Chapter 345

Andrew spoke calmly, his tone steady but cutting. "Aspen, there's nothing wrong with a woman being proud and confident. As long as that pride is justified. But arrogance and foolishness are a recipe for painful lessons."

Aspen sneered, glancing sideways at Christina. "Christie, did you hear that? He's going to 'teach me a lesson.' Honestly, with an ex like that, I can't blame you for leaving him. If you hadn't, I would have stepped in myself."

Christina's face darkened. She cast a worried glance at Andrew. Why was he so bold? This gamble seemed reckless.

"Everyone, quiet! The gemstone challenge between Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Stevens is about to begin," Elsie announced, her voice rising above the murmur. Turning to Andrew and Aspen, she added, "Do either of you have any additional terms?"

Aspen flashed a confident smile. "I have nothing to add. I just hope Mr. Lloyd won't start crying when this is over."

Andrew's voice remained composed. "I do have something to add." He paused, letting the anticipation build. "Whoever loses forfeits all their winnings to the other. And, since Ms. Stevens enjoys excitement, let's make it interesting. Each gemstone must cost at least ten million dollars. Is that too much for you, Ms. Stevens?"

The crowd erupted. "Ten million per stone? Is Mr. Lloyd trying to bankrupt Aspen?" "This isn't intense, it's insane! The winner's filthy rich, the loser's wiped out!" "This isn't a gamble; it's high-stakes warfare!"

Aspen's confident smile faltered, replaced by unease. She stared at Andrew, her voice sharp. "Andrew, are you sure you want to play at this level?"

Andrew met her gaze, unwavering. "Just answer the question. Do you dare, or don't you?"

Aspen gritted her teeth. "Fine. I'll see this through." She squared her shoulders. "You think you can intimidate me? Clearly, you've underestimated me and my family. The Stevens family doesn't back down."

Inside, Aspen's mind raced. Andrew had raised the stakes dramatically, forcing her to gamble with millions. Losing wasn't an option—not for her reputation, nor for her company's investments. Her ventures in Jayrodale and the Northern District were at stake; failure meant financial ruin.

Christina's heart pounded. His wager was enormous; was he bluffing? "Aspen, I'm worried…" she began.

But Aspen held up a hand, her expression resolute. "Relax, Christie. I started this, and I'll finish it. Andrew's just trying to rattle me, but I'm not easily shaken."

Still stunned by the escalation, Elsie motioned toward the gemstones. "The terms are set. Both competitors may now begin selecting their stones." Her voice trembled slightly.

Aspen strode forward without hesitation, pointing to a stone she had chosen beforehand. "I'm ready. This is the one."