Chapter 522

It's over. This time, it's really over.

At that moment, Sebastian descended slowly from the second floor, his footsteps measured and his gaze heavy as he glanced at Citrine. Then he shot Kali a look of utter disdain, his voice laced with threat. "If you can't produce the formula, you'll owe me sixteen billion dollars."

Kali's heart plummeted.

She let out a cold scoff, still refusing to come clean. "It's been so long, I can't remember the formula anymore. But my family does. Give me a minute, I'll call home and ask for it."

She leaned over and whispered urgently to Theo, "Please, help me. Call Grandpa and ask-he'll know the formula for the NecroBlitz Tablets. I can't possibly pay back eighteen billion."

Theo gave a reluctant nod. Kali had always been the sensible, clever little sister- he'd never seen her so desperate, so stubborn. But she was his sister, the one he'd grown up with. He couldn't just stand by.

The two slipped out of the auction hall. Once outside, Theo pulled out his phone and dialed Scales.

As soon as the call connected, Theo got straight to the point. "Grandpa, I need the formula for the NecroBlitz Tablets. Tell me."

Scales jolted upright in bed, disbelief written across his face. "What did you just say?"

Theo repeated, "I need the formula for the NecroBlitz Tablets. Right now."

Realization dawned on Scales. He jumped out of bed and hurried to his safe, flinging it open without hesitation. He rummaged through its contents, searching for the small box he'd hidden in the very back. But after a frantic minute, he couldn't find it. His face darkened.

He lowered his voice and spoke firmly into the phone. "Theo, bring the NecroBlitz Tablets back. Immediately."

"Grandpa, I can't." Theo pressed his lips together, voice strained. "It's too late."

A sharp edge entered Scales's tone. "What do you mean, you can't?"

Theo hesitated, then confessed, "I already sold the NecroBlitz Tablets at auction."

Scales immediately understood, his voice rising in horror. "Are you out of your mind? That thing must never be sold!"

Without waiting, he barked, "Stop the auction right now. Bring the NecroBlitz Tablets back this instant."

Theo's reply was heavy. "Grandpa, it's already over. If I can't produce the formula today, I'll owe sixteen billion."

Scales went deathly pale, nearly passing out. He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, struggling to catch his breath. When he finally managed to speak again, it was to unleash a storm of curses at Theo.

"You idiot! Just you wait-I'm coming over right now."

Ten minutes later, Scales arrived at the charity gala with Talbot in tow. Only then did he discover the whole mess was Kali's doing.

Furious, Seales struck Kali hard

across the face and shouted, "You little wretch! If I'd known you'd cause this kind of disaster, I never would

have taken you in!"

Knowing she'd messed up, Kali didn't dare talk back. She just hung her head and

apologized over and over. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I'm really sorry."

Scales ignored her and strode into the main auction hall with Talbot.

The guests fell silent in surprise at their arrival.

"Mister Scales, Mr. Glenwood-you made it! Please, have a seat," Mamie said, hurrying to arrange chairs for them.

"No need," Scales replied, waving her off.

He raised his

s voice so everyone

could hear."m here tonight because of my foolish

granddaughter, and I owe you all an apology. I'm sorry, but the NecroBlitz Tablets were taken from our home without permission. In fact, it's only a prototype the formula isn't even complete. I regret to say it cannot be auctioned this evening."