The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 244

The atmosphere suddenly became a bit tense.

At this point, Eddy looked at Calista and asked, "Calista, you're interested in gemstones too?"

"A bit." Calista replied modestly with a smile. "My grandfather loved it, so I used to accompany him to various gemstone markets and private auctions. I often watched him bid on precious gemstones."

"I'm also very interested." Eddy finally found a common topic with Calista, and he laughed heartily. "I once went to the Mirelia Continent mine to buy raw gemstones with someone and watched how the workers picked and washed the stones."

"Why don't we accompany Aunt Paula to check it out this afternoon?" Calista suggested. "My friend's private auction not only has raw stones with windows open but also ones without windows, for guests who are interested in trying their luck."

"Sounds great." Eddy agreed enthusiastically.

"I'd like to go too, Calista. You wouldn't mind bringing me along, right?" Carl chimed in.

"I'm going too; I'm going too." Ashley added, stealing a glance at the Peach Blossom bracelet on Vivienne's wrist.

Wasn't Grandma always saying she wasn't biased?

Then she would go to the gemstone auction and pick a good raw material herself, have someone make a bracelet out of it, and let Judith pay for it. That wouldn't be too much, would it?

So she turned to Judith with a smile. "Grandma, you haven't given me a graduation gift yet. If I run out of pocket money and find something I like, can you reimburse me?"

"Ashley!" Melissa frowned. "If you want something, your parents will buy it for you."

"Alright, I'll reimburse you." Judith saw through Ashley's little scheme, but in order to maintain harmony among the younger generation, she couldn't play favorites.

Ashley was someone she watched grow up, and she believed Ashley wouldn't intentionally pick something overly expensive just to overshadow Vivienne.

"Thank you, Grandma." Ashley immediately broke into a happy smile.

One by one, everyone said they wanted to go.

"Vivienne, why don't you come with us?" Calista took the opportunity to invite Vivienne. "You've probably never been to a gemstone market or private auction before, so why not broaden your horizons? You might find something you like. Your grandma will certainly gift it to you."

This was a clear slight at Vivienne's lack of experience and taste.

Vivienne leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms while sizing up Calista. Then, the corners of her lips turned up slightly, and her eyes twinkled. "Sure, let's go."

She had been thinking about buying some gemstones recently anyway.

But now that someone was stirring the pot, she decided to tag along and see what was up. Just as well, she felt like asserting herself again.

"Vivienne, Calista's right. If you see something you like, just buy it. Grandma will reimburse you." Judith caught the undertone of what Calista said and quickly backed Vivienne up.

"Dad will reimburse you too." Scott added. He pulled out a share transfer agreement. "This is my gift to you. I'm transferring 10% of my shares in the Brooks Group to you. You can buy whatever you want."

Everyone at the table, except for Judith, gasped. Ten percent of the Brooks Group was worth billions. The annual dividends alone were beyond what most people could earn in ten years.

Darren was about to flash what he considered a charming grin at Vivienne, but his eyes widened in shock as he got a good look at her face. He pointed at her, stammering, "Vi..."

Vivienne cast him a glance. Her expression was a mix of amusement and indifference.

Darren, feeling a rush of adrenaline, called out in a high-pitched voice, "What are you doing here?"

His voice was so sharp that it almost broke.

Melissa threw him a puzzled look. "You know each other?"

Darren was about to respond when he caught Vivienne's gaze. It was the same strange look from years ago that sent a shiver down his spine.

"No, we don't!"

Melissa, feeling slightly annoyed, slapped him lightly. "If you don't know her, why are you so worked up? Go say hello now!"

Darren’s voice suddenly took a turn. "Nice to see you, my little cousin."

"Just 'cousin' is fine! Why add 'little'?" Melissa scolded him while giving him a light punch. "Don't use your flippant attitude on your cousin!"

"How am I flippant?!" Darren defended himself. He was starting to feel like he was being bullied. "I just got back, and you're already nagging and picking on me. Maybe I shouldn't have come back at all."

"Perfect! Your cousins are going to a gemstone auction held by one of Calista’s friends. You should accompany them and take care of your cousin Vivienne since she is new here." Melissa instructed Darren.