# Chapter 53: Slap Her With Money – The Art of Quiet Revenge
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the city as Nicole stepped out of the restaurant, her thoughts still lingering on the unexpected sight of Eric Ferguson's name in Ian's post. She had meticulously blocked him from every corner of her digital life, yet the universe seemed determined to remind her of his existence. "This circle is just too small," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all.
Ian's comment—a single, dismissive "Knock-off"—had been childish and petty, exactly the kind of low blow she expected from someone like Eric. Ian had retaliated with a flurry of curses, but the exchange fizzled out quickly. Still, the whole thing left a bitter taste in Nicole's mouth.
"You know, Ian is really interested in you," Yvette said, her eyes twinkling with mischief as they walked side by side. "Everyone can see it. Why don't you give him a chance? Think about how much it would annoy Eric Ferguson..."
Nicole's frown deepened. "I won't be romantically interested in my closest friends. If I wanted him, I would have made a move long ago. Stop spouting nonsense."
She needed a distraction, and Yvette, ever the perceptive friend, knew exactly what she needed. "Forget it then. I've got my eye on a necklace. Want to come take a look with me? Girls need retail therapy, right?"
Nicole nodded eagerly. The promise of beautiful jewelry was exactly the balm her restless spirit required.
## A Sparkling Encounter
The specialized jewelry store gleamed under soft lighting, each display case a treasure chest of artistry. Yvette had pre-ordered a particular necklace, and when the attendant presented it, both women gasped. The piece was absolutely stunning—a cascade of diamonds and sapphires that seemed to capture starlight within their facets.
"This is the final work of the famous designer Pire," the salesgirl explained, her professional demeanor softening as she recognized the quality of their clothes. "You ladies have excellent taste. Would you like to try it on?"
Yvette immediately handed the necklace to Nicole. "Try it."
Their friendship was so deep they didn't bother with propriety. Nicole owned plenty of jewelry—her brothers' gifts had long since filled an entire warehouse—but there was something magical about the experience of trying on pieces in a shop, feeling the cool metal against her skin, watching the gems catch the light.
Just as Nicole's fingers brushed the clasp, a voice cut through the air like broken glass.
"Try it on? Can she even afford it? Hey you, you shouldn't let just anyone touch your store's jewelry. Their odor will cling to the necklace, and you won't be able to sell it..."
Ingrid Ferguson stood there with her groupies, her face twisted into a sneer. The smell of barbecue from Nicole and Yvette's lunch still clung to their clothes, and Ingrid seized on any weakness she could find. The memory of her humiliating defeat at Nicole's hands burned fresh in her mind—she had barely eaten for days afterward, the anger consuming her.
"What does it have to do with you?" Yvette's voice was ice-cold.
Ingrid walked over arrogantly, her heels clicking against the marble floor like a countdown to confrontation. "I want this necklace! Don't let anyone try it—I'm afraid it'll get dirty."
She stared at Yvette with barely concealed hatred before turning her venom on Nicole. "How much pocket money did your sugar daddy give you? You probably don't have enough to buy it anyway. It's better if you just save it..."
Nicole's response was calm, almost serene. She gently placed the necklace back on the velvet display and turned to the attendant. "Please wrap it up for me."
Then she turned to Ingrid, her gaze cold and clear, carrying a warning that made Ingrid's bravado waver. For a moment, the fear from their last encounter gripped Ingrid's heart. But she quickly steeled herself—she was surrounded by people, and the jewelry store had security guards. Surely Nicole wouldn't dare touch her here.
"I said I'll take this necklace," Ingrid insisted, her voice rising.
The store attendant hesitated. "Sorry, but these two ladies came first..."
"What did you say? I'm a VIP customer! I deserve the best treatment. Whatever I fancy, I get priority!" Ingrid's smug glare was meant to intimidate.
The store's rules did give VIP customers priority. The attendant glanced apologetically at Yvette and Nicole and reached for the necklace. But Nicole's hand descended gently onto the velvet, stopping her.
A small, dangerous smile curved Nicole's lips.
## The Legendary Card
From her bag, Nicole produced a sleek black-gold card. It was an exclusive VVVIP special card, recognized internally by every international luxury brand store in the world. Only ten celebrities in the entire world possessed such a card—even certain royal families had never seen one. It was a legend, a myth, a key that unlocked the highest treatment in any luxury establishment on the planet.
The store attendant stared at the card, her mouth falling open. Several seconds passed before she could speak. "M-Miss, I'll wrap it up for you right away."
Without another glance at Ingrid, she moved with lightning speed.
Ingrid stood frozen, her mind reeling. "That's a fake! Don't let her fool you!" But even as she said the words, doubt crept in. She had never seen or touched such a card before, but in the gentry circle, this card was legendary. Occasional leaked photos had left a deep impression on her.
The card in Nicole's hand matched those photos perfectly.
*How did she get it? What right did she have to own that card?*
The store manager appeared immediately, his demeanor shifting from professional to deferential. "We must ask you to leave at once. We will now serve this customer exclusively."
Nicole's laugh was soft and dismissive. Yvette couldn't help adding, "Hurry up and kick her out. She's such an eyesore!"
Ingrid Ferguson left the jewelry store in shame and anger, her groupies trailing behind her like defeated soldiers.
Yvette snatched the card from Nicole's hand, turning it over and over with wide eyes. "How did you get this?"
"My third brother gave it to me on my 18th birthday," Nicole said with a shrug. "He told me to carry it wherever I go. I never expected it to come in handy."
"Why didn't God give me a 'Third Brother'?" Yvette held her forehead in mock despair, envy and jealousy written all over her face.
Nicole laughed and held out the card. "If you like it so much, I'll give it to you."
"No way! This card is valid for life. It's too precious..." Yvette hesitated, then grinned. "But you can buy me what I like."
Nicole nodded, liking that idea much better.
## A Last-Minute Mission
After buying the necklace, Yvette dragged Nicole through the mall, her spirits soaring. Nicole returned to the office in high spirits, ignoring Samantha Lindt's small, petty maneuvers. Samantha was digging her own grave—Grant had eyes and ears everywhere, and Nicole had no intention of stopping her self-destruction.
As evening fell and Nicole prepared to leave, her phone buzzed. Julie Nixon's voice was breathless with urgency. "Emergency! There's a charity dinner tonight, and my company's artist, Roman, needs a female companion. I'm not in the country right now. Can you please attend in my stead?"
Nicole checked the time. "Alright, I have time anyway."
"Thanks, love! I'll have him bring you a dress. He'll be there soon."
After hanging up, Nicole raised an eyebrow. *How was Julie so sure I would agree?*
She informed Logan of her change in schedule and went downstairs to wait. Roman was a reputable model, but if people from the company saw her with him, gossip would spread like wildfire. She wanted to avoid more scandal.
Within ten minutes, a stylish sports car parked conspicuously at the office entrance. Nicole was speechless when Roman waved at her from the driver's seat, his grin wide and carefree. She hurried into the car, but Roman—ever the showman—removed his sunglasses and blew a kiss to the gathered crowd before speeding off.
Nicole was exasperated. She wanted to get out of the car immediately. Tomorrow's headline would be about her again.
"You know, Ms. Nicole, we haven't met, but we already know of each other. Thanks for your help." Roman's voice was light, playful.
Nicole shot him a perfunctory smile. "I'm not helping you. I'm helping Julie."
"No wonder she was so certain you'd agree. You must be very good friends."
"Yes." Nicole's reply was clipped.
Roman, sensing her lack of enthusiasm, fell silent for the rest of the drive.
## The Charity Trap
The venue for the private charity dinner was elegant and exclusive. Celebrities and dignitaries mingled, their laughter and conversation filling the grand hall. Nicole changed into the dress Roman had brought—a stunning creation that hugged her curves and shimmered under the chandeliers—while Roman waited outside.
As she entered the hall on Roman's arm, Nicole's eyes swept the room. Her heart sank. Quinn and Ingrid Ferguson stood among the guests, their smug faces instantly recognizable.
*Since these two are here, Eric Ferguson must also be present.* The thought made her stomach clench. *This family is really out to haunt me.*
The highlight of the evening was the charity auction. Nicole had no intention of participating, but Roman was restless. He bid on almost every item, raising the price again and again, yet never making the final bid.
Nicole leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper. "Are you here to raise the bid?"
Roman's smile was mysterious. "Julie told me to increase my exposure. Doing this will definitely attract attention."
Nicole was speechless.
When the final item appeared on the large LCD screen, Nicole's breath caught. It was an antique tobacco pipe adorned with emeralds of high clarity and brilliance. The pipe seemed familiar—she had seen it before, in the memorial hall at the Ferguson Villa. Recognition hit her like a wave.
*This is Old Master Ferguson's most treasured heirloom, passed down for generations. He protects it with his life. How did it end up here as an auction item?*
Nicole swept the room with her gaze. Eric was nowhere to be seen, but Quinn and Ingrid sat in front, exchanging smug glances. They were enjoying the crowd's attention far too much.
A slow, knowing smile spread across Nicole's face. *So it's a charity trap.*
Very few people present knew about the Ferguson family heirloom. Most thought it was just an ordinary emerald pipe. Quinn and Ingrid must have stolen it, brought it here for auction, and planned to bid for it themselves. By the end, they would gain both money and fame.
"This is the charity auction item provided by Mrs. Ferguson and Ms. Ferguson from the Ferguson Corporation," the auctioneer announced. "They are very generous to donate such a precious item. Now, let the bidding begin! The starting price is three million dollars."
*Three million?* Nicole's laugh was barely audible. *Old Master Ferguson's precious family heirloom is only worth three million?*
"Three million!" Quinn raised her bidding paddle.
"Four million..."
Nicole lowered her eyelids, waiting. Several seconds passed. Then, without hesitation, she raised her own bidding paddle.
"Ten million!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Heads turned toward her. Quinn and Ingrid's smug expressions dissolved into shock.
Nicole met their gaze steadily, her smile sharp as a blade.
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
What an absolutely satisfying chapter! Nicole's quiet, calculated revenge is a masterclass in how to handle petty bullies. The way she shut down Ingrid in the jewelry store with that legendary black-gold card was pure brilliance—no shouting, no drama, just pure class and power. And then the charity auction reveal? Perfect setup for what promises to be an explosive confrontation.
The tension between Nicole and the Ferguson family continues to simmer beautifully. Quinn and Ingrid are digging themselves deeper with this "charity trap," and I loved how Nicole immediately recognized the heirloom and understood their scheme. She's three steps ahead of everyone, and that intelligence makes her such a compelling protagonist.
The friendship between Nicole and Yvette adds warmth to the story, and Ian's subtle interest in Nicole creates an interesting dynamic. There's also the looming presence of Eric Ferguson—his absence from this chapter felt deliberate, building anticipation for their inevitable confrontation.
**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
## Next Chapter Prediction
Nicole's ten million dollar bid has thrown Quinn and Ingrid's scheme into chaos. They clearly expected to win the auction quietly, but Nicole's intervention has exposed their greed and deception. Next chapter, expect the auction to continue with escalating tension—will Nicole actually buy the Ferguson heirloom, or is she simply toying with them?
More importantly, Eric Ferguson is bound to appear once news of this reaches him. When he learns that his ex-wife has publicly humiliated his mother and sister while acquiring a priceless family heirloom, the confrontation will be explosive. Old Master Ferguson's reaction to learning his precious pipe was stolen and nearly auctioned off will also be devastating.
And Roman? His flirtatious nature and Julie's mysterious instructions suggest he might play a larger role in whatever scheme Julie has cooking. Nicole might find herself caught in another web—but knowing her, she's already weaving her own.