Chapter 182: Fifty Million
Hayley’s POV:
Benjamin glanced at the raw ore briefly and said, “The surface is dull and lacks luster. Plus, it’s in such an out-of-the-way spot. The chances of it containing emerald are extremely low, but raw ores like this usually aren’t too expensive.”
Hearing that, I instantly lost interest. “This is boring. I’ve seen so many raw ores already; I’m starting to go cross-eyed.”
But Benjamin said, “When picking raw ores, you must stay patient and calm. You can’t be impulsive. If you really want to master rock betting, you have to learn to control your temperament.”
I immediately nodded with a grin. “Yes, I understand.”
At that moment, I felt a deep sense of admiration for his composure and insight as an alpha. This was something I, as a fellow alpha, needed to learn from him.
We wandered for a while longer until Benjamin’s steps abruptly halted. His eyes locked onto a large chunk of ore.
I quickly asked, “Is that raw ore the one you’re interested in?”
Benjamin didn’t reply immediately. He approached it and studied it closely before saying, “This one looks promising.”
As soon as he spoke, Hobert approached. “Alpha, you’ve got a sharp eye. This is one of the top-tier pieces in this entire batch of raw ores.”
Benjamin arched an eyebrow. “Name your price.”
Hobert’s grin grew even wider. “Alpha, are you thinking of buying it?”
Benjamin let out a soft grunt of acknowledgment. “It’s a solid raw ore. If the price is right, I’ll take it.”
Hobert’s eyes brightened, and he said, “It’s definitely a great choice, but it’s not cheap. If you’re genuinely interested, I can offer it to you at this price.” He raised five fingers toward Benjamin.
With visible confusion on my face, I asked, “Five million?”
Hobert chuckled and replied, “No, 50 million.”
I was dumbfounded. Fifty million for a single raw ore? That’s insane! If it turns out to be worthless, the loss would be beyond devastating.
“Are you really planning to buy it?” I asked, staring at Benjamin in shock.
His question left me a bit uncertain, but I trusted that Benjamin had his own plan in mind. So, I replied directly, “I’ll leave it up to you.”
Hearing my response, a faint but striking smile tugged at the corner of Benjamin’s lips. He said to Hobert, “I’ll take this raw ore.”
Hobert’s face lit up with excitement. “Alpha, you truly have a sharp eye. This raw ore is a real gem. No way you’ll lose out on this one.”
Benjamin pulled a black card from his pocket and handed it over. “I’ll take it.”
Hobert hurriedly instructed his assistant to process the payment. After that was done, he quickly asked, “Alpha, do you want this stone cut on-site?”
“Yes. Bring your best stonecutter here,” Benjamin replied with unwavering authority—the decisiveness and presence of a true alpha.
“Right away, Alpha,” Hobert responded, rushing off to make the arrangements.
News of the purchase spread quickly throughout the estate. The other buyers, who had come here in search of raw ore, all gathered around Benjamin and eyed him with respect. Once Benjamin gave them permission, they crowded in to watch, hoping to catch some excitement.
The crowd grew so large that I was nearly shoved aside. Hera, clearly displeased, tried to have me move closer to Benjamin, but I stopped her.
I was still in the middle of arguing with Hera when the stonecutter finished preparing his tools. “Alpha, how do you want to cut this raw ore?” the stonecutter asked.
Benjamin took one look at it and said, “Three-part cut.”
The stonecutter nodded. “Alright, I’ll begin.”
Several workers moved to position the stone on the cutting machine, and everyone’s eyes focused on it. I couldn’t help but feel tense too, gripping the hem of my clothes with both hands.
As the machine whirred to life, I kept my eyes fixed on the stone, not daring to blink for fear of missing anything. Stone-cutting was a slow, meticulous process, with each step carrying great significance.
I stayed on edge for a long time, but nothing happened. Just as my focus began to drift, the crowd gasped. “Look at that! It really contains emerald!”