Everyone’s curiosity about the price she offered on the contract grew even stronger. Even Katelyn found herself curious. After Uriah signed, the contract copies were immediately exchanged.

And just like that, Ashlyn became the new owner of Westine Mall.

Lise’s fists tightened at her sides, her mind racing with questions about Ashlyn’s true identity.

Uriah, overjoyed, quietly said to himself, “Incredible, I actually sold the mall for twenty billion!” He then turned to Ashlyn and added with a beaming smile, “Thank you so much, Miss Marshall.”

The revelation left everyone around in shock, suddenly seeing Ashlyn in a new light.

Lise nearly staggered from the surprise.

“Twenty billion?!”

Paloma’s face drained of color, and her body swayed unsteadily. How could Ashlyn possess such wealth? Even liquidating the entire Finch estate wouldn’t come close to that figure.

Ashlyn walked up to Paloma and presented her with a choice.

“You can either apologize, or you can deal with the consequences.”

What those consequences entailed remained unsaid, but everyone sensed they would be severe. A person who could effortlessly spend twenty billion was not someone to cross. For Ashlyn, resolving a problem might be as simple as a flick of her wrist.

Paloma, no longer defiant, gave in to her fear, ignoring her throbbing leg.

“I apologize, Miss Marshall, I was at fault.” She couldn’t afford to gamble with her life.

Paloma’s whole body shook, the intensity of her fear evident.

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Lise also felt a wave of fear wash over her. Twenty billion was a sum she could hardly conceive. She had never encountered such wealth, and Neil certainly wouldn’t offer her anything near that. Yet, Ashlyn had spent such an amount effortlessly. Provoking Ashlyn was a risk Lise couldn’t take; it would lead to stepping into a bottomless pit.

Reluctantly, Lise lowered her head and said, “Miss Marshall, I apologize for any offense.”

Katelyn watched with surprise at Ashlyn’s decisive actions, finding Lise’s submission particularly unusual.

At that moment, the police arrived.

After questioning those involved and reviewing surveillance footage, they confirmed that Paloma and Lise were the instigators of the disturbance.

The officers decided to take both Paloma and Lise into custody. Lise thought about resisting, but the overwhelming impact of Ashlyn’s financial clout silenced her ions, and she was led away by the police without further incident.

Before being escorted out, Paloma shot a vengeful look at Katelyn. She silently vowed to settle scores with Katelyn eventually. Meanwhile, Paloma was taken away, her protests echoing through the space.

The bystanders were taken aback by how quickly events had escalated; the outcome was completely unexpected. Uriah briefly exchanged courtesies with Katelyn and Ashlyn before departing with his team.

While the manager remained nervous, Ashlyn fixed him with a stern gaze and said, “You’re fired.”

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