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

At that moment before Abigail could respond, Victoria sharply turned toward James with a scoff, her eyes narrowing. She was clearly offended by the audacity in his words.

"What exactly are you trying to imply?" Victoria said with a mocking tone. "That you think we're trying to trick you? That you think Abigail is someone who throws fake deals around just for fun?"

Immediately James opened his mouth to speak, but Victoria didn't give him the chance.

"No, let me educate you real quick," she snapped, stepping forward with one heel clicking louder than the other on the floor. "Do you even know who you're talking to? Do you even have a clue whose offer you just called into question?"

However Abigail watched silently, her expression unreadable. But Victoria wasn't done.

She raised her chin proudly, her voice dripping with confidence and challenge. "I'm Victoria Jackson," she said firmly. "Of the Jackson family."

There was a brief silence, she let her name hang in the air like a slap.

"That name should ring a bell in your head," she added. "And if it doesn't, maybe you're not the kind of man who deserves to be having this conversation. Because anyone who knows what power is, knows who we are."

She pointed slightly toward Abigail without looking at her. "And if you had half a brain, you'd know what kind of family Abigail comes from. You'd understand the kind of caliber we represent."

Her tone dropped, quiet but threatening. "So trade with caution... before you get us extremely angry."

At that moment, upon hearing what Victoria just said, James was completely stunned. His eyes slightly narrowed, his lips parted a little in disbelief as he stood there, processing the weight of her words. He had always known Victoria and Abigail were no ordinary women after all, their poise, their tone, and the way they had carried themselves when speaking about Cora had already raised some red flags. But this… this was beyond what he had imagined.

The Jackson family? that name alone carried serious weight in the business world. They were not just wealthy they were the kind of wealthy that shaped cities, influenced my position, and decided which industries thrived and which collapsed. They had political ties, international connections, and old money power that had been growing for decades. And here he was, standing in front of Victoria Jackson herself.

James blinked slowly, trying to steady his breathing. If Victoria was from the Jackson family, and she was the one showing respect to Abigail… then who exactly was Abigail? That was the question that began to ring alarm bells in his head. If Victoria deferred to her, then Abigail was operating on a completely different level. She wasn't just powerful she was dangerous.

He kept a straight face, not wanting to show any fear or hesitation, but inside, his thoughts were racing.

I need to know who Abigail really is. She's not just some rich girl. She's something else entirely. Someone with more power than I imagined. Someone I could regret crossing.

He made a mental note to begin his investigation on her background as soon as he was out of here. He needed information real information. Not gossip, not rumors. He needed names, family connections, past dealings, even scandals. Anything that could tell him where Abigail came from.

But right now? He had to play it smart. The moment was too fragile, and any sign of disrespect or fear could ruin everything.

With a small nod, he tucked his hands into his pocket, maintaining an appearance of calm and control, even though his palms were already sweaty.

More than ever, he needed to tread carefully.

Because any moment from now, King Stone Investment was definitely going to be calling. He had already pushed their patience thin. And if things went wrong with them if that money didn't land when expected he was going to be swallowed by a mess far worse than what he had ever experienced. A mess that even Cora wouldn't be able to save him from.

So for now, he needed to be ready. He needed to play this game right. And most importantly… he needed to pay them back before it gets into a very big mess, in which he will not be able to escape from.

At that moment, James wouldn't notice the subtle sarcasm in Victoria voice as he said, "No problem. I've heard what Abigail wants, and I'm going to do it. But I hope nobody here plans to double-cross anybody, because once I fulfill my part, I expect full advancement. Immediately." His tone was direct, almost threatening, as if he wanted to remind them that he wasn't someone to be pushed around even though, in truth, he was barely holding on.

Abigail didn't flinch. She didn't blink. Calmly and without hesitation, she replied, "No problem. You have a deal." Her voice was clear, measured, and far too relaxed for someone involved in such a high-stakes game. She wasn't negotiating out of desperation; she was in control. Fully.

Encouraged by what he thought was a successful agreement, James extended his hand for a handshake to seal the deal a hopeful gesture, an attempt to make the moment feel more official, maybe even equal. But what followed humiliated him more than words ever could.

Abigail didn't raise her hand. She didn't meet his halfway. She simply stared at his outstretched palm like it was invisible. Victoria did the same, her eyes cold and unreadable. Neither of them said a word. They didn't need to. Their silence was deafening.

Then, as though he weren't even standing there, they both turned without saying anything and began walking toward their car. Not even a glance back.

At that moment James's hand hung in the air for a second longer before he dropped it slowly, pretending to scratch his neck in a desperate attempt to mask his embarrassment. His chest tightened, but he swallowed the lump in his throat. He wanted to curse. He wanted to lash out. But what good would that do?

He reminded himself he was the one begging. He had no power here.

So he forced a smirk onto his lips, as if nothing had happened, and turned to head toward his own car. Each step felt heavier than the last. The sharp echo of Abigail's heels behind him somehow still rang in his ears, even though she was already far away.

When he reached his car, he paused, his hand resting on the door handle. Deep down, despite everything that just happened, despite the humiliation, the one thing that kept pounding in his chest was simple and clear:

He needed to see Cora again.

Not later now, that was what he needed to do.