Chapter 789 Who’s the Winner?

Hayley’s POV:

I quickly turned to Humbert. “I need to take a call. I’m gonna step out for a sec. You go in and order first. No need to wait for me.”

Dominic told me he had contacted Nocturne and wanted to know if I’d run into any problems.

After giving him a few instructions, I headed back inside to eat.

It wasn’t until we were done with lunch that I remembered to tell Humbert, “Once this rock betting auction wraps up, we’ve gotta go meet a jewelry designer I’ve been eyeing. Her styles are fresh and original. If Byrd Jewelry wants to stand out, we need our own unique vibe. We’ve got to stand out with original designs. From now on, we’re all about quality over quantity.”

Becky chuckled and joked, “You do know I’m sitting right here, right? Are you not worried I’ll spill all your business secrets?”

I smiled calmly. “It’s alright.”

I’d always been good at reading people. Hera didn’t seem bothered by Becky’s scent, so I figured she was trustworthy.

After finishing up at the restaurant, we headed back to the venue.

We barely made it to the edge of the crowd before I caught wind of some people gossiping about me and Preston.

“There are only nine stones left, right?”

“Yep. She’s got five, and Preston’s got the other four.”

“He picked fewer than her?”

“You’re missing the point. Yesterday, he already revealed four top-grade gems. Even if just one of today’s turns out good, he’ll still crush her.”

“There’s no way she’s another Chosen One who can find gems in every stone.”

“Plus, she’s an Omega. Her wolf can’t even sense gems.”

“Exactly. And all her picks came from the outer hall. She’s clearly a rookie.”

“It’s obvious Preston’s gonna win.”

“Heh, don’t forget their wager. Won’t you be dying to see what that gorgeous girl looks like under Mr. Preston? Hahaha…”

I ignored the trash talk and kept walking with Humbert and the others, heading straight into the inner area.

In the preparation area by the stone-cutting tables, all the raw stones waiting to be cut were laid out neatly. I spotted the five I picked without any trouble.

They were smaller than Preston’s, and honestly, they didn’t look all that impressive.

The crowd kept growing. Hera suddenly picked up a familiar scent. When I glanced up, I saw Truman walking in with Melody.

A group of high-ranking wolf enforcer bodyguards escorted them, clearing a path through the crowd with ease.

As soon as I sensed Truman’s eyes drifting in my direction, I looked away.

Soon enough, the noise around us swelled. The raw stones Preston and I had chosen were about to be revealed in public.

The winner would be revealed soon.

Two stonecutters were each handed a raw stone to work on. From the stage, the host called out loud and clear, “Ms. Carson, Mr. Preston, please make your way up here.”