Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 302

Or we could partner up. Hammond Fine Jewelry can handle the design and auction, and we'll split the profits fifty-fifty."

Madeline took the business card and nodded politely, but she didn't yield.

She handed the stone to Quentin. He took it, casually tossed it in his hand a couple of times, and then threw it to General Diallo behind him. "Keep this safe for me."

General Diallo caught the multi-million-dollar stone with both hands.

He handled it with more care than he would a live grenade, his facial expression absolutely priceless.

Quentin guided Madeline out by her shoulders. He leaned down, his voice dropping low as he whispered near her ear.

His warm breath brushed against it. "You spotted that mineral striation perfectly, and you had the guts to bet on a solid green from The Zenith Mines.

A hundredfold return on your very first try—did I just bring home a little sweetheart with a genius eye?"

Madeline's ears burned crimson, though she forced herself to maintain a composed facade.

She whispered back, "That gem magazine I read belonged to you, so I'll consider you a good teacher."

Quentin let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating from his chest, carrying a deeply satiated delight.

He escorted her through the crowd, everyone's eyes trailing their retreating figures.

Some were envious, some curious, and others secretly wary.

But no one noticed an armed mercenary in a loud tropical shirt lurking in the corner after they left.

The man quickly pulled out his phone, fired off a text message, and silently slipped out the side door with two of his subordinates.

On the ride back, Madeline was still buzzing from the adrenaline of the auction.

General Diallo and Commander Kalu exchanged a glance, both turning to look at Quentin in the backseat.

Madeline's face paled for a second, but she didn't scream. Instead, she instinctively grabbed Quentin's arm.

She felt his muscles tense for a fraction of a second before immediately relaxing, as if he were looking at a trivial inconvenience not worth his time.

"Interesting," Quentin said.

He patted the back of Madeline's hand, gesturing for her to let go, then picked up his phone and sent a text.

The message consisted of just two words—"They're here."

After sending it, he placed the phone face down on his lap, leaned back against the seat, and closed his eyes to rest.

His expression was as calm as if he were sitting in his own living room, waiting for a cup of tea to steep.