Mr. CEO's Ex-Wife: A Cunning Comeback-Chapter 85 - : What A Ridiculous Thought?

But soon, his smile faded.

"I'm sorry, sir. Your bank balance is insufficient."

Thea handed the card back to Ruby with a smile full of mockery.

"Insufficient? How is that possible? I have more than 100,000 on that card. Isn't that enough for a dress?"

He looked shocked by her words.

"I'm sorry, sir, but the dress is 300,000. It's the latest style, and there's no discount."

"T-Three hundred? This is robbery!"

"Isn't it just a dumb dress? How can it be worth so much?!"

James couldn't believe a dress could cost 300,000 and angrily waved his hands at Thea.

"Our store clearly displays the prices. We're not trying to deceive you."

"If our prices aren't to your liking, feel free to shop elsewhere, sir."

Thea wasn't bothered at all. She smiled politely and "kindly" helped Ruby out of the dress.

Ruby hadn't bought a new dress since the Bently family fell from grace.

How could she let go of it when someone was finally willing to spend on her?

She quickly hugged herself to stop Thea from getting closer.

"James, this dress is made from the finest materials. The design and tailoring are top-notch. 300,000 is expensive, but I really love this one..."

She moved closer to him with her eyes full of desire for the dress.

She had begged her grandparents for an invitation. Of course, she had to look good to attend the gathering.

This was her chance to change both her and her daughter's fate.

She couldn't stay with James forever. This relationship was only about securing food and clothing for now.

"It's nice, but it's too expensive. I worked hard for my savings, and I don't have much."

James held the bank card, frowned, and refused.

He was willing to spend to keep Ruby happy.

300,000 was one-third of his total assets.

The price was just too high.

"There's no need to push it if the price is too steep, sir. We are a luxury brand, and it's normal for ordinary people to struggle with the price."

Thea found it amusing to watch James hesitate and intentionally fueled the situation.

If Ruby was close to someone willing to spend money on her, it would be a waste not to take advantage of him.

James was the type of man who didn't have much but insisted on supporting a leech.

He needed to be taught a harsh lesson.

"I'll feel much better after that!"

"We never said we couldn't afford it. Why rush?!"

Ruby was offended by Thea's words and shot her a hard look.

Once, she had been the glamorous Mrs. Bently.

The once glamorous woman was now being humiliated over a dress.

"James, I really love this dress!"

"Besides, I want it for a party. Are you going to let everyone look down on me because I have nothing to wear?"

"If you meet a nobleman there, wouldn't it help you too?"

She pulled him aside, speaking frantically, trying to manipulate him.

James listened, frowning.

After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and pulled out another card.

"Use these two."

He handed the cards to Thea but hesitated to let go.

He looked as uncomfortable as livestock being led to slaughter.

Thea didn't care at all. She grabbed the card from his hand and completed the transaction.

Ten minutes later, she watched the couple leave.

She quickly sent a text to Chantelle.

"Chantie, I helped you get your revenge! I messed with Ruby..."

Her fingers flew across the keyboard, telling Chantelle everything about Ruby coming in to shop for a dress with her lover.

****

Western Hill Villa. Bedroom.

Chantelle sat wearily in a chair, watching Daniel, whose condition had improved a bit.

How shameless was Ruby, walking around with her lover as if Roman were dead? 

Chantelle glanced at Thea's message and smirked.

Then, an idea struck her. She quickly called Calvin.

"Find out what party Ruby plans to attend."

She frowned.

"Sure, Ms. Chantelle."

Now that the Bentlys were struggling, surely both mother and daughter had changed their ways.

Hah, what a ridiculous thought! 

Calvin responded in less than ten minutes.

"Found it, Ms. Chantelle."

"The wife of the chairman of Morgan Corp is celebrating her 50th birthday in three days. Some rumors say she received an invitation from an unknown source."

"Morgan Corp? She certainly has connections."

Chantelle was surprised.

Even though Morgan Corp wasn't the top company in Easthan, it was still powerful, like the Lowe family.

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

She had to admire Ruby for managing to team up with Morgan Corp when the Bently family had so little left. But Chantelle wasn't going to let Ruby win.

Chantelle ended the call.

Daniel seemed to be asleep. She was about to leave to check on Rai when Daniel grabbed her wrist.

She turned and saw the sleepy man on the bed.

"Please don't leave. Please," he whispered softly.

She took a deep breath. His words were too familiar—she had once begged him to stay, but he never did.

She felt sad for herself but didn't let it show.

He saved her, so she needed to show gratitude by taking care of him.

She stayed calm and bent down to check on him. "Hey, are you awake?"

Daniel looked pale, and his skin felt unusually warm. He didn't seem fully awake,e so he might have just been talking in his sleep.

Chantelle frowned and examined him closely.

He suddenly opened his eyes, catching her off guard.

She blushed and quickly took a step back.

He seemed unbothered. "You can ogle me as long as you want, Ms. Bently."

"I am not ogling you, for god's sake!" She scowled at him. "I'm just checking if you're still alive in case you die alone."

He was disappointed by her response but couldn't blame her for avoiding him. He managed a smile and gently pulled her arm.

"Well, could you at least get me a cup of water, Ms. Bently? As you can see, I'm injured."

She glared at him, but couldn't refuse. She felt sorry for him.

"Fine. I'll get you a cup of water."

She turned and poured him a cup of warm water.

Chantelle had spent years taking care of two kids on her own, so she was good at looking after people. She told herself she was only taking care of Daniel because he was injured.

To her, Daniel was just another person to care for. Actually, he had been acting quite childish since his injury.

Chantelle briefly wondered if he had also suffered some brain damage.