C17 Don't Blame Me for Being Rude!

Rollins pulled out his phone and shot a text to Flinn, "Did you bring the jade I bought for my wife?"

"Got it with me!" Flinn replied promptly.

"Meet me by the restroom and hand it over."

Soon, they were both outside the restroom. With no one in sight, Flinn reached into his pocket and produced a small, elegant box. "Young Master, this jade is top-notch. Your wife will surely adore it."

That's all Rollins wanted—to make her happy.

Flinn hesitated, then spoke up, "Young Master, if I may be so bold..."

"What is it?"

"You and Zoie have a strong bond, yet you're committed to marrying into the Edwards family. In a year, you'll have to marry their daughter."

Flinn knew Rollins truly cared for Zoie—it was evident.

Rollins fell silent. His agreement to the marriage was merely a stalling tactic; he had no intention of leaving Zoie.

But he couldn't disclose his true feelings now. "Don't worry about it," he finally said. "I'll handle it when the time comes. You can go back if there's nothing else."

Flinn gave a knowing smile, leaving it at that.

After they parted ways, Flinn greeted Grandma Ramirez with a bow. "The gift has been delivered. I must excuse myself now. Please don't take offense. And I extend my best wishes to Miss Myersying and Young Mr. Perez for a blissful marriage."

"Thank you so much," the old madame replied, still feeling like she was in a dream.

Kasch was eager to see Flinn out, with the rest trailing behind.

Once they left, Rollins drew Zoie aside and presented her with the jade. "I got this for you," he murmured, passing it to her. "I know you cherish it."

Zoie's eyes lit up in astonishment.

"Isn't this the Green Pavilion's prized piece?"

"How did you get it?" she asked, stunned.

Rollins simply said, "I knew you loved it, so I bought it for you."

"Where did you get the money?!" Zoie exclaimed in shock.

Just then, a hand suddenly reached out beside her, swiftly snatching the jade away. Zoie recoiled. It was Rasul.

He examined the jade closely, smacking his lips. "This jade looks extraordinary," he remarked.

Rollins turned to him, his voice firm. "Give it back."

Rasul clutched the jade tightly, his tone icy. "Give it back to you? First, tell me where you got this from."

"It's none of your business. Hand over the jade."

Rollins reached out to take it, but Rasul stepped back, avoiding his grasp.

With a look of disdain, Rasul sneered, "You must have stolen this from the gifts the Lewis family brought over. While everyone was busy seeing off the guests, you took your chance. You've got some nerve, stealing the gift meant for my sister."

"The jade is mine; it wasn't stolen," Rollins replied evenly. "I suggest you return it to me without further delay."

"I'm going to show the whole family what kind of person you are—a thief!"

Rasul bolted outside, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Rollins is a thief!"

The guests had just finished seeing off Flinn, but at the sound of the accusation, they all hurried back.

A matrilocal son-in-law stealing?

He must have a death wish.

The crowd encircled Rollins and Rasul.

Holding the jade aloft, Rasul declared with a sneer, "Take a good look, everyone! This shameless Rollins claims he bought this jade. As if he could afford such an expensive piece! He must have pilfered it from the pile of gifts!"

Elena's eyes widened at the sight of the jade in her brother's hand. "Isn't that the jade I've always wanted?"

She quickly took the jade from Rasul, examining it intently. "Yes, this is it! The crown jewel of the Green Pavilion, priced at 13 million. Rollins doesn't even have thirteen hundred, let alone enough for this jade!"

The crowd was stunned.

They had assumed the jade was worth a few hundred thousand, not 13 million!

Elena glared at Rollins, her voice filled with anger. "The Lewis family in Kinranos must have bought it for me, knowing I liked it!"

She looked at Rollins with outrage, her voice tinged with contempt. "I can't believe you'd dare to steal something so valuable! You're not just a failure; you're a thief!"

Others quickly joined in, calling Rollins an ungrateful wretch!

He's been living off the Ramirez family—eating their food, using their things, staying under their roof—and now he has the audacity to steal from them!

Rasul pointed at Rollins furiously, "I used to think that even if you lacked ability, your character was decent enough. But now it's clear, you're nothing but a despicable scoundrel. It's high time we kicked you out of the Ramirez family!"

Elena's voice was laced with venom as she said, "Call the police! Have him arrested! He had the nerve to steal a gift from the Lewis family. I want him to spend the rest of his life behind bars!"