy like him. I bet she'll regret it in the days to come," Megan said through gritted teeth as she kept her gaze down.