The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 14

Across the street, Ethan returned with coffee to find his boss staring intently at something. He followed his gaze.

"Boss, what are you looking at?"

The man's face was like a masterpiece, with sharp, defined features, deep-set eyes, and thin lips pressed into a firm line. He exuded an air of noble refinement, tinged with a cool austerity.

When the man didn't answer, Ethan looked again.

From where he stood, the woman across the street was a striking vision framed by the jewelry store window. Even in profile, she possessed a certain gravity—an effortless, commanding power that seemed to pull at the very air around her.

After a long while, the jeweler finally spoke, his voice filled with awe. "Miss, are you sure you want to sell this necklace? This is a rare treasure. Are you willing to part with it?"

Jocelyn was concise. "Just tell me, are you buying it or not?"

The jeweler smiled sheepishly. "Of course I want to buy it. But the price of this piece is not low. I'm afraid my small shop can't afford it. How about you give me a price you have in mind?"

Jocelyn said, "One hundred million."

The jeweler was stunned. "That... is too expensive."

Jocelyn remained calm and unhurried. "Given the current market value of this necklace, it's likely worth more than that. So if you buy it and resell it to a wealthy client, you'll only profit, not lose."

Seeing the jeweler hesitate, Jocelyn continued, "To be honest with you, the reason I'm asking for this price is because I need the money. If it weren't an emergency, I would never sell it. For you, this is a great bargain."

The jeweler stared at the necklace in the box, practically drooling.

In all his years in the jewelry business, this was the first time he had ever seen a piece so rare and so valuable.

It would be a real shame to let it go.

But if he bought it, where would he get that much cash on such short notice?

A clerk hurried over and whispered something in the jeweler's ear.

The jeweler said, "Please wait a moment. I need to discuss this."

Jocelyn couldn't believe it.

Was this real? It felt like she'd just hit the ultimate jackpot.

One hundred and fifty million. It was exactly enough to cover her shortfall.

Could she really be this lucky?

The jeweler explained, "Miss, let me be honest with you. It's not actually me who's buying it. It's our big boss who has taken a liking to this piece. He just called me over and said he must have it for his collection. To show his sincerity, he specifically offered you this price."

Jocelyn smiled faintly. "I'd like to meet your big boss and thank him in person."

The jeweler replied, "Our big boss said he should be the one thanking you for giving him such a rare treasure. But he doesn't like to meet strangers."

Jocelyn's thoughts returned to the present. "Alright, then we'll proceed as you just suggested."