Chapter 462
Sienna wasn’t a master gemologist, but she wasn’t entirely clueless either.
The so-called royal exclusive in the display case indeed boasted exquisite craftsmanship and a captivating hue.
Logically, its appraised value would easily eclipse the combined worth of the pieces Helena had just laid on the table.
Yet, for some inexplicable reason, a heavy wave of unease washed over Sienna.
Leaning against the doorframe, she observed the scene for two full minutes before turning to the man beside her. “What’s your read on this p>
“On what?” Silas arched an eyebrow.
Sienna clarified, “That Tristan guy. And that necklace p>
“Not familiar with them,” Silas replied, his tone laced with lazy indifference as the words slipped past his lips.
Sienna’s brow furrowed slightly.
As the owner of the largest luxury auction house in Asia, how could Silas Draken possibly not recognize the man or have zero knowledge of a piece that extravagant?
Sensing her skeptical gaze, Silas slowly elaborated.
“Barter trades like this aren’t entirely unheard of in these circles. Trading pieces of equal value is considered a form of networking among elite collectors.
However, this method is usually reserved strictly for trusted, long-term clients. As for today’s little exhibition… well, that entirely depends on the hidden motives and the conscience of the person who made the introduction p>
With that, Silas turned and sauntered into the adjacent private suite.
Sienna watched his retreating figure and that perpetual, enigmatic smirk playing on his lips.
She had a distinct feeling he was holding out on her.
Just as Sienna turned to follow him inside, a sharp gaze shot up from the auction floor.
Celeste had spotted her standing on the upper balcony.
The sweet smile on Celeste’s face froze for a fraction of a second.
But she recovered instantly, retracting her gaze as if she had seen absolutely nothing, and seamlessly resumed whispering into Helena’s ear.
Ignoring her, Sienna stepped into the private suite behind Silas.
The suite featured a sprawling balcony that offered an unobstructed, bird’s-eye view of the auction stage.
It even had a direct bidding terminal, an exclusive luxury reserved solely for the absolute highest-tier VIPs.
Silas was lounging on the innermost sofa, one leg crossed over the other. He lažity sipped a cup of premium: tea, looking thoroughly entertained by the transaction unfolding below.
Seeing Sienna walk in, he tilted his chin toward the glass, a deeply meaningful smirk curving his lips.
Sienna followed his gaze just in time to lock eyes with Helena, whose face was a mask of sheer displeasure.
Helena glanced around defensively, then marched over, craning her neck to glare up at Sienna.
“What are you doing here p>
Helena’s tone plunged into absolute frost, the joyful warmth from moments ago vanishing completely.
“Who authorized you to be here p>
Unhurried, Sienna took a slow sip from her teacup, elegantly smoothing the hem of her coat. “Silas mentioned there was a good show going on, so I decided to drop by p>
Helena’s expression darkened into a scowl. “I’m warning you, do not try to sabotage this. Today’s business has absolutely nothing to do with you p>
“Helena, please don’t upset yourself.” Celeste, having followed Helena over, chimed in at the perfect moment.
She patted the back of Helena’s hand comfortingly before tilting her head to offer Sienna a flawlessly innocent smile.
“Ms. Sloan, the timing really isn’t great today. How about I treat you to coffee another time p>
Her tone made it sound as though she were selflessly shielding Helena from an incoming storm.
Sienna looked down at her, the corner of her mouth twitching upward in a faint, mocking arc. DOL look like I can’t afford my own coffee? Why would I need yoù to treat me p>
“Why are you speaking to me like that? That wasn’t my intention at all p>
“Then what was your intention? Are we close enough to casually grab coffee together p>
Celeste’s expression turned incredibly stiff, though she forced herself to maintain a facade of polite grace.
Sienna studied her face, noticing how Celeste’s peripheral vision kept darting nervously toward the necklace in the display case.
The anxiety in her eyes betrayed a desperate fear that Helena might suddenly back out of the deal.
“Helena, let’s head back and finalize the transaction. Mrs. Montgomery has her eye on that exact piece and has already sent her security team to retrieve her own jewelry.
If we delay any longer, I’m terrified you’ll miss your chance to secure that one-of-a-kind treasure p>