Chapter 160

Although Rebecca didn't know the ring's exact purpose, Jackson had given it to Stephanie, ostensibly to make amends. Therefore, when he realized he'd given the ring away, Rebecca was quite puzzled. As subordinates, however, they had no right to question their boss's intentions.

When Jackson heard Rebecca mention giving the ring to Stephanie, his expression changed drastically. "I gave it to two Stephanies?"

Rebecca nodded. "Yes, to Miss Giovanni."

Jackson fell silent, a sense of foreboding washing over him. Recalling how he'd forcefully pressed the box into Stephanie's hands, he slapped his forehead in frustration. He'd made a terrible mistake; this was going to be a disaster!

Glaring at Rebecca, he snapped, "Why didn't you remind me?" Giving a ring as an apology? What kind of nonsense was that?

Rebecca replied, "I did ask, but you said it was for Miss Giovanni. I didn't dare say more." Everyone knew Jackson detested speculation about his thoughts. Since he'd stated it was for Stephanie, Rebecca hadn't dared to question it.

Seeing Jackson's expression, Rebecca hesitantly asked, "Did you give it to the wrong person?"

"Have you ever seen someone apologize with a ring?" Jackson's tone was menacing.

Exactly, Rebecca thought. She'd wanted to ask earlier, but Jackson had been in a foul mood due to the situation with Lilian and Stephanie.

Rebecca couldn't help but ask, "What do we do now? Should we ask for it back?"

Jackson shot her another sharp glare, silencing her immediately. Ask for it back? Jackson never reclaimed a gift. But giving a ring as an apology... The thought brought on a massive headache. Retrieving it wasn't feasible, yet his gut warned him this ring would cause significant trouble.

Sure enough, his phone rang—Elliot.

His expression shifted as he answered, "Mr. Grant."

"Mr. Giovanni says we have no intention of exporting our minerals. Therefore, you should cease your efforts, Mr. Hodge."

"What? But you were clearly selecting potential partners before…"

Beep!

Before Jackson could finish, the call ended. He was stunned. He hadn't misheard; Sebastian had planned to integrate minerals into the international market. Yet now, they denied any export plan?

Considering Lilian's argument with Stephanie and Sebastian's darkened expression at the time...and recalling Elliot's words, Jackson suspected the ring was the cause. Could Sebastian have seen it?

Jackson gasped, a sharp pain lancing through his head. After a moment, he turned to Rebecca. "Give me Stephanie's phone number."

Rebecca quickly sent Stephanie's number. However, Jackson didn't call immediately. He assumed Sebastian was with Stephanie; contacting Stephanie directly would only worsen the situation, as Sebastian intensely disliked anyone encroaching on his family's business affairs. Waiting until tomorrow was best.

Just then, Landyn called. "I'm downstairs. I'm here to pick up the ring."

"Pick up what? Don't ever ask me for anything again!"

Damn it! He couldn't even manage his own affairs, and now this ring was causing chaos! Giving the ring to Stephanie meant he'd completely offended Sebastian? Sebastian's feelings for Stephanie were complex, as his handling of the Casalini family situation had clearly demonstrated.