Still calm, I walked over to the Italian vase on the side shelf, picked it up gently, and turned it over in my hands so the bottom faced him.

"Take a good look," I said evenly. "That's Sotheby's official authentication code. One of a kind. Final sale price? $12 million."

I met his eyes without flinching as I continued, "You think I care about your lousy $500,000? I was willing to let this whole thing go, out of respect for our family. But honestly, I could've gifted you that money just to keep things quiet. But you know what I don't tolerate?"

I tilted my head, my tone becoming sharply pointed as I said, "Spineless, freeloading men who want to get something for nothing."

Then I took a step forward.

"Here's the deal. As long as you and your entourage walk out of my house right now and never come back, I won't press defamation charges or harassment. That's me being generous."

Oliver froze mid-scowl.

The bodyguard looked like he'd seen a ghost. "Sir, maybe there was a misunderstanding? And that vase… it might actually be real."