Chapter 3

I frowned, done with both of them. "This kind of car isn't even sold on the open market—so yeah, not stolen either. If you've got a brain, look it up. A numbered Crownell isn't something you mess with."

Kiara didn't even try. Just smirked. "Please. Like I'd believe that. Your cheap little local ride can't be bought outside? Not even a dog would fall for that. I could say our boss's Porsche is the only one in Norleigh. Even the president couldn't buy it."

She turned to Henley.

He nodded, way too pleased. "It's globally limited. Top-grade South African diamonds, hand-selected, all over the car. How's some local junk supposed to compare?"

Kiara snapped a few pics of the Porsche. "See these diamonds? After you hit it, a few fell off. You're paying for that." She tilted her head, fake generous. "I won't go too hard on you. You and Mr. Chatham have history. Out of respect, I'll keep it simple—ten million."

The crowd sucked in a breath.

"What? A few diamonds cost ten million?"

Kiara shot them a look. "You think it's not worth it? If this tramp hadn't blocked me while I cut in, I'd be long gone. Instead, I'm stuck here. Our limited Porsche's been baking in the sun for over an hour because of her. The whole thing's overheated. You think that doesn't count?"

The bystander forced a grin. "It does—of course it does! Honestly, even a hundred million wouldn't be too much!"

"As expected of Henley Chatham. Drops hundreds of millions on a car like it's nothing. Next time I see one, I'm walking way around it. Not going bankrupt today."

"This girl's cursed. Of all cars, she had to hit his."

People started edging back—real quick. A few diamonds meant ten million.

The guy livestreaming quietly ended it.

Henley soaked it up, straightening his designer suit. "How about this, Suri? For old times, I'll cut you a deal. Eight million."

I flicked my hand. "No need. Ten million."

Henley blinked. "Ten million? You've got that kind of money?" He scoffed. "Need I remind you—five years ago, your parents were gone, and I paid your tuition. And now you're acting like this? Think it through. Don't embarrass yourself when you can't pay."

I didn't argue. Just pulled out a check. Ten million.

"I said—ten million."

Silence.

Kiara stared at it, stunned.

I smirked, looking straight at them. "Happy now? I paid. So let's talk about what you owe me."

Something in my voice hit Kiara hard. She ripped the check in half.

"I've never seen a check like this. What, you forged it to play rich?"

Henley just looked disappointed. "Suri, being broke isn't your fault. But breaking the law to save face? That's low."

The crowd got loud again.

"I knew it. No way she has that kind of money—fake!"

"If you're broke, stop pretending! People like that should just disappear!"

"Get out of our city! You're polluting Hawthorne Bay!"

Someone even tossed trash at me.

Henley frowned and stepped in front of me. "Suri, stop being stubborn. I'll give you a black card for your car. Deal?"

I glanced at the chaos and let out a sharp laugh.

I snapped the card in half and dropped it at his feet.

"You really think a black card fixes this?"