Faced with Philip Hale's fury, Seraphina Sterling showed no fear, maintaining a faint smile. "Mr. Hale, you've misunderstood. It's not that I'm unwilling to sell it to you, nor that I don't want to show you the ink slab. You're simply a step too late. The ink slab is no longer in my possession."
"Nonsense! A little girl like you… You think I'd believe such lies? Willow had just seen the ink slab when you bought it right after. We rushed over immediately. With so little time in between, how could you have possibly sent it away?" Philip Hale had the very look of a ruthless merchant, his gaze sharp and imposing.
"Mr. Hale, just because you can't do something doesn't mean I can't! Not all minds work the same way." Seraphina Sterling, completely undaunted by Philip Hale's intimidating presence, didn't hold back on the overt ridicule and veiled sarcasm. Seeing the corner of his mouth twitch, she felt a secret thrill of satisfaction.
"To tell you the truth, I've already sent the ink slab over to that courtyard at the east end. Someone helped me at the hotel last time, so I have to show my gratitude, don't I?" 'Even though I really don't want anything more to do with that arrogant man,' Seraphina thought, 'he's the only one in all of Tollan Town who can put the screws to Philip Hale.'
'Mr. Grant?' Philip Hale's heart skipped a beat. 'The Grant Family of Aethelgard… they're not people I, Philip Hale, can afford to provoke. But if Mr. Grant accepted the ink slab, does that mean it's the one I've been searching for?'
Philip Hale's mind began to race. 'Is what she's saying even true? It's a fact that Mr. Grant spoke up for her that day, but that doesn't mean they have any kind of relationship. With Mr. Grant's wild and arrogant personality, you can't predict his actions using common sense!'
Willow Hale, who had just been scared out of her wits, heard the name "Mr. Grant" and was instantly re-energized, regaining her imperious air as the young lady of the Hale family. "Seraphina Sterling, stop flattering yourself! With your looks and your family background, Mr. Grant wouldn't even deign to glance your way. Don't assume that just because he helped you once, you can get all conceited and think he's interested in you! Let me tell you, that was just him acting on a whim! Don't push your luck and try to piggyback on his name!"
Hearing this, Philip Hale mulled it over and found himself agreeing with his daughter. His reservations eased, and his demeanor became even more aggressive.
"You've got some clever little tricks. For someone your age, getting this far is impressive! But I've forgotten more than you'll ever know. These petty schemes of yours can't fool me! Trying to use Mr. Grant to intimidate me? The Grant Family is wealthy and powerful, I'll give you that, but even a mighty dragon can't crush a local snake! Tollan Town is my turf!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Seraphina Sterling offered a bright smile, revealing a few pearly white teeth, a look of mock regret dancing in her eyes. "I really thought using Terrence Grant's name would be enough to intimidate you. It seems I was too naive. So even if something belongs to Terrence Grant, Mr. Hale would snatch it anyway! What a miscalculation on my part, what a miscalculation!"
"Hmph! You've got that right. I, Philip Hale, have dominated the business world for thirty years. Did you think you could fool me with a few simple words? Here in Tollan Town, if I set my sights on something, there's nothing I can't obtain! I'd say the same thing even if Mr. Grant himself were standing right here!" Seeing Seraphina apparently back down, Philip Hale grew smug, his arrogance swelling.
"So, Mr. Hale is this impressive. It seems I underestimated you." An arrogant voice cut in. Unseen, Terrence Grant had entered the courtyard and was now standing right behind Philip Hale and his daughter.
The insufferably arrogant expression from a moment ago was now frozen on Philip Hale's face. He could only stare at Terrence Grant, his expression a comical mix of wanting to explain but not knowing how.
"You were quite talkative just now, Mr. Hale. Why so quiet all of a sudden?" Terrence Grant strolled over leisurely. "I hear you're very interested in that ink slab. To be honest, I couldn't care less about these things. Giving it to you wouldn't be out of the question."
Terrence Grant shot a glance at Seraphina Sterling. Apart from a flicker of shock when he first appeared, which vanished in an instant, her expression was now as calm and placid as a lake.
As for Philip Hale, hearing Terrence Grant's words, his face immediately bloomed into a brilliant smile. But before that smile could fully spread, Terrence Grant's tone shifted. "However, that was before I heard what you just said. It's been a long time since I've heard anything so foolish. Actions have consequences, and you have to pay the price. Mr. Hale, you're a man of standing in Tollan Town. Surely you don't need an outsider like me to teach you that lesson, do you?"
This time, Philip Hale was well and truly frightened. He hurriedly apologized, "Mr. Grant, I was just joking with Seraphina. You can't take it seriously. It was just a joke, that's all. Please, don't pay it any mind."
A wicked grin spread across Terrence Grant's face. "But what if I did take it seriously? What if I do mind?"
Philip Hale felt an urge to cough up blood. Terrence Grant had always been arrogant, but of course, with the backing of the Grant Family of Aethelgard, he had every right to be. He was kicking himself for running his mouth, for saying all those things! 'This is all Seraphina Sterling's fault!' he fumed internally. 'If it weren't for her constant provocations, I never would have gotten so carried away!'
'Seraphina Sterling must have seen Terrence Grant arrive much earlier. That's why she feigned weakness, luring me into letting my guard down and baiting me into saying all that! She's so young, yet she already knows how to use another's power to her own advantage. What will she be like when she's older? She'll be terrifying!'
"Mr. Grant, you have to believe my father! This is all Seraphina Sterling's fault! She set him up!" Willow Hale scrambled in front of Terrence Grant, desperately trying to explain.
But with a swift turn, Terrence Grant sidestepped her. Willow, who had intended to throw herself into his arms, never expected him to move. She stumbled and fell flat on her face, getting a mouthful of dirt.
"Mr. Hale, business is important, but don't forget to raise your child properly! People who know her might realize she's your daughter. Anyone else would think she's some mad dog that's gotten loose, snapping at everyone." Terrence Grant fastidiously dusted off his clothes where Willow Hale had nearly touched him.
Philip Hale had no idea what to say to salvage the situation. His mind raced through countless possibilities, but he rejected each one. All he could do was stand there, rooted to the spot in embarrassment.
"Thinking of staying for lunch, Mr. Hale?" Terrence Grant had no qualms about playing the host in someone else's home. The dismissal was so blatant that no matter how thick-skinned the father and daughter were, they couldn't possibly pretend they hadn't heard and stay.
After the pair left, tranquility returned to the courtyard. Seraphina Sterling couldn't help but feel relieved; her ink slab was finally safe. 'But,' she thought, 'I've just provoked someone a thousand times more troublesome than Philip Hale!' "Mr. Grant, are you thinking of staying for lunch, too?"