Chapter 744

Josefina strolled into a swanky jewelry boutique, her heels clicking against the marble floor. As she stepped inside, a clerk greeted her with a polite smile, "How can I assist you today?"

"I'm Josefina. I placed an order for a necklace," she replied, her tone direct yet courteous.

The clerk nodded and hurried off to inform the manager. Moments later, the manager approached with a warm smile, "Ms. Josefina, please give me a moment. I'll fetch your necklace."

Eager to get on with her day, Josefina waited outside, hoping to wrap up this errand quickly. After a brief wait, the clerk returned, presenting her with the custom-made necklace.

"Good day, Ms. Josefina. Here's the necklace you designed," the clerk said, handing her the box.

Josefina opened it, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the stunning ruby necklace she had envisioned. It was perfect, just as she had imagined.

Before she could express her satisfaction, a familiar voice cut through the moment, "I'll take that necklace."

Josefina looked up, recognizing the voice instantly. It was Shay, who sauntered in and took a seat with a smirk. "I said, I want that necklace."

Josefina quickly closed the box, clutching it protectively on her lap. "You want it? Fat chance."

Unfazed, Shay turned to the manager, "I want this necklace. Sell it to me."

Caught in an awkward spot, the manager apologized, "Ms. Baldwin, this isn't an

item we have for sale, unfortunately."

"Is that so?" Shay's face darkened.

"I'll pay double," Shay pressed.

Josefina chuckled, "Oh, you think money's all it takes?"

"Five times the price!" Shay shot back.

"Deal!" Josefina exclaimed, grinning. "Time to pony up the cash. Whoever doesn't is a chicken."

Josefina continued, "As the manager knows, this necklace is worth five million, and the design alone is

another million. That's six million et

total. With your offer of five times that you're looking

at thirty Ready to write that check, Ms. High-and-Mighty Nichola?"

Shay was stunned.

Did Josefina just agree?

Why would she?

Shay couldn't believe it.

Seeing Shay's bewilderment, Josefina raised an eyebrow, "Or were you just blowing

hot air? Big talk but no follow-through? Nichola, have you no shame?"

Shay's face was a mask of resentment as she pulled out her checkbook and

scribbled a check for thirty million, handing it over to Josefina.

Josefina took the check with a

broad smile, I'll just step out to cash this. Nichola, no tricks, or I'll plaster your grand offer all over the bilboards in Times Square. And if you back out, you're covering the ad costs, too."

Shay was livid, her face turning stormy blue with humiliation.

"I assure you, my checks don't bounce," Shay hissed through clenched teeth.

"Good to hear. Enjoy your shopping," Josefina said cheerfully as she left, a spring in her step.

Who wouldn't be thrilled with an unexpected windfall?

But Shay was anything but thrilled. She felt outplayed and outsmarted by Josefina.

While Shay stewed in her fury,

Josefina was on cloud nine, indulging in a shopping spree and donating to charity not forgetting to

pick up a special gift for Oliver.

Meanwhile, consumed by rage and plotting revenge, Shay found a secluded spot to

make a call, "Check if Josefina has left the mall. Where did she go? Hurry up!"

After hanging up, Shay paced by the window, her anger boiling over, "Damn that Josefina. I'll make her pay!"

But as she turned, an unseen assailant grabbed her, and her last view of the world was the sky as she was hurled out the window...