Chapter 764 Subject of Gossip

Hayley’s POV:

“Ms. Carson, I think it’s my duty to let you know—these stones out here in the front hall? They’re all low-grade. The chances of finding a gem worth anything are pretty slim.”

Melody’s warning caught me off guard.

She had shown me kindness more than once now. Her mate was clinging to me like a stray dog, and yet she approached me with such friendliness, even warmth? Had she lost her mind? Not only could she tolerate a flirtatious partner, but she was even willing to protect the woman he was flirting with?

“Thank you,” I said calmly. “But I believe whether it’s people or stones, none of us deserve to be labeled before we’re truly understood. Until the final moment, no one can say for certain that a raw stone is worthless.”

I said it without arrogance or submission, not too loud—but just loud enough for the smug onlookers around me to hear every word.

“What an idiot! She doesn’t even appreciate a kind warning. Serves her right to get ripped off.”

“Mind your own business. If she’s got more money than sense, let her waste it. Ain’t your cash she’s throwing away!”

That last line actually made sense. I turned to them with a firm tone, my chin raised. “That’s right. I’ve got too much money to spend. And blowing it on a random rock is exactly how I like to spend it.”

That shut them up fast.

And right on cue, Truman chimed in with that irritating smirk of his. “Ms. Carson, your boldness is truly admirable. How about we exchange some tips on extravagant spending?”

I shot him an annoyed glare, my wolf eyes narrowing.

Sensing my irritation, Melody quickly stepped in. “It’s time for us to head inside.”

Only then did Truman rein it in, slipping back into his cold, aloof alpha persona.

“Understood,” he said, then glanced at me with that same unreadable calm. “I’ll be waiting inside.”

And with that, he disappeared into the private chamber.

Melody offered me a polite smile and followed after him.

I couldn’t help but sigh. What a waste—such a good woman, mated with someone like Truman.

The doors to the inner room opened. No one paid me any more attention—everyone was laser-focused now, crowding forward, tense with anticipation.

Of course, Preston was among them. When he spotted me, he couldn’t resist taking a jab. “So, if you’re really that confident in your skills, why not stay out here and beat me with one of these worthless stones?”

I gave him a bored glance, one brow raised. “A big event like this, and your family only sent you?”

He raised his alarm right away. Preston turned to me and asked, “What’s it to you?”

I spread my hand and shrugged. “Not my problem.” Then I turned to Humbert, picked up the pace, and walked inside with him.

The layout of the inner hall was much more refined than the outside. The space was nearly twice as large, but the number of raw stones was cut in half.

Each stone was placed like a piece of fine art, labeled with a tag showing its serial number and price.

Security was tight. All the staff were elite wolf warriors, wearing earpieces and pagers, their faces tense and alert.

The lighting was also upgraded, with special spotlights set up for closer inspection of the stones.

Even someone as composed as Melody looked genuinely intrigued, slowly walking among the displays.

But there were two exceptions.

Preston and I.

He was the last one to enter. But after stepping in just a couple of feet, he stood there by the door, scanning the room with a disdainful look and no intention of going any farther.

As for me, I leaned against the wall, completely uninterested in picking out any stones.

Humbert, watching me, seemed to think I’d given up because I had no real skills.

“Ms. Carson,” he whispered cautiously, “how about I help you choose one? If we wait too long, all the good stuff will be gone.”

“Mmm.” I nodded with a calm expression—then turned and headed straight for the door.

“I’m tired. Going back to sleep.”

“What? You’re leaving already?!” Humbert looked at me like I’d grown a second head.

I patted his shoulder encouragingly. “You go ahead. I trust your judgment.”

And with that, I walked away without a second thought.

The rest of the morning passed quickly.

I spent time wandering outside and started to feel a little hungry, so I wandered toward the restaurants near the event hall.

The Cyclone Pack’s exhibit space was pretty well done, but the facilities were lacking. There were only a few restaurants nearby, and come lunchtime, they were packed.

I’d just placed my order and was waiting for the food when I overheard something coming from the table beside me. They were talking about me.