Several cars pulled up outside Dorsey’s Antiques Store. A group of men in suits emerged, led by a burly figure who stepped out of a Mercedes. The others climbed out of executive vans. The leader wore sunglasses and a suit with a tie, looking like a businessman, but his full beard gave him a thuggish air.
“Where’s my jade?” the man bellowed at the shopkeeper. His entourage quickly blocked the shop’s entrance.
The stone enthusiasts inside fell silent, then stood at attention, calling out in unison, “Greetings, Mr. Lowe!”
Alfie ignored them, striding forward purposefully.
This Mr. Lowe seemed to command respect; even the seasoned gamblers looked afraid.
The shopkeeper, visibly trembling, said, “It’s right here, Mr. Lowe!” He presented the jade piece they had just been examining. Alfie grunted, taking the stone. His gaze shifted to Lacey. “What’s this? A customer interested in it?”
He removed his sunglasses, revealing small eyes beneath thick eyebrows. Combined with his beard, he exuded an air of ferocity.
His eyes raked over Lacey, clearly appreciating her beauty.
Lacey was like a Barbie doll, with delicate features and a stunning figure that instantly caught the eye. She was the kind of beauty that could make a man’s pulse race.
Alfie couldn’t help but devour her with his eyes, his gaze lingering lecherously over her form.
Lacey felt deeply uncomfortable under Alfie’s lascivious stare. However, she wasn’t one to be easily intimidated. Instead of confronting Alfie directly, she turned to the shopkeeper and said, “Isn’t this a bit much? You agreed to sell it to me for a million, and now you’ve sold it to someone else?”
The shopkeeper grinned nervously. “What could I do? Mr. Lowe offered five million! It’s just business – highest bidder wins. You know the difference between one and five million is huge. Besides, if Mr. Lowe wants it, that’s that.”
Lacey glanced between Alfie and the stone enthusiasts.
“Don’t know who I am, do you?” Alfie asked loudly.
The shopkeeper hurried to explain, “Mr. Lowe is the boss of this old town district. He used to be a professional boxer in Inassea, even won the national championship. He’s retired now, keeping a low profile as the local boss here.”
“Enough!” Alfie raised his hand and interrupted. “Don’t scare the sweet thing.”
He turned to Lacey, “The shopkeeper was wrong to mess you around, beautiful. Tell you what, I’ll do you a favor. You can have the jade for the same price I paid. We can’t let the shopkeeper lose out, right?”
Lacey saw through their act immediately. It was clearly a setup between the shopkeeper and Alfie to drive up the price and scam unsuspecting buyers. A common trick in antique shops.
She laughed coldly. “Forget it. Sell it to Mr. Lowe.”
As she turned to leave, Alfie blocked her path.
“Come on, sweetheart. I can see in your eyes that you truly love this jade piece. I think it suits you well. I’ll take a loss – how about half price? 2. 5 million?” Alfie offered generously.
Lacey hesitated. Even at 2 million, an ancient piece from the BC 20th century would be worth it.
She glanced at Kayden, who remained impassive. Ever since he had told Lacey about the jade’s age, he had maintained a silent demeanor.
Looking at the cold Kayden, Lacey thought to herself how aloof this guy was. She was a beauty, after all, and he couldn’t even be bothered to give an opinion in this situation. If only he knew how many men outside would line up just to spend time alone with her. She really couldn’t understand him!
Finding no answers in Kayden’s face, she turned back to Alfie and asked, “Do you really mean what you said?”
Alfie grinned and thumped his chest. “Would I risk my reputation in Hiphia over such a small matter? I always keep my word. But I do have one small condition. If you agree, it’s yours for 2 million.”
“I think you’re a spirited woman, and I’d like to be friends. How about we have a more intimate chat tonight, to deepen our friendship? At the nearby Dragon Hotel – I own it.” Alfie’s smile turned cunning.
He had finally revealed his true intentions. Simply put, he had his eye on Lacey and was deliberately setting this up.
To Alfie, Lacey was a rare beauty! He’d seen his fair share, but never one so perfect.
“Huh!” Lacey laughed coldly, adjusting her clothes. “So you want to sleep with me, is that it?”
Hearing Lacey lay it out so bluntly, Alfie laughed outright, clapping his hands. “Of course! 3 million for one night – that’s a bargain, no matter how you look at it! A female celebrity came here before, and I only paid 200, 000 to sleep with her for a night. I’m offering you 3 million – that’s way above celebrity rates. Quite reasonable, don’t you think?!”
“Keep dreaming!” Lacey said icily, her expression changing in an instant.
Then she turned to Kayden and said, “Kayden, let’s go!”
With that, she strode straight for the exit.
She had only taken a few steps when Alfie suddenly swept her up in his arms, laughing, “Why so angry?”
“What are you doing?” Lacey struggled fiercely, but being a woman, she simply couldn’t break free from Alfie’s embrace.
“Girl, 3 million for one night with me is a great deal,” Alfie said greedily.
“Get lost!” Lacey pushed Alfie away with all her might.
Panting, she warned, “You’d better show me some respect, or I’ll call the police and have you arrested for harassment.”