Chapter 545
Maeve’s remark put Hailey in a tough spot. She couldn’t sit still or stand comfortably.
A billion dollars–how could she not have it? But her money was tied up with the Brooks Group’s accountants, and she couldn’t access it immediately.. Coming up with a billion dollars on the spot was Impossible.
However, as the matriarch of the Brooks family, she couldn’t admit to being short on cash in front of others.
Feigning composure, Hailey told the Hoffman family, “Of course, I know I can’t cast pearls before swine. If you don’t want such a fine thing, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
With that, Hailey took back the ring. With a smile, Maeve said, “That’s the way, Mrs. Brooks Senior. I’ll accompany you to get the cash.”
Maeve held onto Hailey’s hand, leaving her no choice but to take Maeve to the room.
Hailey opened the large leather suitcase again, revealing countless gold bars. Maeve glanced at it casually, and her face lit up with surprise. “Mrs. Brooks Senior, I didn’t realize you were so wealthy.”
“The Scott family may be a prestigious, scholarly family, but I doubt you’ve ever seen so much personal wealth.”
Hailey proudly stroked the gold bars, but Maeve just smiled and said, “Even though what’s in this leather suitcase is more than most people make in a lifetime, it doesn’t look like a billion dollars to me.”
Hailey’s smile froze on her face at Maeve’s words. The gold bars looked impressive, but the leather suitcase’s contents held only about a billion in assets. There was no way it could exceed a billion dollars.
Maeve sighed and said, “I wondered why you didn’t want to use cash, Mrs. Brooks Senior. Turns out you didn’t have enough.”
Hailey retorted, “I might not have enough, but Sergio does. He can give the Hoffman family the rest.
“But Sergio’s money is in my hands.”
Maeve’s words made Hailey snap to attention. She frowned and asked, “What do you mean?
Maeve smiled slightly and said, “I can lend you one billion dollars, but since Sergio and I just got remarried, shouldn’t you show some appreciation to your granddaughter–in–law, Mrs. Brooks Senior?”
Hailey sneered, “Marve, you finally reveal your true colors. Let me tell you, you will never get a single cent from me!”
“Mrs. Brooks Senior, you’ve got me wrong. I don’t want anything of yours. But if you can’t come up with the money today, you might become the laughingstock of Seathburn City tomorrow.”
Maeve’s words left Hailey in a bind.
Maeve smiled and took her hand before saying, “Mrs. Brooks Senior, I’m doing this to help you, not take anything from you. I can lend you the money, but I think the items in this leather suitcase aren’t worth that much.
“So, why don’t you use this leather suitcase as collateral? We can sign an agreement, and when you have your one billion, I’ll return the leather suitcase to you, untouched.”
Hailey frowned as she looked at Maeve. “Are you really that kind–hearted?”
“Mrs. Brooks Senior, as I said, I don’t want Sergio to be in a tough spot. If we get along, I’ll naturally respect and honor you.”
Hailey glanced at the leather suitcase on the ground and pondered. Maeve’s proposal didn’t seem to be a loss for her.
Hailey said solemnly, “Fine. I’ll use the items in this leather suitcase as collateral. Now take out a billion dollars and settle the Hoffman family. “No problem.”
Maeve smiled and said, “But there’s one thing I must say upfront.”
Hailey frowned. “What is it?”
