Chapter 363

The battlefield of commerce is no less fierce than war itself, with competition as natural as breathing.

Billy's archenemy would be her friend.

"Tell him that our firm is ready to collaborate with him," Josefina declared.

Kale flashed a grin and said, "Ms. Josefina, I'm on it."

Kale was in tune with Josefina's thoughts and was curious to see what Billy would feel as his archenemy grew stronger.

...

Josefina dialed up her lawyer, instructing him to press Billy for the money. She threatened to spill the beans during the heat of the fashion contest if she wasn't paid soon.

Billy's face twisted into an ugly grimace upon receiving the call, anxiety and worry etched across his features.

"Aren't we still within the deadline? What's the rush?" he snapped.

"Mr. Antonio, I'm not here to rush you, merely to remind you of the timeline," the lawyer explained. "Ms. Josefina has made it clear that if you don't pay up soon, as soon as the deadline hits, she'll immediately go after your daughter Ruby."

Ruby and Lauren were in Billy's office when they overheard the lawyer's words. Anger swelled within them, souring their moods.

"I understand," Billy grumbled. Newest update provided by find·novel·net

After hanging up, Billy glared at Ruby, sending shivers down her spine. "Dad, maybe we should call Josefina," she suggested timidly.

"Are you out of your mind? Can't you see Josefina only wants money, not your pleas? If you were any good at pleading, would we even be in this mess?" Billy chastised.

Ruby quietly lowered her head, no longer daring to speak.

Lauren's nose was bruised, her forehead swollen. "Billy, think of something," Lauren urged. "That girl has the audacity to demand a fortune. Has she lost her mind?"

"Just focus on raising the funds," Billy replied curtly. "Instead of wasting time here, figure out how to get the money."

Lauren said, "Why don't you sell all your stocks from the fund? Don't you still have a villa in Deep Water Bay? According to Josefina, introduced busmess to you so you could make money to buy it. Just consider it paying her back. s

"Why don't you sell your properties? You're always eyeing mine. Why not sell your own and pay off Josefina?". he retorted. The two of them erupted into another heated argument over money.

belongs to s

Ruby began to sob. "It's all my fault. Mom, Dad, please stop fighting because of

me. I'll give Josefina my life if that'll satisfy her."

The quarrel ceased as Billy and Lauren turned to Ruby, whose eyes were red and swollen. Lauren's heart softened Ruby dont cry sell the house if it means getting the money to help you." s

Lauren then addressed Billy. "Let's both sell our assets. Ruby is your daughter, your only child. Do you really want to see her ridiculed?"

In the end, they reluctantly sold their properties, scraped together the fortune, and requested a meeting with Josefina.

Josefina graciously agreed and made her way to the designated café.

...

The Antonio family waited with predatory gazes as Josefina approached them step by step. Even the lawyer, caught in the middle, could feel the icy chill emanating from the trio.

Paying out a fortune was painful, but whom could they blame? It was Ruby's fault.

Josefina sat down, her posture graceful, her attire luxurious. The watch on her wrist alone was enough to evoke envy in Lauren.

"Weston, let's get started," Josefina said briskly. "I've got work to attend to. Whatever they have to say, let them say it now in front of you."