Chapter 222 Rejected by Weston, Elbert grew anxious.
He hesitated for a moment, then finally clenched his jaw and gave in.
"All right. I apologize." As soon as he spoke, Elbert turned to Citrine with a smile, his attitude a complete reversal from before.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe softened his tone and said, "Young lady, I was wrong to accuse you earlier. Letoffer you a sincere apology." Elbert finished, still smiling, his eyes fixed on Citrine.
It wasn't long before Citrine spoke up, and Elbert's face immediately changed.
She let out a short, scornful laugh, a hint of mockery in her eyes. "Are you really apologizing, Elbert? Or is it just because you want this pill?" She raised her hand, letting the small capsule roll between her fingers, watching Elbert with a half-smile.
The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Elbert.
His face drained of color.
Seeing this, Citrine suddenly broke into a laugh. "Relax, Elbert. I'm just teasing." She nodded, putting on an air of sincerity. "I trust you wouldn't stoop to that. After all, when I offered you this as a birthday gift before, you refused it outright. A man of your reputation would never go back on his word, would you?" Elbert stood frozen, caught between speaking up and keeping quiet, realizing too late that he'd cornered himself. But life and death outweighed pride. Forcing himself forward, Elbert pressed on. "Young lady, I was a friend of your grandfather's. I'm desperate this pill is my last hope. For your grandfather's sake, could you give it to me?" Afraid she'd refuse, Elbert quickly amended, "Or sell it! Nyour price, I'll pay anything." He looked at Citrine, eyes pleading. At this moment, his fate rested entirely in the hands of a girl young enough to be his granddaughter, and he had no choice but to swallow his pride.
For a moment, he thought maybe, just maybe, Citrine would agree—if not for his sake, then at least for Weston's.
But Citrine's answer was swift and firm. "No." She met his gaze, her voice cool and even. "This was meant to be a birthday gift for you. You were the one who turned it down. Why should I sell it to you now? Besides, whether I gift or sell something, I only give it to people I feel a connection with." She paused, then added, "I'm sorry, Elbert, but I just don't feel that connection with you." Before coming to the Jensen estate, she'd made a point to research Elbert's preferences and had learned about his health issues. That was why she'd decided to bring Vitaflux for him.
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The Carmichaels had always treated her well, and if it weren't for their longstanding friendship with the N Jensens, she never would have considered bringing such a rare medicine as a gift. Now, as the guests grew eager for the chance to bid on the Vitaflux, they watched Elbert's desperate attempts to sway Citrine and couldn't help but speak out.
"Elbert, I know you invitedhere today, but I have to say this: when Ms. Carmichael offered you the pill, you turned her down. You can't just demand it now because you changed your mind." "Exactly. You dismissed it without a second thought, and now you want it back? Life doesn't work that way."
As soon as the crowd realized Elbert was trying to snatch the Vitaflux out from under them, they becante M indignant. That's not fair, Elbert! You already said no. You shouldn't be allowed to take part in the auction now." "That's right! You made your choice. This is our chance, so don't try to take it from us."