Chapter 145: The Obsidian Ring
Lighting the lamp—a gesture reserved for the most elite bidders in the auction world.
This signal wasn’t just a casual indication of interest. It meant something far more significant…
+3 Pearls
Once someone lit the lamp, no other participant could outbid them, no matter how high their offer climbed. The lamp-lighter held the ultimate power to secure the item.
The sum on the table was staggering.
Who exactly was this Eugene?
Anthony had navigated these exclusive circles for years, yet the name Eugene was unfamiliar to him. His curiosity was piqued.
The auctioneer motioned toward the crowd, and a hush fell over the entire room. Even the usually cocky Anthony found himself silent, caught off guard.
Anthony’s fists clenched tightly, his gaze locked on the item displayed before them. Despite the storm of frustration swirling inside him, he knew better than to voice any protest at this moment.
Who was this enigmatic Eugene? The private investigators Anthony had dispatched were still nowhere to be seen with any useful information. Could this man really be so elusive?
The confidence Anthony had carried just moments ago began to crumble, replaced by a simmering resolve. This public slight would not be forgotten.
“One hundred million. This gentleman has secured the Sleep-Soothing Jade,” the auctioneer declared, his gavel coming down decisively, sealing the jade’s destiny.
The room was left breathless. Eugene’s jaw-dropping bid had stunned everyone present.
When the jade was finally brought forth, Eugene didn’t reach out to claim it himself. Instead, with a simple nod in Chloe’s direction, the staff handed the precious artifact directly to her.
Chloe accepted the jade, a strange mix of disbelief and awe washing over her.
Had she truly won it so effortlessly?
As the auction pressed on, new treasures appeared on the block, but after the hundred-million bid, the excitement had all but vanished. No matter how exquisite the subsequent items, none could match the thrill of that moment.
Chloe turned her attention back to the jade in her hands, then glanced at Eugene standing quietly beside her.
“Mr. Rosewood, this is…” she began, hesitant.
Eugene offered his usual calm smile. “Everyone agreed the jade suits you perfectly. It’s yours now,” he said gently. “The Four Seasons collection is about to launch, and I’m investing fully in your talent. If it succeeds, consider this jade a bonus.”
A soft smile curved Chloe’s lips. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“We actually got it!” Robert’s voice crackled through her earpiece, excitement evident. “I thought I’d have to hack their system to cover our tracks, but it went surprisingly smoothly. All my worries were for nothing.”
With Joseph personally escorting them, the group made their way toward the dining area to unwind.
Just as they stepped out of the auction hall, Selina approached Chloe with a purposeful stride.
“Here,” Selina said, pressing a small woven pouch into Chloe’s hand, her expression tinged with mystery. “I rushed back to my car to grab this earlier, but the auction started before I could find a moment to give it to you.”
Curious, Chloe accepted the pouch and felt something solid inside—likely a piece of jewelry.
“Selina almost never gives gifts,” Landon remarked with a teasing smile. “You should open it!”
Chloe carefully examined the pouch before unfolding it to reveal a ring—an exquisite piece adorned with a rare, jet-black gemstone.
It was unlike anything she had ever seen in the market.
“Well? Do you like it?” Selina asked, leaning closer. “The band is adjustable. I thought it would suit you perfectly.”
“It’s beautiful,” Chloe breathed.
“That’s natural obsidian from Italy,” Landon explained. “It’s exceptionally rare, especially in this purity.”
Selina lowered her voice to a whisper. “Take good care of it. This is the first time I’ve ever given someone a gift like this…”

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