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 , glancing sideways at Christina .

Christie , did you hear what this man just said ? He claims hes going to teach me a painful lesson Honestly , with an ex like that , I cant blame 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 glance 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 flashed a confident smile .

I have nothing to add .

I just hope Mr.

Lloyd wont start crying when this is over .

Andrews voice remained composed .

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 dollars .

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 gets completely wiped out .noveldrama

You cant even call this a gamble anymore .

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

She stared at Andrew , her voice sharp .

Andrew , are you sure you want to play 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 her companys 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 .

Relax , 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 escalation , Elsie motioned toward the raw gemstones .

The terms are set .

Both competitors may now begin selecting their stones .

Her voice trembled slightly , even as she tried to maintain composure .

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

Im ready .

This is the one .