Raising Funds

"Yes," Chief Assistant Grayson responded.

Meanwhile, Zuri, who was trying to figure out how to gather the five million, had no idea she had almost lost a significant opportunity.

Arianwen was carrying something upstairs when she bumped into Dalia. "What are you holding?"

"These are gifts from the Ji, Yu, and Shu families. The Second Miss asked me to deliver them to her."

Dalia's gaze swept over the items in Arianwen's hands. Each one was invaluable. "Give them to me. Tell the Miss that I'll keep them safe."

Arianwen hesitated.

"What? Are you disobeying my orders?" Dalia's previously gentle voice turned icy.

"Alright."

Reluctantly, Arianwen handed over the items.

At that moment, Zuri's door opened, and her gaze fell on the items in Dalia's hands.

"Arianwen, you shouldn't trouble Madam with delivering things to me." Zuri walked toward Dalia.

Dalia smiled. "These are valuable. Let me keep them safe for you."

"No need. I'm not a child. If I can't handle these, how will I survive in the real world?" Zuri extended her hand.

Dalia didn't budge. "You don't need these right now. The calligraphy and antiques shouldn't be casually stored. If they get damaged, they become worthless. Your father happens to like these things. Let him enjoy them for a few days. You'll get them back."

Zuri chuckled, her eyes cold. She stepped closer to Dalia, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "Do you think your precious daughter is living too comfortably?"

A blatant threat!

Dalia was stunned, staring at her in shock.

"If you like them so much, keep them," Zuri said, stepping back with a chilling, eerie smile.

Without another word, Zuri turned and left.

Dalia, shaken by Zuri's unsettling smile, hurriedly handed the items back to Arianwen. "Quick, take these to the Second Miss."

Arianwen nodded and quickly followed.

That evening, Aaron and Dalia were lying in bed. Aaron, in a rare good mood, noticed his wife's discontent. "What's wrong?" he asked casually.

Dalia turned, her serious and heavy gaze meeting his. "Honey, don't you find Zuri a bit strange? Sometimes her gaze is quite unnerving."

Aaron scoffed. "You're overthinking."

"Really. Today, I just wanted to keep her valuable gifts safe, and she threatened me. Do you think she resents us? Might she harm us?" The more Dalia spoke, the more agitated she became, almost convinced of Zuri's malice.

Aaron's smile faded. "I know you don't like Zuri, but that's too much. She's our daughter. Saira, as close as she is to us, is still someone else's child."

Aaron had become increasingly satisfied with Zuri and less so with Saira. Thinking of how Christian had forsaken his family and father for that girl irritated him.

Dalia felt a pang of discomfort at the mention of Saira but wisely kept silent, instead saying, "I do want to get close to Zuri, but she's so distant."

"Treat her well, and she'll come around. Remember, Zuri is likely to marry into the Feng or Ye family. Be good to her," Aaron warned sternly.

Dalia was displeased. "She's my daughter too. I care about her. Don't talk as if I'm a stepmother."

"As long as you understand. Whether the Lin family advances depends on her," Aaron clarified, making sure she grasped the importance.

Dalia watched Aaron fall asleep, her eyes filled with resentment. To him, everything was about profit. His interest in Zuri was purely because she could benefit the Lin family.

Meanwhile, Zuri organized her birthday gifts, categorizing the valuable items for sale and setting aside the rest.

Once done, she called Azura.

"Azura, do you know anyone interested in antiques? I want to sell the pieces from the Ji and Shu families."

Azura was taken aback. "Do you need money?"

"Yes."

"I have three million here. Is that enough?" Azura offered directly.

"No need. Selling these two antiques will be enough."

Azura didn't question her further, assuring her, "Leave it to me."

After the call, Azura checked her contacts, all either young people or their elders. She hurried to her uncle's study and knocked.

"Come in."

Azura peeked in, "Uncle, do you know anyone who collects antiques? I want to sell two items."

The man behind the desk looked up, his deep eyes meeting hers. "Antiques?"

"Yes." Azura nodded.

"Zuri wants to sell them?"

Azura grinned, "Nothing gets past you, Uncle. She wants to sell them quickly."

"Bring them over."

"Make sure to find a buyer soon," Azura reminded him.

"Got it."

"You're the best, Uncle," Azura praised.

The next day, Zuri sent the items over. She expected a wait but received a transaction notification by the afternoon.

Seeing six million in her account, she immediately transferred the money to Evan, instructing him to start the project as soon as possible.

At YS Group, Fang Hao walked into Leo's office, plopping down on the couch and putting his feet up. He noticed a box on the coffee table, opening it to find a tea set and a calligraphy piece.

"When did you start collecting antiques?" Fang Hao asked, setting the items back down with little interest.

"Just a whim," Leo replied casually.

"How much did they cost?"

"Six million."

Fang Hao jumped up. "Leo, you got ripped off. These are worth at most four million. You overpaid by two million. I can't believe the shrewd Leo got conned."

He laughed, relishing in Leo's misfortune.

Unperturbed, Leo continued working.

"Who sold these to you? I'll find them and give them a lesson," Fang Hao offered grandly.

"No need."

Fang Hao sensed something unusual. "You're acting strange, Leo."

"Leave if you're done."

Fang Hao placed an invitation on Leo's desk. "Your childhood friend is getting married. She's invited you."

Leo glanced at the invitation before resuming his work.

Seeing his indifferent reaction, Fang Hao sighed inwardly. He knew that Fang Yao was bound to be disappointed.