Bab 16: Learning a Lesson

"And what do you mean by that?"

Marie, unfazed by Raya's bravado and question, met her gaze with a calm, almost pitying smile.

"Well the car is the latest Aston Martin Valkyrie, Miss Raya," she said coolly. "Its base cost is four billion dollars."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, and Raya's face went white as she stumbled back a step, her composure slipping. She had expected a mid-tier luxury car, not one of the most exclusive and expensive vehicles in existence. The realization that she had grossly underestimated Alice's wealth hit her hard, leaving her How did that bi**h manage to afford that car.

As Raya struggled to form a response, Marie's clear, professional voice cut through her panic. "In addition, my boss, Miss Alice, personally upgraded the car's system and interiors to the latest Open Tech operating system."

Another wave of astonished murmurs swept through the crowd. Open Tech's systems were notoriously hard to acquire, reserved for those with significant influence and connections. For Alice to have access to the latest version was beyond impressive; it was a sign of power that few could match.

Marie continued without hesitation. "The operating system alone cost an additional ten billion dollars. In total, Miss Raya, your debt stands at fourteen billion."

The color drained from Raya's face completely, leaving her looking almost sickly. She had never imagined the stakes would be this high. Fourteen billion everything she had in her accounts would barely cover it, and if she paid, she'd be left with nothing, literally becoming bankrupt Raya's lips trembled as she choked out, "Fourteen... fourteen billion?"

The crowd, sensing her distress, began to murmur among themselves. Some shook their heads in disdain. "She made the bet. Now she has to pay up," someone said, and others nodded in agreement. "This is what happens when you feel arrogant and high."

"She was so confident before," another onlooker sneered. "Now look at her squirming because she's losing."

"She's just an adopted daughter of the Hunt's yet, she feels so high and mighty"

Raya's humiliation deepened as she heard the mocking comments.

These common people had the guts to judge her!!!The sudden appearance of paparazzi, who had gathered to catch every moment of her downfall, only made it worse. Cameras flashed, and phones recorded her every expression, broadcasting it to the world. The pressure was overwhelming, and for a moment, tears welled up in her eyes. But Raya forced them back, rage and hatred for Alice igniting a cold fire in her chest. She wouldn't loose face today no matter what

Summoning every ounce of composure she had left, Raya tilted her chin upwards, a fake smile plastered across her face. "Fourteen billion is nothing to me," she said, her voice carrying a brittle arrogance. "It's a trivial sum, and I'll pay it without a second thought."

She turned to Marie, her movements stiff and forced. "Give me the details of where to transfer the money."

Marie, professional and unruffled, handed her a small card with Alice's banking information. With a trembling hand, Raya pulled out her phone, her fingers shaking as she initiated the transfer. Each number she typed felt like a blow to her pride, and as she confirmed the transaction, the reality of her empty bank account hit her like a punch to the stomach. The screen flashed with a confirmation, and Raya's heart sank.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced herself to look at Marie. "It's done," she said, her voice cracking despite her efforts to remain calm.

Marie glanced at her own phone, nodding as the notification of the transfer came through. "Thank you, Miss Raya," she said, her tone polite but distant. Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Raya to face the curious, judgmental eyes of the crowd.

Raya's face burned with humiliation, but to her surprise, a few cheers rose from the crowd people who wanted to curry, favours with her to be on the good list of the Hunt family. "That's how a true socialite handles a situation!" one person said. "She didn't even flinch at fourteen billion."

"As expected of the Hunt family," another chimed in. "Money is no obstacle for them."

Raya forced a smile, her head held high as if she still had everything under control, even though her heart was pounding in her chest. The comments praising her as a dignified socialite bolstered her resolve, allowing her to maintain her composure in front of the cameras. But beneath her mask of pride, a bitter, hollow ache twisted inside her. Her account was empty, and the realization that she had nothing left filled her with despair.

As the crowd's attention shifted away from her, Raya's eyes narrowed with burning hatred. Inwardly, she swore she would make Alice pay for this humiliation, her desire for revenge festering in her chest.

Meanwhile, Alice, who had been discreetly watching the entire scene, felt a surge of satisfaction. Her plan had unfolded perfectly, and Raya had been put in her place. There was no need to linger any longer. Quietly, Alice slipped away from the venue, heading to a secluded area where she changed back into her casual clothes. Within minutes, she was behind the wheel of her sleek car, the engine purring as she drove away from the chaos she had left behind.

As she navigated through the city streets, her phone rang. It was Marie. Alice pressed a button on the steering wheel, answering the call hands-free. "What's up" she said, casually her tone calm.

"The situation with Raya has been resolved as planned," Marie said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "Additionally, I have good news. The Hunts have shown interest in investing in our company. They're interested in a partnership, and they've arranged a day in the next few weeks for a meeting to discuss the business proposal."

Alice's eyes flickered with a brief hint of excitement. The Hunts' investment would solidify her company's presence in Seattle, a crucial step in her plans. Although she disliked their CEO this business partnership would be a great impact on her company, so she couldn't let her personal matters disrupt her company's progress "Approve the meeting," she instructed, her voice cool but carrying a note of anticipation. "Make sure everything is prepared."

"Understood," Marie replied before ending the call.

As Alice drove on, the lights of Seattle's skyline glittering in the distance, she allowed herself a small, triumphant smile. Her next goal was within reach, and the pieces were falling into place perfectly.