He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 282

The Harrington family wasn't heavily involved in business, but politically, they were absolute titans.

More importantly, the two patriarchs of the Harrington family had built the city's very foundation from the ground up. Their pedigree was flawless, and they operated with absolute discretion, never tangling in petty politics. The family was incredibly tight-knit but lacked a sprawling lineage. The younger son had vanished decades ago after his child was kidnapped, remaining a deeply buried wound. The older son had only one child. Everyone was desperate to curry favor with the Harringtons, and the Thorne family was currently the only one with a real shot.

Her precious Lydia was a true golden girl, adored by several powerful families. There was absolutely no way she was going to let Juniper bully her.

Mirabelle felt slightly better. "Kids from the gutter are always so defensive and awkward. Just looking at Juniper gives me a headache."

"You won't have to deal with her anymore, ma'am. Let's just put her out of mind."

Mirabelle nodded, leaning back in her seat.

Margot Harrington's birthday was a massive event. More than half of the elite circle would be in attendance.

Everyone knew Margot was obsessed with jadeite. Her personal collection was already staggering, but tracking down a flawless, Imperial Green bracelet was incredibly difficult. Pieces like that belonged in museums. Securing one to score points would require a herculean effort.

After work, Juniper was completely drained. Staring at jade all day had left her eyes burning. Thankfully, the payout Caleb offered was highly satisfactory.

She was walking toward her car when she noticed someone approaching.

It was Helena Xavier, Caleb's mother.

During the last incident at the auction house, Helena had treated Juniper well, even defying Felicity Lawrence to stand up for her.

Juniper liked her and nodded politely. "Mrs. Xavier."

Helena's eyes lit up; she had come specifically looking for her. "Caleb is tied up with business, and you're the only jadeite appraiser left at the firm. I need a massive favor. Caleb mentioned you could use the cash. I'll guarantee a six-figure payout starting with a two for this job. Juniper, would you be willing to come with me tonight?"

Juniper didn't agree immediately. Considering Lydia's mother had just been hunting for appraisers, it was obvious the entire elite circle was scrambling for the same thing.

She frowned. "Mrs. Xavier, I'm worried I might mess this up."

Hearing that name made Juniper's heart skip a painful beat.

Alistair York had been her professor in college.

A heavy wave of shame washed over her. Helena continued lamenting, "I heard he took on a final, secret apprentice a few years ago. We all assumed the apprentice would take over his legacy, but then he announced his retirement, and the apprentice vanished without a trace. It's a massive loss to the industry."

After all, many of the most legendary "cut-to-win" gambles in the stone market were tied to York, and his carvings were universally regarded as the absolute standard of excellence.

Juniper stayed completely silent. She hadn't contacted her mentor in years. She didn't dare, entirely convinced she was unworthy.

The scandal from years ago had exploded so publicly. She was terrified of seeing the utter disappointment in his eyes.

She had already disappointed too many people. But because her relationship with her family was a chaotic web of resentment and anger, their disappointment mostly just fueled her fury.

For her mentor, however, she felt nothing but a crushing guilt.