Chapter 3

I felt disgusted when I saw that. I quietly took back everything I had thought before.

It was no wonder a shop attendant like Chloe dared to act so shamelessly. These two were clearly in cahoots.

Felix gave her a lecherous smile. Then, he turned to look at me.

“Tiana, it’s true that Chloe handed you the scratch-off ticket. But it’s also true that you didn’t pay for it.

“Since my employee broke the rule, I’ll deal with her later. But a ticket that wasn’t paid for still belongs to the shop.”

I protested to the police officers righteously.

“Officers, you heard him! This is straight-up theft. They’re trying to steal my scratch-off ticket. Arrest them right now!”

Felix smiled and said boldly, “Tiana, the ownership of this scratch-off ticket is just a minor dispute between you and me.

“If you’re unhappy, you can sue me in court. But you can’t have me arrested over it.”

The two police officers frowned. Although they did not agree with him, they nodded helplessly.

“Ma’am, we really don’t have the authority to arrest him for this.

“I suggest you two try to work it out. You’ve known each other for years. Why take this all the way to court over one scratch-off ticket?”

Felix smiled triumphantly. Then, he pretended to be magnanimous again.

“With the officers putting it that way, I won’t be unreasonable. After 20% federal tax, the remaining amount would be eight hundred thousand dollars. You can take three hundred thousand dollars. Chloe and I will keep five hundred thousand dollars. Fair?”

The two police officers turned to ask for my opinion.

“Ma’am, if you think that this split is unfair, you can say so. If it’s really not what you had in mind, you can also file a lawsuit against him. We’ll record today’s events accurately to serve as evidence for you.

When I remained silent, Felix spoke up again.

“I’d take the deal if I were you. Sure, my employee broke the rules first, but you didn’t actually pay for the ticket. If this goes to court, it isn’t certain who’ll win.

“If I decide to drag this out for six months or a year, you could end up with nothing at all.”

I glanced at the time and did a quick calculation in my head. My people would be arriving soon.

I might as well let Felix and Chloe experience the taste of false hope first.

I nodded in agreement. “Fine. three hundred thousand dollars it is.”

Felix was barely able to contain his excitement.

“Words aren’t enough. Since both officers are here, let’s sign an agreement. Once we pay you three hundred thousand dollars, you’ll have nothing to do with the scratch-off ticket anymore.

“From now on, if you come to my shop demanding any more money from us, that’ll be seen as extortion.”

What perfect timing! That could not have worked out better.

With this agreement, I would have solid proof that their shop engaged in illegal practices and stole a customer’s money.

I nodded again.

Felix and Chloe’s smiles broadened. They hurried off to prepare the agreement.

The onlookers, however, spoke up. They all thought this deal was unfair.

“Are you serious? That’s one million dollars. After he gets his cut, you walk away with just three hundred thousand dollars! Did you actually agree to this rip-off deal?”

“Talk about fumbling a gift from above. If it were me, I’d fight him tooth and nail.”

“The bottom line is that you haven’t seen enough of the world. You were bought off for a measly three hundred thousand dollars.”

I acted as if I had not heard a word from the crowd. When Felix brought the agreement, I made sure to request two copies and sign them.

After that, Felix transferred three hundred thousand dollars to me in front of everyone.

After politely seeing the police off, he pulled Chloe into his arms and kissed her.

“Chloe, you’re really my good luck charm! With you around, I can’t help but get rich.”

Chloe leaned against him and whined, “Felix, don’t just say it. Out of five hundred thousand dollars, give me at least half.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. You won’t get shortchanged.”

After they fooled around for a bit, Chloe noticed that I was still standing in the shop. Her expression turned dark as she saw me.

“Hey, old lady! What are you still doing here? Take your money and get lost!”

Felix also glared at me.

“Let me tell you something. The deal is signed. Even if you change your mind now, it’s too late.”

I smiled and said, “I’m just waiting here to watch you two regret it.”

As soon as he finished speaking, two officials from the state lottery agency walked in.

“Mr. Perkins, you have been operating in violation of regulations. We are hereby confiscating your unlawful proceeds and revoking your shop’s license to sell scratch-off tickets.”