The memory of getting beaten up and getting her clothes torn off the previous night float to the surface of Johanna’s mind. Trembling in fear, Johanna tightened her grip on Genevieve’s arm. “Genev, please save me…” Johanna begged as her voice began to crack.
A hesitant look flashed across Genevieve’s eyes.
She and Johanna had been classmates for two years. Not only that, they were seated next to each other. Johanna had a bubbly personality. No matter what she was doing, Johanna would take Genevieve along. The two of them hit it off fairly easily. However, the two of them had lost contact after Johanna went overseas to study.
After so many years, Genevieve had almost forgotten Johanna’s existence.
Ever since Armand’s birthright had been exposed, the Faulkners no longer consider him a part of the family. Because of that, she had lost a layer of protection.
Genevieve did not want to offend other influential families in Xedells just to save Johanna in fear that she would get into trouble herself.
The supervisor noticed Genevieve’s hesitance and decided to target it. “I know you’re Armand Faulkner’s wife. However, Mr. Faulkner is no longer considered a Faulkner, is he? Furthermore, this is Xedells. I’ll advise you to mind your own business ma’am. That way, you get to live longer.”
Upon hearing his words, Genevieve sneered. “He might not be a Faulkner anymore, but he’s still the CEO of Central Group! The amount he earns is an amount that you and your descendants can only dream about earning. You’re earning—what—only a couple of ten thousand per month? Who are you to look down on him?”
The supervisor’s face paled in fury as Genevieve’s words rendered him speechless.
“How much does her father owe? I’ll pay,” Genevieve declared in a clear, calm voice. “Get me the manager!”
Reluctantly, the supervisor bowed to Genevieve and led them into a private booth, asking them to wait inside.
After a couple of minutes, he returned with a man dressed crisply in a suit.
The man was about forty years old. His hair was combed to the back. His fox eyes stared piercingly at his surroundings, causing a chill to run down one’s spine.
“Name’s Gabriel Jimmond, and I’m the manager of Ambrosia.” Gabriel greeted Genevieve and took a seat on the opposite side of the table.
He tossed a side glance at Johanna as he asked, “You want to pay her debt for her?”
Genevieve was putting ice on Johanna’s swollen face. Without even looking at Gabriel, she asked, “How much did her father owes you guys?”
“Twenty-eight million.”
“Alright. I’ll pay.” Even though it was not a small amount, Genevieve could still take out that amount of money, especially after the exchange she just had with Peter.
“Show me the IOU,” ordered Genevieve casually.
“No rush, Ms. Rachford. There are still further calculations to be made.” Gabriel lit a cigarette slowly before taking a sip. “Twenty-eight million is just the base price. Including the interest charge, her special etiquette training by professionals, food, and accommodation…” Gabriel moved his fingers as though he was counting. “You’ll have to pay us thirty-six million.”
“Even the loan sharks aren’t as bad as you guys!” Johanna hollered, enraged. “I was only here since yesterday! Not only did I get beaten up… and locked up in a room, but I’ve never been to any etiquette classes!”
Johanna then shook Genevieve’s arm. “Genev, let’s just call the police. The police won’t let them get away with this.”
Gabriel merely shrugged at Johanna’s threat. “By all means, you’re welcomed to call the police.”
Genevieve did not budge. She was fully aware that the police in Xedells not only will ignore their reports, but the police might also cause even more trouble.
“Deal!” Genevieve pursed her lips.
She took out her checkbook and scribbled a generous thirty-six million onto a page while waiting for Gabriel to hand her the IOU.
Without a second thought, she passed the check to Gabriel.
Just as Gabriel was about to hand the IOU to Genevieve, his phone rang at the exact moment.
The person on the phone said something to Gabriel. “Yes, sir.” Before he hung up, Gabriel nodded and replied in a respectful tone.
After the phone call, Gabriel waved a waiter over and started whispering in the waiter’s ear.
As the waiter left the private booth, Genevieve frowned, noticing that Gabriel was no longer giving her the IOU.
Within two minutes, the waiter that had left a moment ago came back with a bottle of brandy.
Thanking the waiter, Gabriel opened the bottle of brandy before turning to Genevieve. “Thirty-eight million and this bottle of brandy. If Ms. Rachford can finish this bottle, I’ll immediately let you guys go without further issues.”
Genevieve eyed the brandy in a calm manner. “How about another ten million in place of the brandy? Forty-six million in total.” She bargained.
The manager shrugged nonchalantly. “If you’re not drinking, you’re not taking her away
