Chapter 38: The $1 Million Domain Deal

Ryan Cole’s voice carried a hint of flattery as he tried to ease the tension.

Jason’s lips curved into a relaxed smile.

"Mr. Cole, I’ve heard a lot about you. I hear you’re planning to make a major push into the online group-buying market."

His tone was casual, almost as if they were old friends.

"That market is pretty hot right now. Capital from both the U.S. and overseas is pouring in, and the competition is brutal. Everyone’s fighting for a piece of the pie."

Jason paused before continuing.

"I was worried you’d get too busy and forget to register a domain name. Then one of your competitors might grab it first, and that would be a headache."

He chuckled.

"So I went ahead and registered one for you. Think of it as me helping you solve a small problem."

Ryan nearly rolled his eyes.

You’re the one who grabbed the domain in the first place.

But he didn’t dare let his irritation show. He kept the smile plastered across his face.

"Is that so? Mr. Carter, I really appreciate the thought. But we can’t let you do this for free."

He hesitated before making an offer.

"How about $500,000 for the domain? Consider it a gesture of friendship."

Ryan’s heart was bleeding.

A domain that normally cost next to nothing was suddenly going to cost him at least half a million dollars, and potentially much more.

The company was still in its early stages, and money was already tight. Every dollar had to be carefully budgeted.

But they needed that domain.

So Ryan gritted his teeth and made the offer, waiting to see how Jason would react.

Nearby, Olivia had been listening to the entire conversation.

When she heard the number, her eyes widened.

Five hundred thousand dollars?!

She had never seen that much money in her life.

Her imagination immediately ran wild.

If that money landed in my hands, I could buy all the clothes I’ve always wanted, eat at expensive restaurants, and finally show those rich girls that I can afford luxury brands too.

Let’s see them look down on me then.

But reality quickly brought her back.

Wait.

Could Jason really be negotiating a $500,000 deal?

She almost laughed at herself.

No way.

He’s probably hired some random actor to pretend to be a businessman. He’s trying to make himself look rich so he can win me back.

Olivia folded her arms and watched Jason with a smug expression.

Nice try.

There’s no way I’m falling for this.

"Five hundred thousand?"

Jason chuckled.

"Mr. Cole, I have to say, your offer doesn’t exactly scream sincerity."

His voice carried a teasing edge.

"It sounds like you’re not very interested in being friends with me."

Olivia’s lips curled upward.

I knew it.

I knew the whole thing was fake.

If you don’t have the money, just stop pretending to be some big shot.

She looked at Jason as though he were a clown putting on a ridiculous performance.

On the other end of the phone, Ryan’s expression turned bitter.

He’d secured only limited funding for the company, and the online group-buying market was already becoming fiercely competitive.

Every dollar mattered.

But apparently, today he was going to have to bleed.

"One million dollars."

Ryan gritted his teeth.

"We’ll offer you one million to become friends with us, Mr. Carter."

His heart hurt at the number.

But if the company succeeded, what was one million dollars in the long run?

It would be nothing compared to what the business could eventually be worth.

Jason remained completely unmoved.

One million still wasn’t enough.

He rubbed his chin, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

"How about this? I’m in town. Come down here, and I’ll take you out for some good food. We can discuss the domain deal face-to-face."

It sounded like an invitation, but his tone made it clear that Ryan didn’t really have a choice.

Ryan suppressed his uneasiness and forced a hearty laugh.

"Of course. But we’re the ones asking you for a favor. Dinner should be on us."

He paused.

"How about tomorrow?"

Jason’s eyes lit up.

His first real fortune was finally within reach.

But he couldn’t afford to get too excited yet.

"Sounds good. I’ll text you the address."

"Alright, Mr. Carter. We’ll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

The call ended.

Jason lowered his phone and turned toward Olivia.

A cold smile spread across his face.

Before he could say anything, Olivia spoke first.

She looked him up and down with open mockery.

"Tsk, tsk. Look at you. Big shot, huh?"

She sneered.

"Five hundred thousand. A million. If you’re really that rich, why do you still care about the $50,000 I took from you?"

She shook her head.

"Next time you’re pretending to be rich and trying to scam someone, try to make it a little more believable. Stop pulling these ridiculous stunts and remember your place."

In Olivia’s mind, there was only one conclusion.

Once a loser, always a loser.

Jason is obviously putting on an act because he wants me back.

Jason stared at her.

"Huh?"

He looked genuinely confused.

"Are you fucking stupid?"

Olivia’s expression changed.

"What the hell do you think I am? Why would I scam you? Do you really think you’re that important?"

Jason laughed coldly.

"And let me make something perfectly clear. I don’t care if it’s fifty thousand, a million, or even five hundred million dollars."

His expression hardened.

"You’re still returning the $50,000 you took from me."

Olivia pouted.

"Tsk. You’re just trying to get back together with me. Why keep pretending?"

She rolled her eyes.

"If you really manage to make a million dollars, maybe I’ll consider giving you another chance."

Jason stared at her in disbelief.

Then he actually laughed.

"What the fuck?"

He shook his head.

"I’d rather pursue your mother than get back together with you."

Olivia’s face stiffened.

"Are you out of your mind?"

Jason couldn’t believe how incredibly self-important this woman was.

She genuinely seemed to believe she was some kind of goddess and that every man in the world should be desperate for her attention.

But Olivia still looked completely convinced of herself.

"You’re only insulting me because you’re embarrassed to admit you still admire me."

She smiled smugly.

"Stop pretending. I know you still love me."

Jason’s patience finally snapped.

"Fuck your mother."

He stepped forward and slapped Olivia hard across the face.

SMACK!

The sound echoed through the empty garden.

Olivia stumbled sideways, one hand flying to her cheek.

Her face began to swell almost immediately.

Jason stared at her coldly.

"Stupid bitch. Are you finally awake?"