Chapter 754:

Noticing the tension, Aarya stood up, walked to Elyse, and smiled. “If you don’t know each other, why not sit down and get acquainted?”

Aarya grabbed Elyse’s arm and pulled her onto the sofa.

Elyse had no intention of staying. Struggling, she knocked over a lighter on the table. It fell and broke.

Instantly, Aarya’s and Nancy’s expressions shifted, revealing intrigue and smug satisfaction.

Elyse’s heart sank. Knowing the lighter was expensive, she picked it up and said, “Whose lighter is this? I broke it. I’ll pay for it.”

The man chuckled coldly, a mischievous smile on his face. “Are you serious about paying for it? Can you even afford it?”

Elyse replied, “I have money. Even if I can’t afford it, I can borrow from friends.”

The man raised his hand and gestured a figure eight.

Elyse frowned, doubting the lighter could be worth eight thousand dollars. The man clarified, “Eight hundred thousand dollars.”

Elyse gasped.

Aarya, seeming to read Elyse’s thoughts, explained, “This lighter originally sold for two hundred thousand dollars. But it’s unique, from thirty years ago. It’s priceless now, and eight hundred thousand dollars is just the starting bid at auction.”

Turning to the man with a sly smile, Aarya offered, “Rico, Elyse is a friend. For my sake, let it go. I have plenty of collectibles at home. You can take your pick.”

Elyse felt no relief. From the moment she entered the private room, nothing went as expected. She realized the lighter was likely meant to be broken.

She wouldn’t let Aarya handle this. “I’m taking responsibility. I’ll raise the eight hundred thousand dollars myself.”

Aarya’s eyes flashed with malice.

Rico Ewing crossed his legs and asked, “Why are you resisting? Aarya offered to help, but you turned her down. Are you trying to prove something to us?”

Elyse shook her head. “I can’t let Aarya take on my responsibility.”

Aarya smiled warmly. “We’re friends. It’s only natural for me to help you.”

Seeing Elyse unmoved, Rico smashed his glass and yelled, “I can’t stand this woman. Poor yet so arrogant! Fine, I’ll let you take responsibility yourself.”

He pointed to the beer bottles. “Finish all of these, and I’ll give you a shot at raising the money.”

Elyse stared at the bottles, her face draining of color. She couldn’t drink that much.

Aarya stopped mediating and gave Elyse a helpless look. “Rico’s furious. There’s nothing more I can do for you. You’re on your own now.”

Elyse glanced at the private room’s door. Nancy remained there, evidently ensuring she couldn’t escape. . . .