Silence came after Jasmine dropped the amount.
Elias took a step closer, his voice low, cold. "You think I can't afford that?"
"No, I—"
"You're right. I can. But I'm not giving you a cent."
Jasmine's jaw dropped. "You asked how much!"
"I asked you to measure what you think your daughter's worth. And now I know…it's a number." Elias turned, ready to walk away.
But Jasmine grabbed his arm.
"I will keep bothering her if you don't give me the amount, or…" Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, eyes narrowing. "Or maybe I'll just get her to marry a better man than you. Someone who wouldn't even hesitate to give a million to his mother-in-law."
Elias's smile was sharp, humorless.
"You think I'm the type who hesitates?" He leaned down, just enough for his words to reach only her ears. "I'm the type who lets you talk, just so you can bury yourself deeper."
She paled slightly, but he didn't wait for her to speak again.
