Chapter 3

If I hadn't been worried about ruining my friend's exhibition, my hand would've already landed on James's face.

I clenched my fists, struggling to stay calm. "James, have you forgotten how your family climbed to where it is?"

He'd grown too comfortable, forgetting that before his father saved mine, the Sterlings were just a failing small business.

My father, out of gratitude and my feelings for James, bailed them out time and again, securing their wealth.

Even for his father's sake, I never made trouble for the Sterlings over the years, keeping our partnerships intact. But now, James was pushing his luck.

Irritation consumed me. I glared at him, my teeth grinding. "I'll say it once more. Give me back my jewelry, or I'll personally see to it that your family's hundreds of employees lose their jobs."

James lowered his gaze, studying me for a long moment.

Then he chuckled softly. "Emma, don't talk nonsense. You're just a woman. What power do you have? After we're married, stay home and learn to be a proper wife. Stop saying things that make people laugh at you."

He winked at me, urging me to be generous. "We'll be family soon. I'll make the call and give this jewelry set to Sarah. When you're pregnant, I'll buy you another one. That's fair, right?"

My anger flared. I kicked James aside, grabbed Sarah's arm, and reached for the box.

Sarah yelped in pain, a flash of venom in her eyes.

The next second, she let go, and the jewelry box crashed to the floor.

The contents shattered instantly.

Sarah covered her mouth, her eyes crinkling with a smug smile. "Oh, I didn't mean to! Don't be mad, Emma. This set was too flashy for you. I'm not saying you're old or unattractive, just that it doesn't suit you."

James didn't reproach her at all. He shot me a sidelong glance. "Great, now it's broken. Happy now?"

He sighed helplessly. "Maybe it's better this way. Stops you two from fighting over it. Apologize to Sarah, and we'll call it even."

Looking at the scattered pieces, my heart sank.

This set was made from jade Henry had bought overseas for millions, painstakingly shipped back, and crafted by a renowned designer just for me.

It was meant to make me shine at our wedding.

Now, these two idiots had ruined it.

James let out a long breath.

He shoved a piece of white jade into my hand. "Just bought this today for a few hundred thousand. It was meant for Sarah as a token of our commitment, but I'll let you have it. Feeling better now?"

Sarah stared at the jade in my arms, clearly itching to snatch it back.

I didn't even glance at it. I threw it to the ground.

The jade split in two.

"The appraisal, design fees, and invoices will be sent to the Sterling family later. Get ready to go bankrupt." Without another word, I turned to leave.

James's suppressed anger erupted. He grabbed my arm and slapped me hard across the face. "Have you had enough?"

Sarah chimed in, feigning concern. "Emma, you're so immature. No wonder James is upset. That was our engagement token, and you threw it away. How can we even get married now? Apologize to James quick, and he might still marry you. Otherwise, you'll just be abandoned."

James stared at me coldly. "Emma Monroe, apologize! Don't push me to call off the engagement. Even if you beg me later, I won't look back."

I stumbled to my feet, tasting blood, my fury burning away all reason.

Looking for trouble? Fine, I'd give it to them.

The moment I dialed my phone, trained bodyguards rushed in.

My eyes blazed as I pointed at James and roared, "Throw him out. Then break his legs."