Begging for a Second Chance (Sienna Sloan and Jarred Sterling) novel Chapter 461

But let's be absolutely clear. Once this transaction is complete, you and Celeste are to sever all ties."

"That goes without saying."

Hearing his confirmation, Helena beamed even brighter. She patted Celeste's hand affectionately. "You really do have a wonderful eye for these things. If you hadn't introduced us, I never would have stumbled upon such a golden opportunity."

Celeste smiled, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You flatter me, Helena. I simply know a few people in the right circles and wanted to connect them with you."

Helena declared, "I forbid you from playing matchmaker for anyone else from now on. If there are treasures like this, bring them straight to me. I'll buy them all!"

"Don't worry, you are always the first person I think of. You're the only one truly worthy of them."

Helena was in phenomenally high spirits today. She pulled out her platinum card, gesturing for one of her bodyguards in the corner to follow the man to settle the payment.

But the unfamiliar man's voice remained steady and restrained as he spoke, his words perfectly calculated to exploit the psychology of a woman obsessed with shopping.

"Mrs. Sterling, this particular piece cannot be sold so casually. When my grandfather acquired it years ago, he insisted that only someone who truly understood its artistic soul deserved to possess it.

Seeing you today, I believe it has finally found its rightful master."

Helena couldn't stop smiling, her eyes utterly glued to the dazzling gemstone sparkling in the display case.

Then, the man's tone shifted smoothly. "However, I do not accept public auction bids, nor do I deal strictly in cash.

These are family relics. It would be highly inconvenient to flaunt them publicly, as I risk drawing the ire of my overseas relatives.

Cash depreciates unpredictably, but timeless treasures hold their true worth. Therefore, I only deal with genuine collectors who cherish fine gems. I operate strictly on a barter system—trading one masterpiece for another of equal value, with any difference settled in cash. That is my only condition."

Helena was suddenly caught in a dilemma.

The gemstone was indeed priceless, exactly the piece missing from her prized collection.

But she couldn't just write a check for it? She had to trade jewelry of equal value?

Every single piece in her vault had been painstakingly handpicked. She couldn't bear to part with any of them.

Noticing her hesitation, Celeste immediately leaned in, her voice soft and persuasive.

"Helena, this really is the chance of a lifetime. A royal exclusive like this can't be bought with mere money.

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