Chapter 4

As the chatter grew louder, I was completely baffled.

When did I ever say I wanted to marry her?

Even if I did want to, I'd need approval from my superiors first.

"Fine, fine, I'm a loser. Happy now?"

"Since Miss Molina isn't interested, can I at least get the dowry back?"

"My mom specifically told me on the phone—if this doesn't work out, make sure to get the gift money back."

Actually, my mom never said that. I just couldn't stand Molina's attitude.

The moment I finished speaking, Jacobs jumped in.

"You hick, who the hell do you think you're looking down on?"

"Miss Molina is New York's youngest billionaire. You think she needs your pocket change?"

Watching this scene unfold, I finally understood what a real lapdog looked like.

"Jacobs, I just want my stuff back. What does that have to do with whether she's a billionaire?"

Molina's face flushed red with anger.

"It's just eighty thousand dollars. Here, I'll give it back."

She pulled out her phone and transferred the money on the spot.

"I'm sending you a hundred thousand. Keep the extra for gas money."

I smirked and gave her a slight smile.

"Well, thank you so much, Miss Molina."

Just as I turned to leave, Jacobs suddenly shouted.

"Hey, hick! Stop right there!"

I paused and slowly turned around.

"What? Does Jacobs want to invite me to dinner?"

Jacobs gave me a sinister smile, then whispered something in Molina's ear.

The next second, New York's so-called youngest billionaire exploded in anger.

"Anthony! You dared to crash my car?"

From Jacobs's expression, I could tell he'd been badmouthing me to Molina.

He really had the art of manipulation down to a science.

Based on how Molina had treated me earlier, I knew explaining wouldn't help. I didn't bother wasting my breath.

"Just tell me how much you want. I'll pay you."

Molina seemed surprised that I'd admit it so readily. Her eyes flickered with confusion.

"Pay? Can you even afford it?"

"This Ferrari was my eighteenth birthday present from my father. Only three exist in the world, and this is the only one in the country."

"A single scratch is worth more than your life. What are you going to pay with?"

I raised an eyebrow, my lips curving into a faint smile.

"Miss Molina, just name your price. Whether I can afford it is my problem."

"Ten million!"

Before I could respond, Jacobs jumped in again.

"The entire front end is caved in. We can't fix it here—it'll have to go back to Italy to the original factory."

The onlookers gasped.

Even the car's owner, Molina, looked surprised.

"Jacobs, this car only cost just over ten million when I got it. Fixing a bumper doesn't cost that much, does it?"

Jacobs immediately waved his hand dismissively.

"No, no, Miss Molina. You're not seeing the full picture."

"This car was a birthday gift from your father. Its sentimental value is priceless, wouldn't you say?"

"Making him pay only ten million is us being generous."

After hearing Jacobs's reasoning, Molina thought it made sense and lowered her head to consider.

"Fine! Ten million it is. No problem!"

I didn't give her time to think. I agreed on the spot.