Chapter 1399
Chapter 1399:
The victorious curve of Annabel’s lips ignited a flare of irritation in Vickie. She hadn’t meant to flatter Annabel—yet Annabel had neatly twisted her words into a public concession.
“You seem quite knowledgeable about this, Annabel,” Bruce remarked, looking at her in surprise.
Annabel only shook her head slightly. “I don’t really know much about raw jadeite gambling. It was just luck. But luck is a kind of strength too, isn’t it, Miss Kelly p>
The taunt couldn’t have been clearer. An “expert” had been beaten by someone who claimed she barely understood the game. If the story spread, Vickie would become a laughingstock.
Suppressing her frustration, Vickie chose not to linger on the topic. Instead, she redirected the room’s attention. “Miss Hewitt, don’t keep us in suspense. What gift did you bring for Bruce p>
“Miss Kelly, you’re correct,” Annabel said calmly. “The gift I chose for Grandpa is the emerald you mentioned p>
She opened the box, revealing an emerald bracelet inside.
Each bead was perfectly round and full, threaded with delicate golden patterns. The design was understated, almost simple—but the quality of the emeralds made it unmistakably valuable.
Still, the moment the guests saw it, a faint disappointment flickered across some faces. Beside Dwight’s dramatic jade carving, the bracelet looked comparatively ordinary.
Vickie caught every reaction. A trace of satisfaction flashed through her eyes, though she quickly masked it and sighed as if regretful. “Miss Hewitt, it’s a wonderful emerald, but you only made p>
“…an ordinary bracelet. Isn’t it a bit of a waste? The jade quality is so good—it could’ve been turned into an exquisite ornament. What a pity the bracelet has already been made. Otherwise, I would’ve suggested Dwight carve it p>
“My bracelet does seem to pale in comparison to yours,” Annabel sighed. “After all, Dwight is a master carver, while mine was only crafted by an ordinary old man p>
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“No matter,” Bruce said. “I’d like to take a closer look. Annabel, could you bring it here p>
Annabel nodded. She lifted the bracelet and half-knelt beside Bruce.
“It’s beautiful,” Bruce acknowledged, taking it. But just as he was about to slip it onto his wrist, he paused.
“This bracelet p>
“Do you like it?” Annabel asked with a smile.
Bruce didn’t answer right away. Instead, he studied the bracelet in his palm, his brows drawing together in concentration. A moment later, his expression eased.
Then, without warning, Bruce lifted his head and fixed his gaze on Annabel. “Annabel, who’s the artist behind this bracelet p>
“Artist?” Vickie cut in, clearly puzzled. “There are no markings on it, Mr. Benton p>
Bruce scoffed. “No markings? They’re practically shouting at you. How did everyone miss them p>
With that, he placed the bracelet back into its box and offered it forward. As the guests leaned in, astonished gasps rippled through the room.