When money was mentioned, a crack appeared on Lucius' usually composed face, and his brow furrowed even deeper in an instant.

I feigned nonchalance and said, "What, Mr. Albrecht, can't bear to part with it?"

The man lifted his eyelids, his eyes filled with sarcasm. "Sylvie, didn't you understand? I said, it's not a gift—this opportunity..."

"The opportunity is mine," I interrupted, already having discarded any moral high ground, speaking casually, "Mr. Albrecht, ...