Chapter 51

Colby chuckled softly and said, “She’s at the hair salon. Why do you ask?”

Andrew raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Hair salon? That’s what she told you?”

“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?” Colby asked, sounding confused.

Andrew gave a small smirk, crossing his arms. “Well, I’m just saying, I saw Selena over at the BMW showroom. She was with a guy named Marco Windt, and let me tell you, they weren’t just talking—oh no, they were all over each other, hugging, getting cozy. She even called him ‘dear.’ I think your fiancée might be cheating on you.”

Colby’s face turned pale. “No way!” he shouted, too loudly, even for him. “Selena? No way! She wouldn’t do that. You must have seen someone else.”

Andrew was insistent, shaking his head. “No, I swear it was her. And get this—Marco’s promising to buy her a BMW X6. They’re probably at his place right now, and she’s probably about to break up with you. As your friend, I’m just trying to warn you—be prepared.”

Colby wasn’t having any of it. His fists clenched. “Andrew, you can’t talk about my fiancée like that. You’re my buddy, but don’t trash talk, Selena. I know her, she’s not like that!”

Andrew sighed, a little exasperated. “Alright, alright. If you don’t want to believe me, that’s fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. You might want to move that painting I gave you, by the way. Keep it safe. It might come in handy if things go south.”

Before Colby could respond, Andrew hung up. He couldn’t help but mutter under his breath. “That guy’s blinded by love. Should’ve recorded a video and sent it to him when I had the chance. He’s going to regret it.”

Just then, the BMW showroom manager knocked on the window, interrupting his rant. “Sir, how are we doing? Do you like the car?”

Andrew turned, still fuming, but nodded. “Yeah, I’ll take this one. Get me another from the warehouse.”

The manager’s face lit up. “Sure thing, sir! Please hold on, I’ll get the car out front for you.”

Within moments, a sleek black BMW N 530 pulled up at the showroom’s entrance. Andrew got out, swiped his card, and completed the purchase in a matter of minutes. With a quick move, he folded his little scooter and tossed it into the trunk of his new ride before driving off like it was just another day.

On his way home, his phone buzzed with calls from his in-laws. They were asking when he’d be back.

Andrew found them waiting outside when he pulled into the driveway. As soon as they saw the BMW, their faces lit up with excitement.

Philip, his father-in-law, circled the car with a grin so wide it almost split his face in half. “Wow, Andrew, this car is amazing! I never thought I’d be close to one of these in my life!”

Andrew smiled, enjoying the moment. “Hey, Dad, who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be driving a Rolls-Royce!”

Philip laughed, his eyes sparkling with hope. “Now that’s what I’m talking about! Keep it up, Andrew, and we’ll all be driving luxury cars in no time.”

Margaret, his mother-in-law, couldn’t stop smiling either. She looked at Andrew with more warmth than usual. It was clear that the car had impressed her.

Philip hopped in and drove around the neighborhood, clearly loving every second of it. When he returned, he had a big grin on his face. “This car is fantastic. It’s so comfortable, but I’m still having trouble with the size—too long to park easily. Andrew, how about you drive me later this afternoon? I’ve got some things to do.”

Andrew nodded. “Sure, Dad. No problem.”

Margaret clapped her hands in excitement. “And Andrew, don’t forget me! I want to show off this new ride to my friends. Take me to afternoon tea!”

“Of course, Mom.”

After lunch, Philip was dressed to the nines and already impatiently pacing. “Alright, let’s go! I’ve got an appointment to check out this Tang Dynasty vase at Antique Street. I’ll show you how it’s done!”

Andrew groaned, knowing what was coming. “Dad, are we really doing this again? You know how many times you’ve been scammed on Antique Street, right?”

Philip waved him off. “No, no, this time’s different. Just drive me there, will you?”

With no way to talk him out of it, Andrew reluctantly agreed and drove his father-in-law to Antique Street.

Antique Street, in the historical city of Beverly Hills, had become quite the hotspot. Tourists and antique collectors alike flocked there, especially after the local tourism department poured money into revitalizing the place.

When they arrived, Philip eagerly went to the entrance of an antique shop and told the receptionist that they had an appointment. She led them to a VIP room in the back.

Andrew had just started to step inside when Philip turned around. “You stay out here. You’re not into these things anyway. Just wait for me.”

Andrew shrugged and sat down in the waiting area.

A few minutes later, there was a loud crash from inside the VIP room. Philip burst out, his face pale, muttering to himself, “Oh no, I’m done for!”

Andrew rushed forward and looked behind Philip. His jaw dropped. A ceramic vase, a Yuhuchun from the Tang Dynasty, lay shattered on the floor, broken into pieces. From the size of the shards, Andrew could tell it was a real deal, one that could be worth millions. His father-in-law had really messed up this time.

In the VIP room, a man with a hard face stood glaring at them. “Mr. Johnson, this vase was bought for five million dollars. Since you broke it, you’ll have to compensate for it!”

The man was none other than Barlow Da Silva, the manager of the shop “Vance Prestige.”

Philip grabbed Andrew, dragging him to the front. “This is my son-in-law. He’s rich! He can pay for this, no problem. Forget about me, take it up with him! I have to leave, goodbye!”

Before Andrew could protest, Philip shoved him into the room and ran off, leaving him holding the bag.

Barlow eyed Andrew coldly, his voice stern. “Sir, the total is five million three hundred and eighty thousand dollars. Will you be paying by card or bank transfer?”

Andrew blinked, trying to suppress a laugh. “Uh, I don’t have any money.”

Barlow’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean you don’t have any money? You just smashed a priceless vase and now you’re telling me you don’t have the funds to pay for it?”

Andrew raised an eyebrow, nonchalant. “I didn’t break the vase. You can’t make me pay for something I didn’t do.”

Barlow clenched his fists, his patience running out.