Chapter 180

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

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

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

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

From a distance, Elias Vaughn rubbed his hands together. "Damian, do you think I could—"

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

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

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

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

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

Elias stifled a chuckle—even the legendary Damian Cross could be thwarted in matters of the heart.

Nearby, the Valmont family worked on their stones.

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

Lucien Valmont nodded approvingly. "You'll accompany me to the next auction."

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

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

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

"Waste rock!"

"Another dud!"

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

Lucien feigned sympathy. "Poor luck today, Mr. Vaughn."

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

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

"Emerald hues!"

"Ice jade!"

"Heavens—another top-grade specimen!"

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

But Aria's haul stole the show.

"Fifty! Fifty flawless pieces!"

"This defies probability!"

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

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

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

In the shadows, Celine watched the adulation surrounding Aria, her eyes venomous.

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