Chapter 9 - The Debt Collected
She stopped three feet from Alex, her sheer stone-encrusted gown gleaming under the dual light of the spotlight and the warm chandeliers. Her long cape settled around her like a shroud.
"I believe you offered fifty thousand dollars if I proved you wrong," she said quietly, her voice carrying easily through the silent ballroom.
Alex swallowed hard, his throat dry, his jaw trembling as he tried to find his voice. "I... I didn't know... Miss Vance... please, it was just a misunderstanding..."
"It was no misunderstanding, Alex," she replied smoothly, her dark eyes glittering with cold amusement. "You made a bet. I accepted. And now, I'm collecting."
She reached out her gloved hand, holding it palm up in front of his face.
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"I don't have fifty thousand in cash on me," Alex stammered, his face flushing deep red with shame as he felt hundreds of eyes watching his humiliation.
"That's fine," Miss Vance said softly, leaning in slightly so only he could hear her final words. "I'll just take the fifty thousand out of the liquidation assets of your family's company tomorrow morning. Along with everything else you own."
