Chapter 345  Andrew spoke calmly , his tone steady but cutting Aspen , theres nothing wrong with a woman being proud and confident .


    As long as she has the right to be proud , thats fine .


    But if a woman is arrogant and foolish on top of it, shes bound to learn some painful lessons .


    Aspen sneered , ncing sideways at Christina .


    Christie , did you hear what this man just said ? He ims hes going to teach me a painful lesson Honestly , with an ex like that , I cant me you for kicking him to the curb .


    If you hadnt , I wouldve stepped in to help straighten him out myself .


    Christinas face darkened as she cast a worried nce at Andrew .


    Why was he so bold ? It seemed that he did not understand that going up against Aspen in a gamble like this was reckless .


    Everyone , quiet down ! The gemstone challenge between Mr.


    Lloyd and Ms.


    Stevens is about to begin , Elsie announced , her voice rising above the crowd .


    She turned to Andrew and Aspen , adding , Do either of you have any additional terms to set ? Aspen shed a confident smile .


    I have nothing to add .


    I just hope Mr.


    Lloyd wont start crying when this is over .


    Andrews voice remainedposed .


    I do have something to add .


    He paused briefly , letting the crowds anticipation build .


    Whoever loses will forfeit all their winnings to the other person .


    And since Ms.


    Stevens enjoys excitement , lets make it interesting .


    Every gemstone we choose must cost at least ten million dors .


    Is that too much for you , Ms.


    Stevens ? The crowd erupted in a frenzy .


    Ten million per stone ? Is Mr.


    Lloyd trying to make Aspen gamble away her entire fortune ? This isnt just intense , its outright insane ! The winner will walk away filthy rich , while the loser getspletely wiped out .


    You cant even call this a gamble anymore .


    This is full blown , high stakes warfare ! Aspens confident smile began to fade , reced by a shadow of unease .


    She stared at Andrew , her voice sharp .


    Andrew , are you sure you want to y at this level ? Andrew met her gaze , unwavering .


    Just answer the question .


    Do you dare , or dont you ? Aspen gritted her teeth before responding , her tone firm .


    Fine .


    Ill see this through to the end .


    She squared her shoulders and added , You think you can intimidate me ? Clearly , youve underestimated me and my family .


    The Stevens family doesnt back down .


    Inside , Aspens mind raced .


    Andrew had upped the stakes to an extreme level, forcing her to 1/2  Chapter 345 gamble with stones worth millions .


    Losing was not an option not only for her reputation but also for herpanys investments .


    Her business ventures in Jayrodale and the Northern District were on the line , and failure here could mean financial disaster .


    Christinas heart pounded as she looked at Andrew .


    His wager was enormous , raising more questions than answers .


    Did he truly have the money to back this up , or was he bluffing ? Aspen , Im worried … Christina started , hoping to caution Aspen .


    But Aspen held up a hand , her expression resolute .


    Rx , Christie .


    I started this , and Ill finish it .


    Andrew is just trying to rattle me with his theatrics , but Im not so easily shaken .


    Still stunned by the sudden esction , Elsie motioned toward the raw gemstones .


    The terms are set .


    Bothpetitors may now begin selecting their stones .


    Her voice trembled slightly , even as she tried to maintainposure .


    Aspen strode forward without hesitation , pointing to a stone she had chosen in advance .


    Im ready .


    This is the one .