# Chapter 58 Cost So Little: The Price of Revenge
The elevator doors slid shut, and Nicole watched the man outside as though he were a complete stranger. His figure slowly disappeared from her sight, and she felt nothing—not anger, not satisfaction, just a cold, quiet resolve.
Once they settled into Roman's flashy sports car, he finally voiced the question that had been gnawing at him since the auction. "So... is that thing really worth that much money? Why do the Fergusons want it so badly?"
Nicole let out a soft laugh, her fingers tracing the elegant box in her hands. "This little thing is over a thousand years old. I heard it came from a royal palace and has been the Ferguson family heirloom for nearly eight hundred years." She turned to look at Roman with a sly smile. "Do you think it's worth a lot?"
Roman's foot instinctively lifted off the accelerator, his jaw going slack. "You're kidding me. That's... that's priceless! They actually auctioned off something like that? No wonder Eric Ferguson asked you to name your price. If you'd asked for nine figures, he probably wouldn't have even hesitated!"
Just then, Nicole's phone rang. The caller ID flashed Grant's name, and she answered with a bright smile. "Brother, I bought myself a little toy..."
There was a pause on the other end before Grant let out a low, stifled laugh. "So I heard. It only costs so little to spite the Fergusons, huh?"
Nicole couldn't help but laugh, thinking about Quinn and Ingrid's faces when they found out. "Anyway, it's mine now. I'm not letting it go easily."
Grant knew his sister better than anyone. She had been so deeply disappointed by the Fergusons that she would seize any chance to vent her frustrations. And this was indeed a rare opportunity.
*Forget it... as long as she's happy, nothing else matters.*
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The next morning dawned bright and sunny, but Nicole's mind was focused on darker matters. She walked into her office, ready to handle the day's work. Samantha Lindt had been glaring at her with murderous intent lately, but she didn't dare make a move—not when Nicole held something over her.
Logan knocked and entered, carrying a stack of documents. "Vice President Nicole, the company has started investigating Samantha Lindt's kickbacks on various projects."
Nicole looked up, her eyes sharp. "My brother's ready to take action?"
"Yes. Micah Zielinski, the one backing Samantha, has already started making his move. President Stanton said he won't tolerate it any longer."
Nicole understood the strategy perfectly. To take down Micah Zielinski, they had to start with Samantha Lindt. No wonder Samantha had stopped pestering Nicole about being on the J&L Corporation project team—she must have known her time was running out.
Nicole tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze cool. "Then hand over what we have. Let's add fuel to the fire."
She was referring to the recording of Samantha's words during their dinner with Flint Zeller.
"Yes, ma'am." Logan hesitated for a moment. "There's one more thing. Mr. Ferguson's secretary called. He wants to arrange a meal with you."
Nicole let out a cold sneer, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed. Her eyes were clear, her voice ice. "Tell him I'm busy. Cancel it. From now on, reject any meal invitations from him. You don't need to ask me anymore."
"Yes, ma'am."
---
At noon, Nicole was about to head out for lunch when there was another knock. Logan stood at the door, holding a large bouquet of flowers.
Nicole frowned immediately. "I thought I told you to just throw it away?"
"Nikki! How could you hurt me like that?" Ian Carter suddenly popped out from behind Logan, storming into her office with exaggerated outrage. "I carefully picked these out for you! You didn't even act surprised, and you wanted to throw them out?!"
Nicole blinked, caught off guard. She glanced at Logan, who lowered his head apologetically and remained silent.
*Forget it... this must have been Ian's idea.*
Feeling a twinge of guilt, she knew she couldn't really blame Ian for being hurt. "You can leave us," she said to Logan, who nodded and slipped out with visible relief.
Nicole rubbed her brow and managed a smile. "Carter, why did you come today?"
"I came to ask you out for lunch. I didn't expect such a big 'surprise'!" Ian gritted his teeth, still glaring at her.
Nicole smiled apologetically. "You know how much people will talk if I keep receiving flowers."
"That's exactly the point! I send you flowers so everyone knows you have a boyfriend!" Ian was completely unabashed. "So they know they don't stand a chance."
Nicole felt helpless. "Ian, don't waste your time on me."
"I want to. Whether it's a waste of time is my decision." Ian's anger faded quickly, replaced by a devilish grin. "Since you're at fault, you have to buy me lunch!"
Nicole raised an eyebrow, grabbed her purse, and walked out. "Fine. You pick the place."
But fate had other plans. When they arrived at the restaurant, they once again ran into the people they least wanted to see.
Keith Ludwig let out a scornful snort. "Nicole, didn't you say you had an important project? So... you pushed off Eric Ferguson for a date with Second Young Master Carter? Grant, Roman, Ian... you sure change men like you change clothes. I guess you really do have your hands full, huh?"
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter is a masterclass in quiet power. Nicole's cold dismissal of Eric Ferguson at the elevator, her triumphant acquisition of the priceless heirloom, and her calculated moves against Samantha Lindt—every scene reinforces that she is no longer the woman who was wronged. She is now the one in control.
The emotional highlight is undoubtedly the phone call with her brother Grant. His unspoken understanding—"as long as she's happy, nothing else matters"—speaks volumes about their bond and Nicole's support system. It's a beautiful contrast to the hostility she faces from the Fergusons and their circle.
Ian Carter's arrival adds a touch of lightness, but it also deepens the tension. Keith Ludwig's venomous words at the end remind us that Nicole's enemies are everywhere, watching for any weakness. But Nicole? She seems unfazed. She's playing a long game, and she's winning.
**⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
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## Next Chapter Prediction
Keith Ludwig's public humiliation of Nicole in front of Ian will likely escalate. Ian's protective nature means he won't let those words slide—expect a confrontation. Meanwhile, Grant's investigation into Samantha is about to bear fruit, and with Nicole's recording as the final blow, the Lindt family's downfall is imminent. But the biggest question remains: What will Eric Ferguson do now that Nicole has not only refused his invitation but also humiliated his family by claiming their priceless heirloom? Retribution is coming, and the next chapter promises fireworks.