The Legendary Martin Garvey

Chapter 9

“Sorry to have kept you waiting.”

With a confident smile, Delilah set the exclusive black box on the display case. Unlike before, her movements were now full of assurance.

“I didn’t allow you to see it immediately because this necklace was reserved by Mr. Downey,” she said, glancing at Ethan. Unnoticed by the crowd, the clerk winked at him. “So I had to ask for his permission first. Of course I’m responsible for its security. Please handle with care, okay?”

Delilah pushed the box forward toward the fat man who had bet against Martin. “Here you go.”

The man gave a polite smile toward Ethan and nodded before turning his attention to the box.

“Mr. Downey, my name is Jack Phillips. You might not know me, but I’m one of the top people at your father’s company. Don’t worry. Let me take care of this trash for you.”

When he said “trash,” his eyes flicked to Martin with disgust.

“Thanks, Jack. Show me — and don’t disappoint me.”

“Certainly, Mr. Downey.”

Jack looked over at Martin.

“Hey, before we continue, I’ll give you one last chance to back down. Admit defeat and apologize to Mr. Downey. If he forgives you, we’ll call this whole bet off.”

Martin smiled faintly.

“There’s nothing to apologize for. The truth will come out shortly.”

“The line between confidence and stupidity is thin — and you, clearly, are on the wrong side of it.”

Saying that, Jack pushed the box toward Martin.

“Now hurry up and tell me what to do.”

Like Jack, everyone present was eager to see what Martin would do next.

“He looks clueless,” someone whispered.

“He’s just stalling until Mr. Downey steps in and teaches him a lesson. Worthless son‑in‑law,” another scoffed.

While the crowd buzzed, Ethan and Delilah exchanged large, satisfied smiles.

Martin’s brow creased.

“So they swapped the boxes?” he murmured, realizing something. “No wonder the clerk hesitated earlier.”

Now he understood: Delilah had taken the box to the back not to ask Ethan’s permission, but to switch boxes. The two of them were clearly working together.

“Hey, what’s taking so long? You think I’ll wait forever?” Jack snapped, impatient.

“Tell me what to do now, or my fist is going to land on you.”

Though fat, Jack was solidly built; even if he was a foot shorter than Martin’s roughly 190 cm, he wasn’t someone to be underestimated.

“You’re taking too long.”

Irritated, Ethan approached the display and picked up the black box.

“You’re saying the real Eclat should have matching serial numbers everywhere, right? Fine.”

“Here — check this.”

Ethan handed the box to Jack.

“See if the serial on the box matches the serial on that display.”

“Right, sir.” Jack did as ordered.

Everyone tensed. Even though most were convinced Ethan was right, the verification still made hearts race.

The fat man held the box close to his face and then bent to inspect the display — doing it twice before nodding decisively.

“No doubt at all, sir. They match exactly.”

A collective exhale swept through the crowd.

“Mr. Downey, we always knew you wouldn’t lie,” one bystander commented.

“In this city, nobody doubts that only people from families like yours can afford jewelry like this,” someone else added, pointing at Martin. “Ignore the idiot. He’s trash who doesn’t deserve your attention.”

“Man, you’re stubborn! What else do you have to say now?” Jack snarled at Martin. “Clearly it’s authentic. Everyone can see that but you.”

“Well, we haven’t checked the tag on the necklace itself. This isn’t over yet,” Martin replied calmly.

“If the boxes were swapped, the tag could have been swapped too,” Martin realized.

“That’s very likely,” he thought analytically. “But I need to see the necklace.”

“Fine. If you’re that stubborn, I’ll show you.” Jack reached to open the box — but Ethan’s hand moved faster. “Stop.”

“Sir, please allow me to slap this worthless man.” Jack begged. “After I show him, I’ll wipe that smug look off his face myself.”

Ethan hesitated for a moment.

That was when Delilah leaned in and whispered to him.

“Don’t worry. I swapped the tag as well. It should be safe now.”

Ethan’s grin widened. “Good! You didn’t make the same mistake. Very reliable.”

“All right — do it.” Ethan lifted his hand off the box.

Jack placed both hands on either side of the ultra-premium leather box and opened it.

When the lid came off, the crowd held its breath at what they saw.

“Oh my! It’s truly exquisite!”

No one could resist praising the gleaming Eclat.

“This is the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen in my life!” someone gushed.

Jack did his job carefully, checking the serial tag on the necklace and matching it with the number on the box.

“Same! The serials match!” he declared with a broad smile.

Like everyone else, Jack had been a bit nervous playing the role of verifier — but now relief and pride filled him.

With nothing left to doubt, he turned his gaze toward Martin. The flash in his eyes radiated a desire to destroy, and at the same time, his lips moved in anger.

“Hey, fool — your time’s up!” He shouted at Martin.

“Keep your promise and divorce Miss Hayes right now!”