Chapter 8


    In the glittering night, under the shimmering lights, a crowd of elite and influential figures gathered at


    Eden Heights Estates for the grand gem betting event.


    In the center of the banquet hall, hundreds of jadeite rough shipped from Suncrest and Sra were


    disyed under custom-made ss domes. Each stone varied in size and shape, indistinguishable to


    the untrained eye from mere ordinary rocks to potentially invaluable gemstones.


    Sponsor MJ Group’s chairman, Tyson, warmly weed the distinguished guests from the stage,


    while Timothy, seated in the VIP area, shed a confident smile at a young man. across the room


    whose aloof demeanor betrayed his noble status.


    He had invested a fortune to bring a renowned jadeite expert from Sra, convinced he would cut the


    finest jade of the evening, securing his position as the unchallenged head of the Lockwood Group.


    Cedric, unwittingly concerned, noticed an unfamiliar face among the opposing appraisal


    team.


    The appraisal crews on both sides were professionals selected through formal institute, approved by


    Lucian. However, right now Timothy had brought someone they didn’t know, which could potentially


    influence the oue of thepetition.


    “Boss, look!”


    Cedric suddenly raised his voice, but theposed man in the VIP seat barely blinked an


    acknowledgment, “Noticed.”


    “You’ve noticed?” Cedric was somewhat surprised, “Ms. Nightshade just walked in, and you noticed?”


    Just then, the previously detached man sharply turned his head.


    He was right; the boss couldn’t ignore Ms. Nightshade.


    At the entrance, three extraordinary figures walked in. The young woman in the center wore a simple


    white dress with ruffled edges, her slender figure entuated by a minimalistic belt, and her wavy


    blonde hair fluttered in the breeze, highlighting her radiant face and elegant corbones.


    Despite her in attire, she stole the show upon her arrival.


    “Wow, is that the Nightshade siblings? Truly a sight to behold!”


    “The Nightshade family genes are really something else! I’ve met the brothers before and they were


    stunning, but the youngdy’s even more dazzling, even outshining those. actresses present.”


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    “So beautiful, heard she just turned eighteen this year.”


    Xanthea entered the room, and before she had time to appreciate the splendor of this gem betting


    event, her attention was immediately drawn to a man sitting in the VIP area.


    She couldn’t avert her gaze at Orion for he was remarkably extraordinary among the crowd.


    The man was seated under the most dazzling lights, legs crossed; he didn’t say a word, yet his


    particrly elegant demeanor and prominent countenance rendered him an aura of someone from an


    illustrious family.


    She waved at him excitedly, only to see him pause and look away instantly as if caught for doing


    something unspeakable.


    “Pretending you don’t know me, huh?” She thought.


    Ethan and Samuel looked puzzled, following her gaze, “Xan, who are you greeting?”


    “No one!” Xanthea quickly covered their view with her hand, “Let’s just take our seats.”


    Whatever Orion had done for her before or after she died, it was clear he cared more than The let on.


    She nned to uncover the true reasons bit by bit.


    Did pig fly now?


    was


    Ms. Nightshade making a greeting to the boss especially with such enthusiasm, unexpected; the boss,


    on the other hand, looked indifferent. What exactly happened at the Nightshade family gathering?


    “Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats The gem betting event is about to begin. First, let us


    wee the teams from the Lockwood Group, represented by Mr. Timothy Lockwood and Mr. Orion


    Lockwood.”


    “Boss, Boss?” Tyson finished announcing, but it took a couple of calls before Orion responded, “Yeah.”


    Cedric scratched his head. It wasn’t that the boss ignored Ms. Nightshade’s greeting; he was simply


    lost in thought.


    As the professional appraisal teams took the stage, the buzz of conversation filled the air “I heard this


    event is specifically set up for the Lockwood Group. Mr. Lucian Lockwood’s choosing between his


    youngest son and his eldest grandson to lead the Lockwood Group.”


    “Right, many have even bought stocks in anticipation!”


    “If Timothy wins, it’s expected, but if Orion does, he’ll be Crestwood’s youngest tycoon ever. Such an


    impressive young man!”


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    “It’s like he’s favored by the g ods, taking on the group and going head-to-head with Timothy. Not


    everyone has that kind of fortune or ability!”


    Tyson announced, “The rest could raise the paddle and participate in the betting if you’re interested.”


    After Tyson finished, no one entered the bet. Despite the presence of many of


    Crestwood’s elites, few were genuinely interested in gem betting; they were just drawn by the battle


    between Timothy and Orion.


    Moreover, in the game of gem betting, the unmeasurable risks and challenges of the trade deterred


    even the wealthiest from wagering recklessly.


    As Ethan and Samuel focused on the two appraisal teams, Xanthea suddenly stood up.


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    “What’s up, Xan?”


    “I’m joining the bet.”


    “What?!” Both men were shocked, thinking she was joking.


    Xanthea grinned mischievously and raised her bidding paddle. “My dear brothers, you didn’t really think


    I brought you here just to watch, did you?”