Chapter 3

I was completely thrown for a loop as the crowd gossiped louder and louder. When did I ever say I wanted to marry him? Even if I did want to, I'd still need approval from my higher-ups first. Relenting, I said, "Okay, fine. I'm just a pretty face, and you're some hotshot. Happy now? Since Mr. Grant clearly isn't interested in me, could I get the engagement gift money back? My mother specifically told me over the phone to remember to ask for it back if the marriage falls through." In truth, Mom never said anything of the sort. I just really couldn't stand him. No sooner had I finished speaking, Cece immediately stepped forward. "You little bitch. Who the fuck do you think you're looking down on? Mr. Grant is the youngest self-made billionaire in Seacrest history. Do you think he cares about your chump change?" she defended. It was in that moment that I finally understood the true meaning of the word "bootlicker". "Ms. Wallace, all I did was ask for what's mine. What does that have to do with him being a billionaire?" I shot back plainly. Miles' face flushed red with anger upon hearing this. "It's just 80 thousand dollars. I'll just give it back, and this matter will be done with." Right then and there, he pulled out his phone and transferred the amount to me. "Here's 100 thousand. You can keep the extra. Consider it as compensation for your travel expenses—courtesy of me," he stated arrogantly. I flashed Miles a tight smile. "Well, thank you very much, Mr. Grant." Just as I turned to leave, Cece suddenly shouted at me. "Hey, bitch! Stop right there!" I paused mid-step and slowly turned back around. "What is it now? Do you want to invite me to stay for dinner, Ms. Wallace?" Cece shot me a sly smile. Then, she leaned in close to Miles and whispered something into his ear. The next second, the so-called youngest billionaire in Seacrest exploded in anger. "Evie Jackman! How dare you crash into my car!" he shouted indignantly. Judging by the look on Cece's face, I could more or less guess she must have badmouthed me to Miles quite a bit. She was manipulating him into attacking me on her behalf. It was clear she had this tactic down to an art. Based on Miles' attitude toward me earlier, I knew it was pointless to try and explain. So, I didn't even bother wasting my breath. "Just say it. I'll pay however much you want," I stated. Miles' expression flickered with surprise. He clearly hadn't expected me to admit it so directly. "Pay? You think you can afford it? I got that Ferrari on my 18th birthday. It was a coming-of-age gift from my father. Only three of these exist in the entire world, and this is the only one in this country. "A single scratch on the paint could cost more than your life. So, how are you going to pay for the damage?" he said incredulously. Gently cocking an eyebrow, I smirked at Miles. "Name your price, Mr. Grant. Whether or not I can afford it is my problem." My words had barely left my mouth when Cece cut in again. "Ten million! The whole front bumper has been crushed. No shop in the country can fix it. It'll have to be shipped back to the factory in Virelia." Her words drew a chorus of gasps from the crowd. Even Miles, the car owner himself, looked a little surprised. "Ms. Wallace, the car's final purchase price was just over ten million dollars. Fixing the bumper shouldn't come close to that," he argued. Cece waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, Mr. Grant. You're thinking about it too simply. This was a birthday gift from your father. I don't need to explain how much sentimental value it holds, right? We're already being generous by asking her to pay only ten million." After hearing Cece's reasoning, Miles seemed to feel she had a point. Lowering his head, he started to think it over.