Chapter 450 Sign
James didn't go with Mary to the wedding, not because it was late, but because his parents suddenly called.
After taking the call, James immediately got up to head to the train station, and Mary drove over in her red BMW.
As she opened the car door for James, she asked with concern, "What's going on?"
James fastened his seatbelt and told Mary to head to the train station.
"Bruce died. My parents found out and took the high-speed train to Glowing Oasis to attend his funeral tomorrow."
"While waiting at the train station, they accidentally knocked over someone's backpack."
"The backpack fell, and something inside broke. When the person opened it, it was a gemstone statue."
"So they're demanding $300,000 in compensation from my parents."
James relayed what Michelle had told him over the phone, frowning slightly. This situation felt eerily similar to when Samantha came to Glowing Oasis.
He sensed something was off, but last time it involved Marigold, so he didn't think much of it.
Mary quickly caught on, "This sounds like a scam, doesn't it?"
"I don't know. It's complicated." James sighed, "My dad insists the backpack fell on its own, but the other person is adamant that my dad knocked it over."
"They even produced a receipt for the statue and dragged my parents to the jewelry store to argue."
"The store clerk confirmed the statue was purchased that afternoon and was intact when it left the store."
James thought to himself, if the jewelry store was in on the scam, he would make sure to shut it down.
Half an hour later, James and Mary arrived at Dragon & Phoenix Jewelry Store.
It was James's first time in the store, and he noticed it had two floors, filled with various gemstones and raw stones.
Judging by the inventory and staff, this wasn't a small operation. The owner must be worth billions.
But James didn't care about the owner's wealth. He started searching for his parents as soon as he entered the hall.
He quickly spotted Virgil and Michelle, who were surrounded by several people.
Leading the group was a middle-aged woman, in her forties, adorned with gold and silver, with a high nose and a fierce demeanor.
"Dad, Mom, don't get worked up." James and Mary pushed through the crowd and took Virgil and Michelle by the arms. "I'll handle this."
"James, you're here?" Michelle anxiously grabbed James. "Tell your dad not to be so stubborn. If he broke it, we should just pay."
She was more worried about Virgil's health, fearing he might get too upset.
"Even you don't believe me? I said I just brushed against the backpack, but I didn't use any force." Virgil was angry. "It fell on its own."
"Alright, Dad, Mom, let me handle this." James smiled and had them sit down. "You two rest for a bit."
"You're their son?" The middle-aged woman snorted. "Good. Your parents broke my gemstone statue and won't pay. You better convince them to hand over the money."
"Otherwise, I'll call the police, and they'll arrest you."
"I'm not trying to scam you. The statue cost me $300,000. You pay me what I paid."
She slapped a receipt in front of James.
Mary glanced at it. $300,000, no more, no less, just as stated.
"Don't worry, if my dad broke it, I'll pay. But if he didn't, you won't get a penny!" James declared, his voice firm.
He opened the backpack, revealing a pile of gemstone fragments. Judging by the cuts, it was impossible to tell if they were new or old, but the quality was indeed high. A statue like this would be worth $300,000.
The middle-aged woman was furious. "Are you saying I'm scamming you? The gemstone and the receipt are right here. Are you blind?"
"I bought it this afternoon, and it broke within an hour. If your dad didn't break it, did I smash it myself?"
"If you don't believe me, ask the jewelry store staff. They saw me buy it."
"And these customers saw me buy the jade Guanyin."
"If you're trying to cheat, just say so. Don't slander me." The woman was livid. "I demand an explanation today."
James took out his phone to ask Kaida to pull up the surveillance footage.
"I'll pay the $300,000," a cold, haughty voice rang out.
James and the others looked up to see Marigold and several others entering. One of them was a middle-aged man James had seen in photos.
"Boss!" The store staff and security greeted the middle-aged man respectfully.
He didn't respond, just nodded slightly, looking down on everyone as if they were beneath him. But when he saw Mary, his eyes lit up, and his breathing quickened.
James narrowed his eyes, his impression of the man worsening.
Virgil and Michelle stood up instinctively when they saw Marigold. "Marigold!"
They wanted to offer condolences but stopped when they saw Marigold's lack of sorrow.
"These two are my old neighbors. I'll pay the $300,000," Marigold said, handing a check to the middle-aged woman. "This matter is settled."
The woman was delighted. "Thank you."
"Virgil, Michelle," Marigold turned to Virgil and Michelle, scolding them. "This gemstone was indeed bought by this person. I saw her pay this afternoon."
"You accidentally broke it. If you have money, pay. If not, be polite and pay slowly."
She looked at them with disdain. "Acting so righteously and refusing to pay makes you look uncultured and shameless."
"Marigold, I didn't break it," Virgil was anxious. "You can't give her money."
"$300,000 is a lot for you, but it's nothing to me," Marigold was impatient. "Consider it my treat for Bruce. This matter is over. Stop making a fuss."
"Besides, I'm paying the $300,000, not you. So don't say anything more."
She turned to James. "James, you too. I told you to work hard, but you didn't listen. Always trying to climb the social ladder. How's that working out? You can't even come up with $300,000."
"Kaida might let you stay at Leo Villa, but she won't give you money. You need to rely on yourself."
"I won't take care of you like Bruce did. If you don't shape up, you'll be back to selling coffee."
Since Coralie told her about a woman driving James around Leo Villa, Marigold was convinced James was being kept.
Virgil and Michelle wanted to say something, but James gently waved them off.
"James, bring your parents to Emerald Lake Elite Hotel for coffee at 9 AM tomorrow," Marigold said, not wasting more words on James. "There will be a waiver for you to sign."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
