The Pigeon Pair Saves The Marriage by Janice Gold

Chapter 40 

Gideon shrugged his shoulders, feeling rejected. 

“No honest words even for me?” 

Besides their superior–subordinate relationship, they were now allies in the same battle. 

Edith pressed her lips, choosing not to respond. 

Once she committed to something, there was no such thing as failure for her. 

Plus, surprises were meant to be revealed at the crucial moment. 

Seeing Edith as quiet as a mute, Gideon worried that his barrage of questions was pressuring her. He tried to comfort her. “Even if you can’t fix it, it’s fine. Without my approval, no one can make you leave this project.” 

Edith was momentarily taken aback, giving him a complex look. 

She suddenly found Gideon unexpectedly handsome when he said that! It was not a good sign. 

Meanwhile, Bald Ross overheard the conversation between the two. 

He laughed arrogantly. “It seems Ms. Jones is quite good at keeping secrets. Even Mr. Peterson and Mr. Simmons are unaware of the progress in the artifact restoration.” 

Gideon glared at Ross, his eyes terrifying, as if they could pierce right through his heart. 

His intimidating stare froze Bald Ross‘ laughter into an awkward grimace. 

Gideon stated unequivocally, “I trust in Edith’s abilities. There’s no need to worry about the She never lets us down.” 

Since when did his people have to endure belittlement from an outsider? 

Ray watched from the side, holding back the urge to applaud. 

The way Gideon defended his own was imposing and satisfying to witness. 

progress. 

Not daring to be presumptuous in his presence, Bald Ross muttered, “Fine, I don’t want to waste time. either. Go and get it.” 

He knew better to provoke Gideon. 

Edith passed by Gideon, whispering. 

“Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.” 

Gideon couldn’t help but smile faintly. 

Her competitive nature hadn’t changed at all from before. 

During the few minutes when Edith went to fetch the clay statue, the entrance to the living room. became crowded. 

Everyone was eager to know who would win the bet. 

Charlie was the most impatient, glancing outside now and then, wondering why it was taking so long… 

‘Is there any problem with the clay statue?‘ he wondered. 

Charlie was so anxious that he started pacing, ready to go and find her, when Edith slowly approached, holding a box. 

She placed the box on the table but didn’t hurry to open it. 

1/3 

12-16 

Chapter 40 

Her hand resting on the lid, she casually asked, “What were the terms of our bet again?” 

Bald Ross scoffed. “If you can’t fix the clay statue, pack your things and leave immediately.” 

He watched Edith dawdle, his tone rising in frustration. 

Bald Ross added, “Ms. Jones, I know you care about your pride. Just say a few nice words to me now, admit that you can’t do it, so you don’t lose face.” 

Edith’s fingers arched slightly, casually tapping on the box, creating a tinkling sound. 

She countered. “What about you? Are you ready to be at my beck and call?” 

Bald Ross‘ impatience grew as he saw Edith was still acting tough. He said irritably, “Enough of the big talk.” 

He walked straight to the box and roughly pushed her aside. 

Bald Ross muttered, “Just admit it if you haven’t fixed it. You’re young, and if you learn humbly from me, you’ll achieve something in the future.” 

He eagerly opened the box. 

As everyone exclaimed in astonishment, Bald Ross‘ face turned sullen. 

A month ago, the clay statue was so shattered that only a few patterns could barely be made out. Now, it lay intact in the box, glowing under the lights. Its brilliance was akin to a rare treasure. It was breathtakingly beautiful, making it impossible to look away from it. 

Bald Ross shook his head, muttering in disbelief, “Impossible… This can’t be real!” 

He couldn’t believe that Edith had restored the statue. 

Taking the statue out, Bald Ross said, “I heard Ms. Jones did the restoration alone. Did you replace it with a fake one?” 

He pulled out a magnifying glass and inspected it closely. 

Edith scoffed, “Even if you look at it a few more times, this clay statue can’t possibly be fake. 

“Mr. Reed, you wouldn’t be such a sore loser, would you?” 

She mockingly imitated his tone, raising her voice in ridicule. 

Bald Ross‘ eyes narrowed, starting to hatch another bad idea. 

If the clay statue were to “accidentally” break, it could never be restored… 

Catching the hint in his boss‘ gaze, Ray cleared his throat and said, “Last week, the project team’s assessment came out, This clay statue is worth at least 12 million dollars. You better handle it carefully. Any damage will be on you.” 

Bald Ross promptly put the clay statue back in the box. 

He certainly didn’t have 12 million dollars. 

Trying to save face, Bald Ross forced a laugh. “Ms. Jones, I was just testing you, you know. Nobody takes a casual bet seriously, right?” 

Edith looked disdainfully at the sneaky, balding man in front of her. “Are you trying to weasel out of this?” 

It was her first time seeing someone who couldn’t take a loss like this. 

Bald Ross‘ face was pale as dead. 

He could only turn to Gideon for help. “Mr. Peterson, you also think this is a joke, right? We still have to work together in the future.” 

2/3 

12:16 T 

Chapter 40 

There was a subtle threat in his words. 

Bald Ross might have a questionable character, but he held some sway in the antique industry. 

He was confident that Gideon wouldn’t ruin their relationship over such a trivial matter. 

However, Gideon’s words completely took him aback. 

“I’ve already placed my bet. Do you think this is a joke?” 

Gideon said calmly, “The Peterson Group will no longer continue cooperating with Reed Appraisal.” 

Reed Appraisal was Bald Ross‘ company, specializing in antique appraisal and restoration. 

Anel Group, a subsidiary of the Peterson Group, had maintained a partnership with it for three 

years. 

These words struck Bald Ross like a bolt from the blue, catching him off guard. 

He spoke with his voice hoarse. “Mr. Peterson, why? Haven’t we been working well together? I’ve postponed projects from many of my regular clients to conduct appraisals for your company!” 

Gideon was unmoved by these words. 

He had always disdained associating with those of doubtful morals. 

Gideon looked at Ross indifferently, his tone unvarying. “Indeed, our cooperation was fine before I learned of your fondness for deceiving and defrauding. 

“The termination contract will be sent to your office this afternoon.” 

Thinking about it, Gideon realized he should thank Edith for helping him see Ross‘ true nature. 

Every time there was a new project, Bald Ross would come up with various excuses to charge extra for appraisals. Considering his expertise and the fact that the fees weren’t exorbitant, Gideon had approved them all. 

This time, for the clay statue restoration, Bald Ross demanded 20 million dollars. 

If it weren’t for Edith taking on the restoration job, he would have been short of 20 million dollars in his account. 

Bald Ross wanted to argue, but Gideon continued, “Plus, if you don’t honor your bet, the entire antique industry will know that the head of the Reed Appraisal is completely untrustworthy. Weigh the consequences yourself.” 

“I… I’ll honor it.” Bald Ross lowered his head, seemingly drained of energy and utterly dejected. 

If he had known things would turn out this way, he would have never provoked Edith. 

Gideon didn’t end their partnership because he saw through Ross‘ true nature. 

He did it for the sake of that woman!