To prevent Adrian Jones from harboring any lingering schemes, I organized a press conference and publicly announced the launch of our upscale real estate project. Once the event wrapped up, Carla Gibson invited me to visit a jewelry store with her. She had her eye on a piece created by a famous jeweler, carrying a price tag in the seven figures.

"Cousin, isn't this jewelry gorgeous? Does it look good on me?" Over the years, she had not only comfortably settled into my private estate but also secured a notable position in my company's finance department. Along with Adrian, they had siphoned off a considerable amount of money from the company.

"This piece is fairly average. I'm aware there are far more exquisite ones here," I remarked, motioning to the store manager. He promptly unveiled a new collection, with prices that had doubled. Carla couldn't stop comparing the jewelry, looking thoroughly pleased.

"Cousin, I need a favor from you. I'm an illegitimate child without proper documentation, and now Jabari is about to start preschool. Could you let him use your records for enrollment?" She had made this request in my previous life as well. At that time, I thought her situation was unfortunate, being a single mother with a complex background, and I agreed to help.

But later, when I faced trouble, Carla—driven by her desire to inherit my entire estate—neglected my daughter Chana during a severe fever. In the end, my daughter was left to die in the fire.

Seeing that I remained silent, Carla gripped my hand tightly. "Riley, you'll help me, won't you? Otherwise, Aunt Itzel will dredge up that old incident again."

She tried to use Itzel to pressure me, but I wasn't taking the bait. I replied calmly, "Let's talk about this later. My friend is coming over soon."

"Perfect timing, let's all grab lunch together. We should find a nice restaurant—wouldn't want to make your friend feel unwelcome."

Carla instructed the store manager to wrap up the necklace. "This necklace would look stunning on you. Many ladies have tried to reserve it; it’s quite in demand. Ma'am, you have impeccable taste," the sales associate chimed in flatteringly.

Once the necklace was packed, Carla stood nearby, expecting me to pay.

How amusing. Did she really think I was still going to buy it for her?

I smiled faintly. "I didn't bring my card with me, and I never use online payment methods. Sorry, I can't help you. Maybe it's a sign you shouldn't buy it."

Carla looked reluctant. I gave a discreet nod to the store manager. He gave a knowing smirk, his eyes saying, "Why pretend to be generous if you can't foot the bill?"

With a sigh, Carla pulled out her card. "What's the holdup? Bring the card machine over here!"

This jewelry store was one of my businesses. Once she completed the payment, my account got a €400,000 boost!

Even after purchasing the jewelry, Carla seemed uneasy. Right in front of me, she called Itzel. "Aunt Itzel, Riley just got me a €400,000 necklace, but I had to pay upfront. She said she'll reimburse me."

It was laughable. Buying her own necklace and then expecting me to cover it. Truly shameless.