Ivy studied her for a moment before smiling faintly. "If that's the case," she replied, "how do you plan to compensate me?"
Grace clenched her fists again. "I'll give you all the crystals I own," she declared firmly. "As an apology."
A wave of sympathy swept through the crowd. Whispers followed, impressed murmurs rising. To them, Grace looked sincere, even noble.
''If only they knew,'' Grace thought quietly. She planned to register only thirty of her crystals as her lifetime wealth and give that amount to Ivy. It would spare her resources and still earn her a good reputation.
''A perfect start,'' she mused.
Before her plan could settle, Ivy shook her head.
"No," she said flatly. "I don't want you giving me anything. What if you lie about the number later?"
Grace hurried to defend herself. "I'm telling the truth!"
Ivy ignored her completely. "It would be better if you never appear before me again," she warned calmly.
