Chapter 266

Hearing this, Justin felt slightly relieved, but he still considered Shirley's move risky. He sensed her true intention was to win Sam's favor—her ambition extended beyond the $150 million; she aimed to become a Xenos daughter-in-law. Justin doubted she could achieve it, but she did manage to mend relations.

Suddenly, Sam picked up a box from the table and opened it. Inside was a pink, translucent pendant. Intricately carved with complex patterns, almost totemic, the pendant was said to be linked to a century-old treasure. However, Sam dismissed these legends; he wasn't interested in treasure. The Xenos family was already the wealthiest in the country, and neither he nor his wife placed much value on money. Spending time with loved ones and appreciating each day were what truly mattered.

Sam gently stroked the pendant, intending to give it to his youngest daughter, who sadly died soon after birth. As he stroked it, he frowned, his expression changing dramatically. He slammed the box on the table.

"Mr. Jones," Sam said, "I wouldn't have complained if you'd refused to return the pendant. After all, I'd already given it to her. But you didn't have to give me a fake pendant, one so poorly made. Do you think I'm a fool?"

Justin stiffened. His heart, repeatedly shocked that evening, struggled to keep pace. Stunned, he stammered, "Mr. Xenos, what are you talking about? How could it possibly be fake?"

"This is a Xenos family heirloom," Sam replied seriously. "It's been with me since childhood. I can tell the difference between the real one and a fake."

The fake pendant wasn't poorly crafted; at first glance, Sam hadn't noticed. But the real pendant was made of a special pink sphene, cool and smooth to the touch—a quality the fake lacked.

Keith stepped forward to examine the pendant. Knowledgeable in such matters, he examined it for a moment before tossing it onto the table. "If you're going to fake it," he scoffed, "try harder. That's glass; a worthless stone."

The others' expressions were telling. Selena suspected Shirley and Justin's plan would fail, but she hadn't anticipated such blatant incompetence. Shirley, stunned, retrieved the pendant. "Glass? How could it be glass? This is the pendant you gave me, Mr. Xenos. Please look again."

Sam looked at Shirley with disgust. Justin, finally exploding with pent-up anger, disregarded his dignity, stepping forward and slapping Shirley. "Shirley, tell me what's going on!"

Meanwhile, Hector and Harvey reached Naomi's place, passing through the connecting gate. Dazzling lights and loud music spilled out; a huge party was underway.

10:34 Thu, Nov 14 G

Many people sang and danced around the pool. Tables laden with champagne towers, snacks, and desserts were everywhere. Laughter and mingling filled the air.

Harvey sighed. "This is even louder than a—"

Hector spotted Naomi, dressed in a deep blue silk shirt, white tuxedo jacket, and floral print shorts—a decidedly rogue look, though her delicate features and slender figure made it surprisingly stylish.

Hector thought: This woman would look good in a sack.

He pushed through the crowd to Naomi, who stood with Cynthia, sipping champagne.

"Where's your husband?" Naomi asked. "Didn't he say he'd come?"

"He went back to Betrico," Cynthia replied.

"Because of my cousin, Nina?" Naomi asked, frowning.

Cynthia remained silent, and Naomi guessed the reason. She'd heard about Nina's accident. She sighed. "You're very tolerant. Everyone in Betrico knew Mr. Bennett loved Nina. How could you let that slide?"

"If the rumors were true," Cynthia replied, "do you think I could put up with it?"

Naomi nodded. "Makes sense."

Cynthia checked the time. Jonathan's flight had landed two hours prior; he should arrive soon. The party was nearly over.

She didn't ask Jonathan about Nina or his actions; she trusted him to handle it.

"Naomi," Cynthia said, "I need a favor."

Hector approached, startling Naomi. "Wow! Why are you—"

"Something happened," Hector explained. "My mother is having a severe allergic reaction. Is your family doctor here? Could you ask him to come?"

"Of course," Naomi said quickly. "I'll find him."

She returned with George, the family doctor.

"Let's go," Naomi urged. "Don't delay. George is a skin condition expert."

George brought his medical kit. Hector was about to leave when Naomi suggested, "Why don't we go with them?"

Hector said, "My mother had an allergic reaction after using the Laron Floral Essence Shirley gave her. Shirley said you made it."

Chapter 265

Cynthia realized what happened. "She must have stolen it from my studio. I haven't been there in three years. The ingredients must have expired."

Hector guessed as much. Naomi returned with George.

"Let's go," Naomi said. "Don't delay. George is an expert in skin conditions." Knowing it was an allergy, George brought his medical kit for immediate treatment.