Chapter 366
Chapter 366:
The Loftus family was a titan in the world of gemstones, their wealth built on decades of expertise and influence. Just the sight of her boss made Heather’s nerves twitch. She could feel the pressure mounting. Without missing a beat, Heather tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, her voice laced with forced cheer. “Mrs. Harris, why don’t you have a look at our new arrivals over here? Our latest collection, just for you p>
It was clear Heather wanted to escape the topic of the counterfeit bracelet. Now that Stella had arrived, the stakes had skyrocketed. If she discovered the fake bracelet, the consequences could be disastrous.
Donna, however, wasn’t backing down. “I do like this bracelet, but my daughter insists it’s a fake. I want it verified. If it’s genuine, I’ll buy it p>
Before Heather could protest, Stella’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and commanding. “What? Fake? Are you serious? Everything in my store is thoroughly inspected before it’s put on sale. We’ve never sold counterfeits p>
Yelena remained unshaken, her voice calm. “An inspection will settle this p>
Stella paused, studying Yelena for a moment, before speaking with a raised brow. “How can you be so sure? Do you know jade p>
“A little,” Yelena replied modestly.
Stella’s brow furrowed slightly. “Alright then. Since you’re so confident, we’ll verify it. This is about Sterling and Grace’s reputation, after all p>
“That would be best.” Yelena nodded, her tone unflappable.
Yelena didn’t want to see an established store like this caught up in scandal, especially over something so trivial. But she also knew the importance of getting to the truth. Heather, clearly rattled, spoke up, her voice tight with nerves. “Ma’am, truly, there’s no need for this. We don’t sell counterfeits here p>
Stella, however, was unwavering. “It’s fine. When a customer has doubts, it’s our duty to clear them up,” she said, giving a small nod. Without hesitation, she called for one of the store’s consultants.
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These experts were the best in the business, with decades of experience and a reputation that preceded them.
When the expert arrived, he wasted no time. He took out his tools and set to work, examining the bracelet with focused precision.
Bella, on the other hand, was silent, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as the scene unfolded. She couldn’t wait to see Yelena squirm.
How could Yelena be acting like she knew anything about gemstones? She figured Yelena was just making empty claims for attention.
If the bracelet turned out to be genuine, Bella knew Yelena would be left with nothing but embarrassment. She’d never be welcome in this store—or any jewelry store for that matter—again.
Everyone watched the expert intently, waiting for his verdict.
At first, the expert seemed to think this was just another routine check. But as he inspected the bracelet more closely, his expression slowly shifted. It became more serious, more focused. Something wasn’t adding up.
Known as one of the most respected jewelers in Eighfast, Augustine Watson had been called in for his unparalleled expertise to identify authentic gemstones and craftsmanship. At first, he assumed this would be another routine inspection. Sterling and Grace’s reputation for integrity and excellence was legendary, and Augustine had rarely, if ever, encountered anything amiss in their collections.
But as his eyes lingered on the bracelet now, his confident expression faltered. Something about it was undeniably off. Augustine’s sharp instincts, honed over decades in the trade, told him this piece was not what it seemed.
Yet, as he glanced toward Stella, who had called him in, confusion crossed his face. Why had she involved him in this situation? Was this a test of his expertise, or did she already suspect something herself? Stella, noticing his hesitation, frowned.
“Augustine, what have you found with this bracelet?” she asked, her tone sharp, impatience creeping into her words.
Augustine glanced at Stella again, searching for a cue, a hint of how she wanted him to proceed. Her stern demeanor offered no guidance, leaving him uncertain whether to state the truth outright or tread carefully.