Chapter 27: Want to Buy the Watch

"This watch was originally bought by me to give as a gift, but since he auctioned it off, I want to reclaim it and put an end to it," Bethany explained casually.

"How much did you buy it for originally?" the man asked.

Bethany blurted out, "20 thousand dollars."

It was all her pocket money saved up from childhood. She still remembered when she gave it to Vincent back then. He ruffled her hair and said, "Silly girl, spending money on men will bring bad luck. Don't be so extravagant in the future. I really like this watch. I will wear it until the end of my life."

Later, he confirmed her words. Indeed, spending money on men would bring bad luck. Bethany almost lost her life.

And yet, he just auctioned off the watch.

How ridiculous.

"If you're willing, make an offer," Bethany said sincerely, really wanting to reclaim the watch.

Vincent knew that she wanted to reclaim the once affection, the obsession with him.

He didn't allow it.

"I can transfer it to you, but this watch was bought for 160 thousand dollars. How much are you going to give me?"

Hearing this price, Bethany widened her eyes in disbelief. "What? You bought this watch for 160 thousand dollars? You're a fool with too much money..."

Vincent looked at her straight in the eye.

Bethany realized she had overstepped and quickly changed her tune. "What I mean is, even if you have money, you shouldn't squander it like this. This watch is not worth that price at all."

"I go by feelings, and I have a connection with this watch. Forget about 160 thousand dollars, even 1.6 million dollars would be worth it," Vincent said lightly.

Bethany thought, “Is this the consumption philosophy of the wealthy?”

Bethany was speechless.

Vincent asked, "So, do you still want to buy it?"

Bethany sighed helplessly, "I can't afford it.”

If it were 40 thousand dollars, she could still grit her teeth and buy it, but 160 thousand dollars was truly out of reach.

"In fact, some things don't necessarily require money for transactions." Vincent looked at Bethany with deep meaning and smiled, "What do you think?"

In fact, he already made it clear. Bethany was penniless, and all she had was her beauty.

But Vincent's watch was not enough to make her sell herself.

"I mean..."

Bethany smiled sweetly, "Get lost."

Vincent was driven away.

As he went downstairs, he also took two bags of trash.

He got into the car and made a phone call, "How's the thing I asked you to investigate?"

"Still under investigation."

"Hurry up. I'm running out of patience." Vincent's voice carried a hint of impatience.

"Yes, boss."

Vincent wanted to find out what changes Bethany had gone through after he went abroad, which had shaped her into the worldly-wise person she was today.

In that way, he could plan the next steps accordingly.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the art exhibition judging.

Many outstanding individuals gathered in the grand venue, and many big shots from the circle also came, indicating the high value of this art exhibition.

As long as one could win an award, his or her future would be bright.

And Bethany's work was the most outstanding. Almost everyone bet on her.

Bethany was expected to win.

Jacob pulled Bethany to socialize with people in the circle, and after a round of networking, they received countless praises, but they also felt exhausted.

Bethany was least adept at socializing.

Just as she found a quiet corner to rest for a while, a girl dressed in a beautiful manner approached her.

"Bethany, you're here!"

Bethany looked up, it was her half-sister from the same father but different mothers, Emily Campbell.

Emily was now a sophomore, and she and Bethany both applied to the art academy. Although her grades were impressive, she was still slightly inferior to Bethany.

Emily also participated in this art exhibition.

Bethany only responded lightly and then looked away, not bothering to pay attention to her.

Emily seemed oblivious to her lack of interest and insisted on bothering Bethany. "With so many participants this time, it's quite difficult to stand out. Do you have confidence, Bethany?"

Bethany maintained a cold demeanor, not intending to talk to her.

Emily continued, "The teachers at school all appreciate you. You mustn't let them down by not getting selected."

She was being tough.

Bethany was not easy to provoke. She stood up, the coldness in her eyes easily overshadowing Emily's momentum. "Mind your own business. Instead of worrying about others, you should improve your own skills so that your mother can show off in front of others."

Emily said, "No matter how good my skills are, my mother is proud of me. Unlike you, even if you are outstanding, your mother can't come out of the nursing home..."

Emily seemed to realize she had said the wrong thing and covered her mouth immediately. She added, "Sorry. I spoke too hastily. I just mentioned your mother. I didn't mean to hit your sore spot. You won't blame me, will you?"

She looked innocent, but it made Bethany's stomach churn.

Emily was quite good at pretending.

"I do. Kneel and slap yourself a few times to relieve my anger," Bethany said with a smile, half-jokingly.

Emily's expression froze, dumbfounded by the retort.

Bethany's smile didn't diminish. "Do you think you can provoke me? The child of a mistress is just a bastard, a clown who can't get on the stage."

She hit Emily where it hurt.

Being a bastard was a stain Emily had always wanted to erase but couldn't change. Even if Bethany was kicked out of the house, she could always look down on Emily.

So Emily’s only goal from childhood to adulthood was to surpass Bethany in every aspect and trample her underfoot.

Emily clenched her fists tightly, almost grinding her teeth. "Let's wait and see who wins the championship!"

"I've seen your work." Bethany lazily commented, "Honestly, even third place would be a stretch for you."

Bethany isn’t deliberately targeting Emily. It was just that Emily's work was really unremarkable.

Emily didn't get angry but smiled confidently, "Okay, let's wait and see!"

She came prepared for this art exhibition.

Emily thought that the grand prize was definitely hers.

At this moment, the voice of the broadcast in the hall reminded everyone to sit down as the judging was about to begin.

Jacob walked over.

Emily immediately changed her demeanor, shyly greeting him. "Jacob!"

Jacob nodded coldly and sat next to Bethany. Throughout the judging process, Emily kept talking to Jacob, which was quite annoying.

He glanced at Bethany out of the corner of his eyes. She was focusing on the artwork on stage and occasionally picked up her phone to reply to messages.

Jacob couldn't help but wonder if she was texting Clinton.

In fact, Clinton hadn't contacted Bethany for days, but Vincent always sent messages to Bethany.

He texted her again.

Vincent said, [You look very beautiful today, especially with that brooch, the perfect touch.]

When Bethany saw this message, she subconsciously looked around, but after scanning the entire venue, she didn't see the man's figure.

She asked, [Where are you?]

The man didn't reply immediately.

During the wait, Bethany felt anxious, and she lost interest in the exhibition.

Finally, her phone rang with a notification sound.

Vincent said, [Look to your upper right.]