THE DISABLED HEIRESS, MY EX-HUSBAND WOULD PAY DEARLY.

At that moment, upon hearing what Abigail just said, James was momentarily thrown into silence. Her words echoed in his mind like the clanging of a heavy bell, it was clear, sharp, and impossible to ignore. A contract worth over a hundred million? That wasn't just business it was power, a game-changer for any man trying to climb back to the top. Especially for someone like James, who had lost so much and was now crawling his way through the ruins of his past mistakes.

Then he back slightly in his chair, fingers unconsciously tapping on his other hands. Deep in thought, his eyes flickered, not with greed, but with strategy. He had told himself he was a changed man. He had sworn that he would prove to Cora that he was no longer the selfish, reckless person he used to be. But now, this offer stood in front of him, daring him to make a choice. It wasn't just the money it was what he could do with it. It was what it meant. This was more than temptation; it was a test of the new man he claimed to be, but then again, who said he couldn't be both?

"What if I just used one stone to kill two birds?" the thought whispered in his mind, sly and persuasive. "What if I take the deal, use the money to build my way back, and at the same time win Cora over with all the resources I now have? What if… I play this smarter than they expect?"

At that moment the idea formed like a storm cloud behind his calm expression. He didn't have to destroy Cora. He just had to appear cooperative. He could give Abigail just enough to keep her satisfied, while secretly safeguarding Cora. In fact, he could even twist the game appear to be on Abigail's side while ultimately protecting the very woman Abigail wanted to hurt, or if possible hurt Cora again.

He glanced at Abigail, her eyes sharp and full of cunning. Victoria stood beside her with a knowing smirk, clearly thinking James was about to fold. But James had always played better when people underestimated him.

So, with a slow smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, James leaned forward. His voice calm, almost amused.

"Seems like you're serious," he said, his tone carefully measured. "And a hundred million is no joke. For that reason... I accept your offer."

At that moment, to sound more convincing, James wouldn't continue that well. He adjusted his voice and let out a soft sigh, rubbing his hands together nervously. He was trying hard to sound confident, but deep down, doubt was eating him up. He lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked up and said in a quieter tone, "Honestly, I'm not even sure if Cora is actually going to forgive me or anything."

He paused, as though even saying her name brought a strange feeling to his chest. "I mean... Cora isn't like other women. She's not the type to get swayed by simple apologies. She has a very strong mindset. Very strong."

James' eyes narrowed a little, his jaw slightly clenched. "And that is even the more reason why I need to be very, very careful... and also protect myself in the process."

His words weren't just floating thoughts; they were calculated honest enough to build trust, yet cautious enough to protect his own intentions. He knew this game required more than charm. It needed precision. And he was ready to play.

Hearing what James just said and how convincingly his words were, Abigail tilted her head slightly, watching him closely. There was a brief silence between them, the kind that makes everything feel heavier than it should be. She studied his body language, every twitch in his face, every subtle movement in his eyes. From the way he carried himself now, she could tell James wasn't just acting. He genuinely didn't know where things stood between him and Cora, and he was prepared for the worst.

And she knew something else, James wouldn't dare double-cross her.

She wasn't someone anyone could afford to double-cross, and definitely not someone like James, who still had so much to lose and even more to prove. Abigail had seen men like him before: desperate, clever, wounded... and hungry. But this one? She liked the edge he carried.

So without wasting any more time, she reached into her purse smoothly, not breaking eye contact. She flipped it open and pulled out a glossy, custom-designed complimentary card with her logo shining faintly under the light.

She held it out toward him with steady hands and said coolly, "Here."

Without wasting anymore time James took the card slowly, glancing at it and then back at her.

"That right there," Abigail continued, "actually has the details. And I will explain everything I expect from you. You should contact me through the line on that card and send me the necessary details, and the name of the company, the business in which you want the investments to be on."

She leaned back slightly in her position, her voice sharp now, all business. "Well, I'm going to actually do twenty-five percent of it first. And if James actually completes what he has James to do, then he's going to do the remainder of the deal."

At that moment, upon hearing what Abigail just said, James let out a slow exhale and leaned back, folding his arms tightly across his chest. He tried to hide it, but anyone watching closely would have seen the flicker of uncertainty flash in his eyes. There was something about that offer that was just too tempting, too calculated, too perfectly timed.

But James wasn't stupid. He knew temptation when he saw it and he also knew betrayal. He had been on both ends before, and this time, if he was going to cross the line, it had to be worth it. His voice was calm, almost too calm, as he said, "I'm not saying I don't trust you, I'm just saying... twenty-five percent? That's not enough for me to risk everything I'm trying building with Cora. You said this is a serious deal, but all I'm seeing is a cautious deposit."

Abigail didn't flinch, but her smile faltered for a second. James caught it, and that gave him a little confidence.

"So," he continued, his tone firmer now, "if you want me to believe you're truly committed to this partnership, then show me. Give me the hundred percent upfront. That would tell me you're not here to play games. Because if this backfires, I lose more than money. I lose her forever."