Chapter 32 A Counterfeit Gift
Wendy raised an eyebrow–it really was valuable.
Finished
This screen wasn’t just something that would go for a high price at a foreign auction; even domestically, it would fetch over a hundred million. And they’d just given it away like that for the sake of a business deal? Clearly, the Harrison family was determined to lock in their partnership with Wyvern Group.
Mr. Zachary was equally stunned. For most, a gift worth hundreds of thousands or even a million would be plenty. But who the hell gifts a screen worth over a hundred million in jade? That was practically a national treasure–how could he possibly accept it?
He tried to decline several times but failed. In front of everyone, Larry’s assistant pulled off the red silk covering.
“It’s definitely high–grade jade,” Chase said, nodding
“You know jade?” Wendy asked.
Chase replied, “Back in college, one of my roommates had a crush on a girl and dragged all of us into signing up for a jade appreciation class. He gave up after two sessions when she turned him down. But I figured since I’d already enrolled, I might as well stick it out–I ended up taking the whole semester.”
What he didn’t mention was that the professor had praised his eye for detail and said he had real talent in the field.
The screen looked gorgeous at first glance–luxurious and refined. But when you really studied it, the craftsmanship was too flawless. It simply didn’t match the capabilities of the era it claimed to be from. Which meant one thing–it was a fake.
“The jade’s good, and it’s carved from a solid slab,” Chase said. “But it’s definitely not the original.”
Wendy looked at Chase with growing admiration and curiosity. He had so many unexpected talents. Uncovering them one by one was proving to be quite the thrill.
“Oh, I see.” Wendy turned back with a smile. “Larry spent a fortune on a counterfeit and used it as a gift for Wyvern Group. That takes guts.”
Chase didn’t really care about the business politics. All he knew was that Wendy was in a great mood–and she seemed even happier after learning it was a fake.
No matter how expensive the gifts that followed, none could top that jade screen.
These days, few people actually kept screens in their homes. It would be used purely as a collector’s item.
When it was Quinn Group’s turn, Wendy led Chase forward. Sammy carried the gift box, handed it to Wendy, and stepped back.
Chapter 32 A Counterfeit Gift
Finished
“Mr. Zachary, this is a tonic my parents brought back from the south. It’s nothing fancy compared to the other gifts, but I heard Madam Finley’s been feeling unwell lately. This bird’s nest tonic should help.”
Wendy’s gift wasn’t expensive, but it was practical.
After seeing all those watches and jade pieces, Mr. Zachary was genuinely pleased. He quickly had someone store it away and pulled Wendy aside, praising her several times. Then he looked over at Chase. “Chase, I haven’t seen you in two years. You don’t usually accompany Wendy to events like this.”
Chase offered a few polite compliments in return.
“Mr. Zachary might not know this,” a voice said behind them. It wasn’t loud, but just loud enough for the nearby guests to hear. “Word is Mr. Chase and Madam Wendy are in the middle of a divorce. Tsk, and it’s all because of my dear cousin.”
This was a golden anniversary party. Everyone in attendance was either married or paired up properly. Even if they had affairs outside, they wouldn’t bring them here.
Now someone was openly revealing that Chase and Wendy were only pretending to be a happy couple–and dragging Henry down with them. It wasn’t hard to guess who it was.
Wendy and Chase turned at the same time to see Larry wearing a pleasant smile. But the malice in his eyes practically oozed out.
“He look like Henry used to?” Chase asked Wendy in a low voice.
Wendy let out a soft hum and gave his hand a squeeze. “Getting jealous again?”
Chase immediately tried to pull his hand away, but Wendy didn’t let go.
“Oh, is that so?” Mr. Zachary’s tone hardened.
Wendy quickly turned back. “Henry’s always running his mouth. Back then, sure, I didn’t end becoming your daughter–in–law, and I never will. My husband’s standing right here–what nonsense is that?”
Plenty of people in the distance were watching the scene unfold.
up
Word had it that Larry was on track to replace Henry as the next heir of the Harrison family. But then Henry came back with a kid. Even if the family didn’t approve, they couldn’t deny the bloodline. Henry had been visiting the Harrison estate more often lately–probably trying to mend fences.
After all, the Harrison family empire had been built by Henry’s parents. Larry’s folks only ran one of the branch companies. No matter how hard he tried, he’d never get into the main office.
That’s why Larry was so desperate to ruin Henry’s reputation–to make sure he’d never have a way back in.
9:41 PM ď ď
Chapter 32 A Counterfeit Gift
Wendy to step down.
Finished
Waylon was still drinking in a corner. He had just started to rise when he saw Wendy brush it all off so effortlessly.
She really does have some skills,” he muttered. “No wonder Chi Yun was into her.”
The banquet wrapped up around ten. As guests began to leave, Wendy and Chase–both of whom had been drinking–were driven home by a chauffeur. Just as their car pulled out of the estate, they spotted Waylon standing beside his vehicle, seemingly on the phone with his driver.
Wendy thought for a moment and lowered the window. “Waylon, it’s still early. Want to go grab a drink somewhere?”
Waylon looked past Wendy at the man sitting beside her.
Chase had drunk quite a bit. He was a little dizzy now, but the second he heard the name “Waylon,” he forced himself to stay alert.
Send Gifts
