Hidden Riches, Hidden Heart/C4 4 Urgridge Hotel
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Hidden Riches, Hidden Heart/C4 4 Urgridge Hotel
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C4 4 Urgridge Hotel

Charles was decked out in designer gear worth over ten thousand dollars, complete with an Omega watch on his wrist. Altogether, his attire totaled upwards of three hundred thousand—a true "successful person" ensemble.

He examined the watch closely in his hands, then nodded, "This watch is genuine. Lillian, is this your purchase?"

"No, it was a gift from Juliet's husband."

Upon hearing the watch was authentic, Lillian's brow furrowed in disbelief, skepticism written all over her face.

"Are you sure about this? The watch is real?"

She found it hard to believe that a deadbeat who didn't work and mooched off women could afford an Omega worth at least a hundred thousand.

Charles confirmed with a nod, "There's no mistake. Omega watches have serial numbers on the back. If you're still doubtful, just call the boutique to verify."

Deep down, Lillian felt the watch might indeed be real, but she was loath to acknowledge it. Proving it was a counterfeit was the only way to label Zack as worthless.

Otherwise, her earlier disparagement of Zack would seem like a deliberate attempt to sabotage their relationship.

"Even if it's genuine, Zack couldn't possibly afford it. Juliet, think about it—he's always spending your money. This watch costs a fortune. Do you really think he has that kind of cash?"

Juliet's gaze dropped, her eyes darting uncertainly. She, too, harbored doubts—how could Zack, without a dime to his name, come up with such a sum?

Lillian glared at Zack and haughtily accused, "If this watch is real, then you must've stolen it! Zack, how could you stoop so low? You better not tarnish Juliet's good name."

Juliet turned to Zack, her face etched with concern. If what Lillian suggested was true, it would be a bitter pill to swallow.

Zack let out a derisive laugh, "Me, steal? In the clear light of day, are all the shopkeepers blind? Do you take me for some master thief? Besides, the box comes with a receipt and invoice. Are you blind to that?"

Caught off guard, Lillian pulled out the documents and glanced at them before retorting with a sneer, "Who's to say you didn't fabricate these yourself?"

Her aggressiveness left Zack completely at a loss.

It's not frightening to be ignorant, but what's truly terrifying is not realizing it.

"The boutique's contact information is right there. Just call and ask."

Lillian doubted Zack could afford an opulent item like an Omega watch; she figured he was just feigning composure.

She whipped out her phone, dialed the number, and switched to speakerphone, eager to see Zack embarrass himself in real time.

"Hello, Omega watch boutique. How may I assist you?" Katrina was on the line.

"Hi, I'd like to verify whether the watch I have is authentic," Lillian stated, clearing her throat.

"Of course, ma'am. Could you please provide the production number located on the bottom right of the watch's back? Thank you."

After Lillian repeated the number, a polite voice responded, "Hello ma'am, the Omega watch you're inquiring about is genuine and was sold earlier this afternoon. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Lillian's complexion paled as she hastily inquired, "Who purchased it?"

Katrina was puzzled. The watch was in Lillian's possession, so why was she asking who bought it?

Wait a minute! Could it be that the person on the other end of the line found the watch?

The thought of Zack's Big Dipper Black Card sent a thrill through Katrina. Someone with such a card wouldn't fret over a lost watch, but if she could return it, perhaps she could arrange a meeting with Zack—an opportunity indeed.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but that's confidential information. If you've found the watch, please return it so we can notify the rightful owner."

Before Katrina could finish, Lillian blurted out, "Is it Zack?"

Katrina paused, "Are you acquainted with Mr. Zack Blanchard?"

Realization washed over Lillian, and her enthusiasm waned. Though she didn't outright confirm it, her reaction said it all.

She ended the call in a flurry, feeling the watch burning in her grasp. She quickly pushed it back into Zack's hands, her voice dropping, "I never imagined you could come up with that kind of money. But you didn't dip into Juliet's house-buying fund for this gift, did you?"

That's the only explanation. Otherwise, where would he get all that money?

Zack furrowed his brow and retorted, "My finances are none of your concern."

Then, turning to Juliet with a soft tone, he reassured, "Don't worry, honey. I'm using my own money. I'll explain everything when we get home."

Juliet smiled and nodded, her trust in the man she'd shared her life with for three years unwavering.

She had married Zack for his integrity, after all.

"It's all a big misunderstanding. Lillian, dinner time is approaching. Shall we head out?"

Lillian glanced at Charles, her mood lifting.

He had merely bought a watch, yet that did nothing to alter his worthless status. Her boyfriend was a deputy general manager, after all—there was no comparison!

"Juliet, why don't you join us? My boyfriend has reserved a private room at the Urgridge Restaurant. I bet your husband has never taken you to such a fancy place, has he?"

Juliet, tired of Lillian's jabs at Zack, declined with a displeased tone, "No, thank you."

Hearing this, Zack chuckled.

"Urgridge? Juliet, isn't the owner of that place our future brother-in-law? Maybe we should go show some support?"

"Your future brother-in-law?"

Lillian was taken aback, turning to Juliet for confirmation.

Juliet nodded, "My sister introduced her new boyfriend to us today. His family owns the Urgridge Restaurant."

Lillian's face flushed with embarrassment, her attempt to belittle Zack backfiring spectacularly.

She felt quite awkward now.

Seeing Lillian's discomfort, Juliet suggested, "Lillian, it's getting late. You should go enjoy your evening with your boyfriend. We won't intrude."

As Juliet and Zack were about to leave, Zack paused to look at Charles with a grin, "That's a nice watch you've got there. Where did you pick it up?"

Charles puffed up with pride, "It's a limited edition. I bought it on a business trip abroad. It wasn't too pricey—just a few hundred thousand dollars."

Zack feigned naivety, "Wow, that's quite a sum. You might want to get that watch appraised, just to be safe from any scams."

Charles's heart skipped a beat, a flicker of panic crossing his gaze.

Upon hearing this, Lillian's displeasure was immediate, and she erupted, "That's absurd! It seems to me you're just upset about the earlier incident! Do you even have the ability to discern the authenticity of the watch?"

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