Chapter 171
Chapter 171:
“Ladies and gentlemen, aside from today’s exhibition, there’s another highlight you’re all familiar with. The auction. Today’s featured item is a tiara from six centuries ago. Although it is a replica, the craftsmanship is exquisite — nearly identical to the original and highly collectible. Does anyone want it p>
A small box draped in red silk was brought forward. When the cloth was lifted, a wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.
Behind the glass sat the tiara, regal and dazzling. Even as a replica, it looked authentic in every detail. Composed of lily-cut diamonds pavé set in platinum, the piece featured eight emeralds on each side and a fifty-carat central emerald that shimmered under the lights, stealing everyone’s attention.
“What’s the opening price?” someone called out.
Joselyn smiled. “Five hundred thousand p>
A murmur of shock spread through the hall. Replica or not, the gems alone were worth far more.
“Eight hundred thousand p>
“One million p>
“Two million p>
Hands shot up as the bids climbed rapidly, voices overlapping in the excitement.
𝗧h𝖾 𝗯𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗿𝗲a𝖽i𝘯𝗴 𝖾𝘅𝘱𝖾𝗿𝘪eոс𝖾 𝗈𝗇
Joselyn raised her gavel and struck it lightly. “Quiet, everyone p>
When silence returned, she smiled again. “All right. I can see how eager you all are, but there is only one tiara. To avoid chaos, I have decided to gift this piece to one lucky guest here today p>
Curiosity instantly filled the room.
“The chosen guest is…” Joselyn raised her arm and pointed directly at Kristine. “Ms. Kristine Green p>
A ripple of disbelief spread through the crowd. Everyone knew Joselyn bore open hostility toward Kristine. Even Kristine felt baffled. She glanced instinctively at Vance.
Joselyn stepped down from the platform and walked toward her. “Ms. Green, beg me, and I’ll hand this over to you free of charge. Not a cent required p>
A collective gasp followed. It was plain to everyone that Joselyn intended to humiliate her.
“Joselyn!” Vance finally snapped. “Do you really need to take it this far p>
“I do,” Joselyn replied with a self-satisfied smile, her eyes fixed on Kristine. “I heard back in university that you were obsessed with antiques. This one may not be authentic, but there’s only one of its kind. If you pass it up, you might never see another chance like this. Are you truly willing to let it go p>
Kristine’s stare hardened.
Just as she was about to respond, a colder voice sounded behind her. “It is nothing more than a reproduction. No matter how rare or costly, a copy remains a copy. If owning it requires humiliation, then it has no value at all p>
Joselyn’s face stiffened, anger and awkwardness flashing across her features. She turned sharply — and when she saw it was Colton, the color drained from her face.
She had never imagined he would speak on Kristine’s behalf. He had nearly married Kristine not long ago, yet in the end he chose Elyse, leaving Kristine to become the subject of ridicule among Gridron’s elite once again. More than that, Elyse had openly announced that her return was for marriage. That alone made Colton’s interference even more startling.
Joselyn opened her mouth. “Mr. Yates p>
“Colton,” Elyse cut in smoothly, smiling as she caught Joselyn’s discomfort. “I’m sure Joselyn meant no harm. It was just a joke, wasn’t it p>