Susan shot Alexander a withering look. "Sell it to you? Do I look like someone who sells ouat their friends for cash?"

Alexander stayed cool and named a figure. "A hundred grand?"

Susan's expression wavered, for a moment, almost giving in to the temptation.

'A hundred grand for one photo? Do rich people not deal in anything less than six figures?'

'Did Alexander start counting from a hundred thousand as a child?

Susan mentally ranted, but the amount was undeniably tempting.

"No way!" Susan gritted her teeth, barely holdling onto her "principles."

Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly, and he upped the ante. "Two hundred grand."

He said it as casually as if he were commenting on the weather.

Rich people with family banks are something else. They throw around hundred-thousand-dollar increments without batting an eye.

"You think two hundred grand can buy me? Who do you think you're looking down on?" Susan locked her phone and shoved it into her pocket to show her resolve.

Jessica, watching from the side, was impressed. "No wonder Wendy trusts you so much! Your integrity is admirable!"

Alexander's lips curled slightly as he raisedthe stakes again. "A Hermès

bag."

"No deal." Susan forced the words out through clenched teeth.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, "Birkin."

Susan's eyes widened at the mention of a Birkin.

A Hermès Birkin!

The dream bag of countless women, now within reach, just for selling a photo.

Susan's mind buzzed, torn between temptation and principle.

'Damn rich people, I could strangle him!' Susan fumed internally,her hand involuntarily squeezing Jessica's arm, making her yelp in pain.

Jessica,now angry, snapped at Alexander. "A bag? Really? You think you can bribe her? She's strong-willed. Even if you put the bag right in front of her,she wouldn't budge!"

Alexander's patience seemed to be wearing thin. He glanced at his watch and started counting down. "Three,two..."

"Deal!" Susan shoved Jessica aside, fumbling to get her phone out. "I'll send you the original. When will the bag arrive?"

Jessica,pushed aside, was speechless.

She stared at Susan in disbelief, unable to find words.

Just then, Wendy strolled out with her suitcase.

Alexander quickly opened his phone, received the photo,and completed

the transaction in record time, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor.

"Three days," Alexander said, putting his phone away. "Exclusive deal.Delete the photo from your phone."

"No problem!" Susan agreed readily.

Wendy approached,looking puzzled. "What are you guys up to?"

"Nothing much," Susan lied, feeling a twinge of guilt. "Just asking where his brother went. Haven't seen him today."

"Yeah, where's Chris?" Wendy rememnbered that Chris had been there the day before.

"He felt a bit unwell when we went hiking this morning, so I had the bodyguard take him to the hospital," Alexander explained.

"Oh, is he okay?" Wendy asked with concern.

"Just some altitude sickness. He'll be fine once he's back in the city."Alexander replied nonchalantly.

Wendy nodded. "That's good."

"We only brought one car. Can I catch a ride with you guys?" Alexander asked with a smile.

Before Wendy could answer, Susan jumped in. "Of course, Mr. Turner. It would be our honor."

Her fawning manner was almost beyond belief, leaving Wendy both amused and exasperated.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Susan, have some dignity!"

"How much is dignity worth?" Susan retorted.

The four of them got into the car.

Wendy was about to take the driver's seat when Susan quickly pushed her to the back, next to Alexander. "You're not well. You shouldn't be driving."

Jessica gave Susan a disdainful look before taking the front passenger seat.

Wendy,seeing no other option, complied.

Alexander,noting Susan's cooperation, felt that the bag was well worth it.

The car left the parking lot, heading towards the city.

Ethan stood in the hotel's shadow, watching the car disappear, his fists clenched in anger.

The sense of betrayal consumed him, making it hard to breathe.

He closed his eyes, trying to calm down, and turned to leave, only to find Lydia standing behind him, tears streaming down her face.

"Ethan, are you regretting it? Do you not want to divorce her anymore?"Lydia's voice was choked with emotion.

"I..." Ethan hesitated. "No."

"You're lying! You clearly are!" Lydia accused, heartbroken.

"Yesterday you left me to go hiking with her, and now you're furious seeing her leave with another man. You obviously regret it!"

"No," Ethan denied firmly.

Lydia bit her lip, her voice trembling. "I shouldn't blame you. I have no right. I'm just your secret affair, the one who ruined your family."

"Don't say that," Ethan said, reaching out to wrap his arm around Lydia's slender shoulders.

Lydia struggled briefly but then leaned into his embracessobbing softly."Ethan, I love you so much. I wouldn't degrade myself otherwise."

"Lydia," Ethan held her tightly.

"I love you. That will never change. Don't worry, in a few days,I'll get the divorce papers from Wendy and give you the status you deserve."

"Okay!" Lydia clung to him,then voiced her concern.

"But what if she refuses to divorce? Even though Wendy has a new interest now, what if Alexander doesn't want her and she changes her mind?"