Chapter 180

Lucy White's exquisite jade shimmered under the sunlight, drawing a crowd of eager jewelers.

"Miss White, I'll pay double for this imperial jade!"

"Our firm can custom-design exclusive pieces. Would you consider—?"

Lucy shook her head with a faint smile. "My apologies, but these stones are reserved for another purpose."

From a distance, Evan York rubbed his hands together. "Ethan, do you think I could—"

"Don't even try," Ethan Smith cut him off. "She's using them for talismans."

"Talismans?" Evan's eyes lit up. "When they're finished, maybe—"

Ethan shot him a glance. "I'll ask, but it's her decision."

Evan lowered his voice. "You two still haven't made it official?"

"Patience." Ethan's lips curved slightly. "You'll get your wedding invitation."

Evan stifled a chuckle—even the legendary Ethan Smith could be thwarted in matters of the heart.

Nearby, the Von family worked on their stones.

"Father, while the quality isn't exceptional, the quantity makes up for it," Fiona Von murmured.

Frederick Von nodded approvingly. "You'll accompany me to the next auction."

Fiona's gaze drifted toward Lucy, her nails digging into her palms. "If only we hadn't lost those—"

"The afternoon auction will settle scores," Frederick sneered. "What capital could a mere actress possibly have?"

Meanwhile, Evan's lapidary team worked through their batch.

"Waste rock!"

"Another dud!"

After a dozen consecutive failures, whispers rippled through the crowd.

Frederick feigned sympathy. "Poor luck today, Mr. York."

Evan remained unruffled. "The best is yet to come."

He was proven right when Ethan's selections took center stage.

"Emerald hues!"

"Ice jade!"

"Heavens—another top-grade specimen!"

Over forty premium stones emerged in succession, Frederick's expression darkening with each revelation.

But Lucy's haul stole the show.

"Fifty! Fifty flawless pieces!"

"This defies probability!"

When two more imperial-grade jades appeared, the room erupted.

Evan grabbed Ethan's arm excitedly. "You're handing my company dominance in the jade trade!"

Jewelers swarmed like sharks, clamoring for partnerships. Evan navigated the frenzy with practiced ease, inwardly elated.

In the shadows, Fiona watched the adulation surrounding Lucy, her eyes venomous.

"The afternoon auction..." she muttered through clenched teeth.