The Legendary Martin Garvey

Chapter 8

“Idiot! How could you be so careless? That trash will figure out our plan any minute!”

Ethan’s voice snapped, barely contained. He could not hide his irritation.

“I didn’t notice the display had a serial number… this is my fault.”

Delilah’s face was pale with panic; her eyes glistened with tears.

Two days ago, to impress Quinn, Ethan had conspired with this female sales associate to present Quinn with an Eclat. At the same time, the boutique’s latest original piece had already been reserved by another buyer.

Of course Ethan had no intention of buying such an expensive necklace for a first date. He paid Delilah to procure a convincing duplicate.

“Even your manager wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the real one and this.”

That’s what the counterfeit maker had told Delilah when handing over the fake Eclat. The plan had felt foolproof—until Martin arrived.

“Stop making excuses and come up with something! I don’t want our plan ruined!”

Ethan tore a hand through his perfectly-groomed hair, feeling the whole gambit teetering on the edge.

“Damn it! How does that parasite know so much about high-end jewelry?”

From the corner of his eye, Ethan glared at Martin. If not for that trashy man, he’d have successfully impressed both Quinn and Catherine.

Two minutes passed and no solution surfaced.

“Delilah, think! If we don’t do something now they’ll start to suspect us.”

Ethan grabbed the sales associate by both shoulders and shook her hard.

There was a reason the young staff had agreed to help. She had once been a gullible patient whom Ethan had manipulated into satisfying his whims. Through his flattery, she’d been willing to do anything—even sell a fake Eclat as real.

Though Delilah’s action didn’t steal money from the boutique directly, it was a betrayal that could ruin the store’s reputation in the long run. As a senior employee, she nonetheless faced inevitable dismissal once the truth surfaced.

“Wait.”

Delilah suddenly turned, her eyes landing on Catherine.

“You said they’re from the Hayes family?” she asked.

“Yeah, but they were expelled from the clan. They’re useless now. If they still held influence, they wouldn’t even look my way,” Martin said.

“Ethan, listen— the real Eclat is still inside the store.”

She pointed toward the safe boxes behind the counter—those reserved for the highest-tier collections, accessible only by managers.

“But—” she continued, “the safe code for the Eclat is only known by the owner.”

“Yeah, okay. So what does Catherine have to do with this safe? Stop asking dumb questions.” Ethan was impatient; he didn’t trust that the middle-aged woman would cooperate.

“Ethan, you don’t understand. The owner of that Eclat is someone from the Hayes clan.”

“What?”

Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise.

“That means…”

Delilah nodded slowly, a sly light in her eyes.

“We can use that to get the code.”

“You’re brilliant! That’s a perfect idea!”

Ethan couldn’t hide his excitement.

“Wait here. I’ll bring the woman over.”

He escorted Catherine to the back of the boutique—the employees-only area where customers rarely set foot.

“Ma’am, I’m so sorry to trouble you, but we need your help.” Ethan’s voice carried a hint of awkwardness.

“Ethan, what’s wrong? Just tell me what you need,” Catherine replied, composed.

Delilah stepped forward.

"Mrs. Hayes, one of the items from the main Hayes residence is currently in our safe. Unfortunately, we can’t open it without authorization from someone there. However, you could help us.”

Help open the safe—meaning she could provide the code.

Catherine wasn’t stupid; she knew safes had codes for a reason, especially when they contained extremely valuable items.

“Even if I could get the code, why would I give it to you?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. “You have no right to it.”

“Ma’am, here’s the situation.” Ethan, sensing Catherine’s skepticism, chose his words carefully.

"This lady put the Eclat in the wrong box. I need your help switching it with the original. If it's left as is, people will see it and assume the Eclat is counterfeit.”

Ethan didn’t know whether his explanation would hold, but it was his only hope. If it failed, not only would his name be dragged in front of Quinn, but the whole crowd would turn on him.

“Wrong box?” Catherine crossed her arms, doubtful. It seemed implausible that a boutique as prestigious as Victoria could make such a glaring mistake.

“Please, Ma’am—just this once. Help us.” Ethan dropped to his knees, pleading.

“I will do anything you ask in return.” He sounded desperate.

Catherine’s instincts told her something was off. Yet seeing the man’s earnest posture sparked an idea.

“Yes— I can bring this young man to the main house tonight,” she thought, her eyes gleaming. “He’ll be a perfect match for Quinn.”

A thin smile spread across Catherine’s face. “I’ll help. But on one condition.”

Ethan lifted his head, his face lighting with hope. He didn’t care what the condition was—anything to crush that parasite Martin.

Before Ethan could celebrate, Catherine added, “You must come with my daughter tonight.”

“Ma’am…” Ethan’s eyes widened so far they almost popped out. It was more than he had dared hope for—not only Catherine’s assistance, but an invitation to the Hayes main residence. Did this mean she approved of his relationship with Quinn?

He forced himself to stay composed. “Of course. I will do whatever you ask.” He said it firmly, his voice serious, though inside he was screaming with glee.