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Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Thanks, Dad.” Ash graciously accepted the gift.
So, this is what her biological parents were like. She didn’t need to be overly responsible or earn money; simply being their child meant she would receive endless love.
A warm feeling filled Ash’s heart. No longer did she have to constantly work to fill the vast void in the Moreno and Ford families. She suddenly had more time, and maybe she should check out the auction events more often.
Thinking of the invitation Madeline had given her, she nodded in agreement.
Seeing the smile on Ash’s face, the Turners exchanged glances, relieved that they still had time to make it up to their precious girl.
With everyone in agreement, Jade took it for granted that Ash would join her. Lachlan and Caspian happened to be free, so the four of them headed to Prime Oasis.
Modestly described as a large shopping center, Prime Oasis was, in reality, an entertainment complex offering every form of leisure: karaoke bars, a variety of gourmet foods, a golf club, cosmetics and fashion boutiques, swimming pools, and auction venues–everything you could imagine.
It was a playground for the wealthy; if you had money, there was no limit to how you could spend it. This place was specifically designed to profit from the rich, never earning from the poor, who couldn’t meet the minimum spending requirement.
Despite its exclusive nature, the place generated billions of dollars each month. No one knew who the owner was, and no one dared to cause trouble there because anyone who did often faced dire consequences for various reasons.
Rumor had it that the real owner was a mob boss, which ensured order and attracted even more visitors.
Ash had been here before, and even as someone with numerous businesses, she couldn’t help but admire the power and capability of the Prime Oasis’s behind–the–scenes owner.
Jade kept her gaze fixed on Ash. Seeing her so captivated, Jade felt even more disdain. ‘A woman from a small family, probably experiencing this big world for the first time, she thought.
At that moment, Jade felt embarrassed to be seen with her.
Just then, she spotted someone–Vania from the Snider family.
‘Rather than being embarrassed alongside this country bumpkin, I’d be better off building a connection with Vania,‘ she thought.
With that thought, Jade sweetly said, “Ash, I’m going to find a friend. The auction doesn’t start for another hour. Is it okay if I wander around alone?”
Ash glanced at her. “Do whatever you want; you don’t need to ask for my permission
Lachlan and Caspian had already been pulled away by business acquaintances, leaving just the two of them.
There was no need for Jade to pretend.
Ash didn’t understand why Jade insisted on putting on an act in every aspect of life.
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Chapter 42
Jade felt deflated, yet maintained a cheerful façade. “I’ll see you later, then.”
As people began to disperse, Ash strolled around, her eyes fixed on a nearby Gem and Mineral Shop.
“Final sale, no returns!” a bold banner hung above the shop entrance.
She walked straight toward it.
At that moment, an unpleasant voice broke the air. “Jewel! Are you lost?”
Samantha strutted over, arm in arm with Tristan, a mocking grin on her face.
Ash shot her a glance but pretended not to see, continuing on her path.
Irritated by Ash’s indifference, Samantha snapped, “Jewel! Do you even know where you are? The minimum spend here is thirty thousand dollars. How could a mere shop attendant like you afford that? Are you maxing out your credit card to pretend you’re rich?”
Ash smirked, a playful glint in her eye. “Didn’t you just go home upside down a few days ago? Your dramatic appearance is still making rounds online. Instead of worrying about me, maybe you should handle your own business. I really appreciate your concern.”
“It’s all your fault, you witch!” Samantha’s fake smile faltered, her teeth grinding in frustration. “Just wait! I’ll find a way to get back at you!”
“TH be waiting,” Ash replied, turning her back on her.
Tristan, standing beside Samantha, felt a strange discomfort in his chest.
Ash’s calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Samantha’s outburst. ‘If Jewel were always the Moreno family’s daughter, how wonderful that would be. But my status doesn’t allow me to be with a girl from an ordinary family,‘ he thought.
Tristan’s eyes hardened. ‘For now, I need to keep Samantha calm. As long as she’s around, I can find ways to meet Jewel. Jewel would definitely help me get connected with Shadow Ventures.‘ he thought.
“Samantha, losing your cool in public isn’t very ladylike,” Tristan said softly, his face a mask of concern.
After all, Samantha was his date, and he didn’t want to be embarrassed.
Hearing this, Samantha quickly understood his point.
“Sorry, Tristan. I got too carried away. Just thinking about how she harmed me…” As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, making her look vulnerable.
Tristan’s heart softened. He glanced toward the direction where Jewel had gone, forming a plan. “She was out of line. Why don’t you enjoy some afternoon tea here while I go sort this out for you?”
In the bustling gem and mineral shop, Ash stepped inside and took a careful look at the shelves lined with various rough
stones.
Most of them came from abroad and had decent quality, but that also meant the prices were steep, with the smallest stones starting at around 20 thousand dollars.
At the cutting area, a crowd had gathered around one buyer who was ready to open his rough stone.
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08:48 Tue, Feb 18 B.
Chapter 42
Everyone watched intently as the cutting machine roared to life With a swift cut, the palm–sized rough stone was sliced
open.
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A wave of disappointment rippled through the crowd as the buyer sighed heavily. “30 thousand dollars down the drain- what bad luck!” he lamented, prompting a chorus of sympathetic murmurs from onlookers.
Tristan caught this scene just as he walked in. “Jewel, do you like gems?” he called out, catching up to Ash.
She shot him a skeptical look, wondering what his angle was this time.
“Since you like gems, I’ll open one for you,” he said earnestly, mistaking her silence for interest. “Let’s put the past behind us, okay?”
Ash felt a wave of nausea at his words. She had not seen how cheesy
this guy was.
Ash’s eyes twitched in confusion. She was already annoyed with this persistent pest. “How about this? Let’s make a bet.”
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