The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 289

"Nolan's just a little slow, that's all. He's always been an average guy, and after three years in prison, it's no surprise he doesn't quite get it. Insignificant guys like him wouldn't know about things like these." Shaun and Megan mocked Nolan openly.

Shaun was about to say more when his eyes lit up—Nick Hance had arrived. Smirking, he said, "Nolan, the rightful owner is here. We might turn a blind eye to your fake Crystal of Devotion, but who knows if Mr. Hance will."

Shaun stepped forward with a smile and extended a hand to greet him. "Mr. Hance, you're here! You're just in time. Remember that matter I mentioned to you earlier? Well, take a look at the jewelry he's holding. Is that the Crystal of Devotion from Norwich Jewelers?"

With Nick's arrival, everyone's attention turned toward him. At his age, he was already on track to becoming the vice president of Norwich Group's Eastern State branch and had a bright future ahead of him.

Nick smiled at Shaun. "I had a few things to wrap up earlier. I hope you don't mind. Looks like all of you were having a lively discussion. Is it about the Crystal of Devotion?

Shaun nodded. "That's right. The person who made a knockoff of the Crystal of Devotion is right here. The evidence is in his hands. Since this concerns Norwich Group's reputation, I thought it'd be best if you handled it personally."

Nick nodded at that and walked over to Nolan. With a light chuckle, he asked, "Mind if I take a look?"

Nolan gave Nick an indifferent glance. "This belongs to me. Why should I let you have a look?"

Nick was taken aback by Nolan's response. For years, he'd been received as an honored guest wherever he went and rarely encountered such an attitude.

Before Nick could respond, Shaun sneered. "Nolan, you really don't know your place, do you? Do you even realize who you're talking to? What a fool."

Nolan narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at the Crystal of Devotion in his hand, chuckling.

"The gift I gave has been returned to me, so it's mine once again. And I'll handle what is mine as I see fit. No one else has a say in the matter. You want to see it? Then go dig it out of the trash!"

With that, Nolan strode to the garbage bin and, in front of everyone, tossed the nearly priceless Crystal of Devotion into it without a second glance at Audrey.

Audrey was no longer the owner of the Crystal of Devotion, and she was no longer worthy of it.