Chapter 175

Lucy White had mastered a unique jade appraisal technique that allowed her to sense energy fluctuations within raw stones, not just assess their outer layers.

If a jadeite rough emitted energy, it concealed precious jade; if not, it was worthless. The richer the energy, the higher the quality.

Yet she didn’t get greedy—she only selected one-fifth of the high-energy stones. After all, with so many bidders at the auction, others deserved a chance too.

To avoid drawing attention, she deliberately mixed in a few worthless pieces. A 100% success rate would’ve been far too conspicuous.

When Fiona Von began picking stones, Lucy had an idea. Leaning close to Ethan Smith, she whispered, "Ethan, I want to buy more, but livestreaming the cuts would be too obvious. Can we register them under your friend’s name?"

His lips curved. "Easy."

After a quiet exchange with Evan York, the latter agreed without hesitation. Lucy promptly handed Evan’s assistant the numbers of her chosen stones and her bank card.

Ethan also made selections, but deliberately avoided overlapping with Lucy’s. His motive wasn’t personal—he simply wanted to help his friend while inconveniencing the Von family.

By the time they finished, Evan’s assistant had already completed the transactions.

Soon, they reached the central auction floor, where the roughs were of superior quality—and priced accordingly.

Lucy’s gaze locked onto an unremarkable stone. This time, she decided to act personally. Michael Johnson volunteered to handle the payment, taking the number tag to the counter.

Just then, Fiona’s group arrived.

Lucy noticed Fiona running her fingers over each stone, her fingertips emitting a faint miasma whenever she touched jade-bearing roughs.

A closer look made Lucy’s pupils constrict—this woman was harboring a dark familiar!

No wonder Fiona could accurately detect jade. She was relying on forbidden arts—the familiar sensed the energy and fed the information back to her.

Fiona noted down her chosen numbers, barely containing her excitement. The stones here were clearly superior.

When her fingers brushed the ugliest rock, her eyes flashed with triumph. "Buy this one—now!"

An elderly advisor frowned. "Miss, its appearance is poor—"

Fiona smoothed her hair. "I like it. Trust me."

Frederick Von, having witnessed his daughter’s accuracy before, smiled. "If Fiona wants it, get it."

Lily Green, inexplicably drawn to the same ugly stone, felt an instinctive urge to claim it—though she knew nothing about jade.

But both were too late.

Michael had already completed the purchase. Staff were attaching sold tags to the roughs.

Fiona was still gloating when her assistant rushed over, panicked. "Mr. Von, Miss Von—all the stones you picked were already bought!"

"What?" Fiona’s face darkened. "By whom?"

"Most by Topaz Jewelry’s Mr. York. That ugly one was taken by Lucy White."

Fiona’s eyes turned icy. She strode toward Lucy and lifted her chin. "Miss White, correct?"

Lucy arched a brow. "Yes?"

"You bought that rough?" Fiona pointed at the ugly stone.

"I did."

Fiona’s tone dripped condescension. "I want it. Sell it to me."

Lucy nearly laughed. "Why would I?"

Fiona pulled a checkbook from her Chanel bag. "Double the price. Enough?" Her voice reeked of entitlement.