Should I go take it back?
I doubt Evan would return the gift to me easily. Even if he intends to do so, it would come with a great price.
But why should I be forced to suffer in silence? I can’t stomach the sense of aggrievement. What should I do?
To go or not to go?
After pondering over the matter, Levant decided to pay Imperial Garden a visit.
The moment he stepped foot into the residence, he made a scene and requested to see Evan.
“Mr. Levant, are you looking for Mr. Seet to retrieve your box?”
He nodded. “Yes, it belongs to me and I’m here to collect it.” Since Nicole can’t keep it, I sure as hell am not going to let Evan have it for free. After all, it’s a special item that I’ve obtained at an exorbitant price.
“Mr. Seet has ordered us to return it to you if you’re here to claim it.”
What?
That’s it? He’s giving it back just like that?
Levant was surprised.
The maid brought the box out and placed it in front of him. “Here you go, Mr. Levant.”
He grabbed the box and scrutinized it. It’s the same one I brought here; everything is in one piece, not an item more or less.
“Mr. Levant, Mr. Seet also reminded us to send you off immediately once the box is returned.”
Levant scoffed, “Do you think I’m willing to linger around any longer? Well, I won’t! Not even if you beg me.”
At the urging of the maids, Levant took the box and drove away.
Back at Levant Winery, he opened the box and took out a first-grade white jade and a pair of ruby jade bangles. He noticed something strange when he held the jewels in his hands.
The ruby jade was supposed to be crystal clear, with its marble design clearly seen from all angles. This one looks polished but where are the marble designs which look like blood veins? And the white jade… it doesn’t quite look like the one I had.
Levant mulled it over and finally figured out what had happened.
“Evan Seet! How dare you swapped out my stones?”
No wonder he gave it back to me promptly. He had the items replaced!
“What a shameless man!” Levant slammed the box lid shut.
I guess I have to endure the loss. Evan must have planned a way to work around this. If I keep harping on it, he might turn it around and frame me for trickery or fraud.
“Just you wait and see, Evan!”
Meanwhile, back at the Imperial Garden.
Evan was enjoying a cup of tea on his mahogany chair while visualizing the look on Levant’s face when he discovered that the stones had been swapped.
A smirk appeared on his face. Hopefully, Levant would learn from this episode and refrain from gifting Nicole anything. Otherwise, the consequences are his to bear.
I have to admit though, the white jade and ruby jade are such magnificent jewels. Soon, they will be put to good use.
Two months later.
Evan received a sudden phone call from Sophia, asking him to bring Nicole to the Seet Residence for an urgent matter.
Both of them speculated a million agenda during their journey.
“Could it be that Sheila found out about Renee and how she has been pestering Davin?”
“Perhaps. We’ll find out when we get there.”
Nicole thought long about it. “I think I heard your uncle’s voice over the phone but I can’t be sure if I heard it right.”
Murphy?
But why would Murphy be there?
Could it be… Looking at the calendar, it’s almost time.
The Maybach sped all the way and rolled to a stop at the Seet Residence. When they got off the car, they were met by Levant who arrived at the same time.
Huh? Why is he here too?
Just when the curious Nicole was about to greet Levant, Evan grasped her wrist and pulled her toward the direction of the living room.
Evan seemed to have predicted Levant’s presence, so he did not even bother to take a glance at him.
Levant was displeased by how the couple ignored him. I’m a guest. How could they be so rude and treated me with disrespect?
Then, he recalled the jade which had been replaced by Evan and resentment surged within him. This won’t do. I must get back at Evan for his actions.
