Chapter 265

Her words revealed her lie. Everyone suspected it, but no one cared who made the incense anymore. Ruby's rash was worsening. Sam instructed Hector to call Dr. York, the Xenos family physician, who had unexpectedly returned to the country with the family.

Hector suddenly remembered something. "Dr. York's visiting his hometown today," he said. "But the Sullivan family doctor should be available. I'll go find him." Naomi also had a family doctor; her nanny, Ivy, had recently suffered a heart issue. Hector had learned that this doctor performed evening check-ups and usually didn't leave until ten o'clock. He was likely still at Naomi's residence.

Sam said, "Go quickly and get the doctor from the Sullivan residence." He was focused solely on getting Ruby medical attention.

Hector hurried out, followed by Harvey, who said, "I'll come with you."

Sam's anger was evident. Shirley, realizing her predicament, blamed Cynthia. "Dad," she said, "I didn't know the incense was harmful. Cynthia made it; it's her fault." Approaching Ruby, she added, "Mr. and Mrs. Xenos, I swear I didn't know it could cause an allergic reaction. I didn't mean to—"

Sam interrupted, his gaze stern. "Ms. Jones, didn't you claim to have made the incense yourself? Now you claim ignorance? Whether you're avoiding consequences or lying, you're untrustworthy."

Stunned, Shirley was speechless. Sam continued, "Mr. Jones, I intended to give Shirley our family heirloom, believing she had a special connection with my family. That was a mistake. Please return the pendant."

"I understand that once something is given, it shouldn't be taken back," Sam continued, "but this pendant is a priceless family heirloom. I'll pay 150 million for it. Mr. Jones, I hope you understand."

Justin felt hopeless, but Sam's offer of 150 million was a lifeline. His company's stock was plummeting, its finances precarious, and the bank was delaying a crucial loan. 150 million, especially in cash, could significantly improve the company's market value and prevent bankruptcy. Without the Xenos alliance, the pendant was worthless to him.

Internally relieved, Justin feigned regret. "Mr. Xenos, don't say that. My daughter disappointed you. The pendant belongs to your family; of course, I'll return it." He turned to Shirley. "Shirley, return the pendant to Mr. Xenos."

Justin's politeness was strategic. The Jones family was prominent; he needed to maintain their reputation. He also knew that 150 million was insignificant to the Xenos family, a centuries-old house known for its integrity.

Shirley was shocked. "Why return it? He offered 150 million! But 150 million isn't much compared to the Xenos family's wealth." She still craved marriage into the Xenos family, viewing it as her only way to surpass Cynthia. Her poor impression on Sam threatened this ambition. She needed to rectify the situation.

She said firmly, "Mr. Xenos, we can't accept your money. You gave me the pendant when I was younger. It's my fault. I lied to make you and Mrs. Xenos happy. I didn't make the incense. I'm sorry; I won't make excuses. Please forgive me."

Shirley's sincerity was evident. She produced a box and approached Sam, fighting back tears. "Mr. and Mrs. Xenos, I'm truly sorry. Someone else gave me the incense, claiming it was calming. I wanted to appear sincere, so I lied. I was vain. I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Tears streamed down Shirley's face as she bowed deeply.

Justin, upon hearing Shirley's rejection of the money, clenched his fists. "Stupid girl! Does she realize our company's in grave danger? Why is she refusing half a billion dollars? This is maddening!"

Sam, seeing Shirley's remorse, sighed, helped her up, and said gently, "You have backbone. Let's forget the 150 million. You have too much pride for me to insult you with money." Justin felt a pang of pain. Selena supported him as he swayed.

Shirley, appearing pitiful, pleaded, "Mr. and Mrs. Xenos, please don't be angry." Ruby patted Sam's hand.

Sam said, "If you're sincere about making amends, I believe you. I forgive you." Ruby felt no special connection to Shirley, but Sam often spoke fondly of the girl he'd given the pendant to, saying that if their daughter were alive, she'd resemble her. This had initially raised Ruby's hopes. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Ruby still felt a sense of fate between them.

Shirley wiped her tears, smiled, and took Sam's arm. "Mr. Xenos, may I visit again?"