C3 A Bum

"You've been acting weird since you woke up, unlike your usual self. Tell me, have you developed a new way to achieve your divorce goal?"

Eve swallowed and let out a nervous laugh.

"Who said I wanted a divorce?" Eve flashed him her sweetest smile. "You're my darling husband, and my only goal is to make you happy. And to achieve that, I must make your family happy, especially your grandfather."

Ethan looked more confused than ever. His pupils expanded and he looked as if he was going to have a heart attack.

The driver lost control and the car almost slammed into the gates.

Eve was thrown off balance and the impact made her collide with Ethan's body who wrapped both arms around her protectively.

Her heart hammered against her chest and she could also feel Ethan's heartbeat.

"Do you want to lose your job?" Ethan said darkly to the driver who had already regained control of the wheel.

"I– I am so sorry, Young Master. Please forgive my mistake," the driver apologized profusely while his surprised gaze darted now and then to Eve through the rearview mirror.

Eve didn't know that her words would scare the driver so much that he'd almost end their lives. She shut her eyes and grimaced, leaning deeper into Ethan's embrace.

And her heart fluttered when he didn't release her. His hold only tightened around her, but this time, he held her gently.

Fortunately for her, he didn't ask her any further questions.

But the way Ethan stared at her when they arrived at the antique store, Eve knew that more questions were soon coming her way.

"Ethan, you're very close to your grandfather so you must know his taste better. Do you think he likes antique paintings more or decor?"

"He likes both." Ethan's attention was on his phone as they stepped into the store.

Then his phone rang and before he answered it, he said, "Pick whatever you want. I'll join you in a moment."

Eve smiled in response. After watching his retreating figure, she headed into the store where the attendant received her.

"How may I help you, Ma'am? Are you here to purchase a collection or take a look?" The store attendant said after they exchanged greetings.

"I'm here to purchase. Can I see your finest paintings, please?"

"Sure, please allow me to lead the way." The attendant's eyes lit up.

Eve followed her to one of the many sections of the store where the paintings hung. One painting caught her eyes and she walked towards it.

"Oh, you've got great eyes, Ma'am. This painting just arrived yesterday and you're the first to admire it. Would you like to know its price?" The attendant's voice bubbled with excitement.

"Sure." Eve nodded. She liked the intricacies of the design and the gentle strokes used to carve the beautiful waterfall.

The nice blend of the bright atmosphere made the painting feel surreal.

"That will be thirty thousand dollars, Ma'am. It is not the most expensive painting in the store, but it's one of the best."

"Thirty thousand dollars!" Eve's jaws dropped. That was mind-blowing.

"Ma'am." Watching Eve's expression, the attendant's smile faltered. "Are you willing to buy it? Should I package it for you?"

Eve would love to take a look at the other paintings. She might find something cheaper or better-looking.

But she couldn't waste time here. They must get to the ancestral mansion as fast as they could.

"Yes, please. Package it," she replied, shoving a hand into her purse to bring out her credit card.

"Right away, Ma'am." The attendant's full smile returned. "I will take you to the cashier for the payment."

Eve gasped before cursing inside. When she reached for her purse just now, she could only feel her phone. Did she forget to take her credit card?

Eve cursed again.

The store attendant had already retrieved the painting and given it to one of the staff who would package it.

"This way, please, Ma'am." She was about to turn around and lead the way but Eve stopped her.

"Erhm, right now I just found out my credit card is missing. Can you please—"

"What are you trying to say?" The attendant didn't let her finish her words.

Eve opened her mouth to repeat what she said but the attendant held up her hand, shutting her up.

"You mean you're not here with your credit card? What kind of dumb person buys that? If you can't afford the painting, why waste my time?"

The lady raised her voice so high that people gathered around them.

The crowd whispered and Eve breathed out a helpless sigh.

"You don't have to react this way. I promise I can afford this painting."

"Then show me the money!" Snapped the lady. "I knew right from the start that you're a scam." She eyed Eve from head to toe and scoffed, "I bet you've never even seen such money your whole life."

Eve followed the lady's gaze, staring at her faded jeans and a simple blouse.

Damn her fashion sense. She should have known that someday it could put her in trouble.

"Look here, Miss." She brought her attention back to the lady. "Just because I'm dressed this way doesn't mean you should underestimate me."

"But your appearance tells me you're nothing but a bum," said the lady. "And luckily, I am well experienced when it comes to dealing with people like you."

"Get me the security!" She yelled at one of the staff who was standing among the crowd.

The staff scurried off and in a few seconds, he returned with a burly man dressed in a security uniform.

"I am sure this woman has ulterior motives. Ransack her this instant and give her a great beating."

"What!?" Eve exclaimed. "Come on, Miss. Aren't you taking things too far?"

"You brought it upon yourself, Scammer. Next time, you'll think twice before walking into stores like this."

The burly man snatched Eve's purse and shoved all its content on the floor. And the crowd's murmur increased when they saw that the only thing inside her purse was her phone. Some of the people had even brought out their phones and were recording the moment.

Due to the impact of the tiled floor, Eve's phone screen was now broken beyond repair.

And when the burly man grabbed Eve's arm and raised one of his huge hands in the air to hit her, a hard voice broke out of the crowd.

"Is this how you treat people around here?"