Chapter 25 Retort Chapter 25 Retort +10 Free Coins A man of true nobility would never behave like a common ruffian creating a disgraceful disturbance at another's home. "As you're bringing up the matter with the beads, I must ask you one question, Master Han. Do you still have the original necklace i gifted to your household?" He seemed completely unprepared for her shift away from confrontation. Li Han froze for a second before guilt over the necklace made him visibly uncomfortable. "I don't recall you ever giving us any necklace!" "Really?" Ma Ting responded with a dismissive laugh and nodded to Tang. Tang immediately stepped forward, holding a detailed inventory prepared the night before. "Master Han, every gift from Ms. Ma is recorded here. Each valuable was stored at the wealthkeeper and delivered by their couriers. If you insist no such gift exists, we will have to request the bank's official records and involve the city magistrates to investigate the discrepancy." After losing her parents, Ma Ting had become cautious about security. All significant assets were kept securely at the wealthkeeper, not in the residence. Every gift was withdrawn by wealthkeeper staff and sent directly to the recipient. "Call the magistrates?!" Li Han's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at her calm demeanor. "You would file an official report over this?" Ma Ting tilted her head with pretended confusion. "If the necklace isn't lost, you should have no reason to fear an investigation. "Tang, I believe that specific piece would cost over three thousand silver taels to replace now, would it not?" Three thousand taels! The enormous sum made Li Han forget his anger completely. The number echoed loudly in his mind. "Indeed, Ms. Ting. The current market value may be even higher." Ma Ting slowly turned her attention to the speechless young man. "As you are here to return property, we should audit everything against this list. You can reimburse us for anything missing with silver. Do you agree? "We move on to the next item on the agenda, that is the mistreatment of your concubine. Numerous witnesses can confirm she intentionally stepped into my path. "If anyone deserves an apology, it is me, and I should be seeking justice from your family!" 1/3 6:11 pm D Chapter 25 Retort Li Han refused to believe her, certain she was lying. His tone became increasingly mocking. "You are clearly jealous that I gave the pearls to Xinying! Your pride is injured. You have no right to demand anything! ༠:{ +10 Free Coins "However, if you apologize to Xinying at our estate, I may consider allowing you entry to our household and becoming a part of the family" Ma Ting simply watched him, her expression unreadable. Her steady gaze made him increasingly uneasy. "What is with that look of yours?!" "I am observing someone who is clearly not thinking rationally." Her smile was cold. "If you are unwell, I can have our physician examine you." "How dare you insult me!" His shout was followed by the sharp crack of a teacup hitting the floor. The sound immediately brought several large guards to the hall entrance, all focusing their threatening attention on Li Han. Each guard looked immensely strong and perfectly capable of overwhelming him. Flushing with embarrassment, Li Han lowered his voice. "Just give the apology!" Ma Ting rose and smoothed her dress. "I will apologize under one condition..." "What condition?" He stepped forward eagerly but moved back again under the guards' watchful eyes. "After we complete a full audit of these returned goods and make a list of everything that is missing. Then we can visit your home to resolve the financial matters." She indicated the chests near Steward Lady Chen with a faint, cool smile. Li Han stared blankly for a moment before his expression hardened with dislike. "Very well!" He threw himself into a chair and crossed his legs arrogantly. "Inspect it all! We have no use for your cheap gifts!" Ma Ting glanced toward Mr. Luo, who was now sweating heavily, and stressed her words pointedly. "Tang, be extremely thorough. Master Han has declared our gifts unwelcome." More nervous perspiration appeared on the steward's brow. She accepted a new cup of tea from Ding Jie and listened calmly as Tang cataloged each item. The chests yielded over two dozen objects in total. After a lengthy inspection, Tang brought the ledger to Ma Ting. "My lady, several items are unaccounted for." Ma Ting reviewed the list. Before she could comment, Li Han leaped up and grabbed the ledger from her. He paled dramatically when he saw the unchecked items and their significant values. 2/3 6:11 pm 2 Chapter 25 Retort "You planned this! This is a scheme!" +10 Free Coins 6:11 pm