Chapter 749 Let’s Make a Deal
Hayley’s POV:
He lifted his eyes to glance at me, only to lower them again in defeat. “Even a low-ranking Omega like you came to laugh at me?” he muttered bitterly.
“I’m a man, decades older than you. You could be my daughter. The least you could do is let me keep a little dignity.”
“I’m the daughter of the Sanders,” I replied, deciding that was the safest identity to reveal. It sounded credible and didn’t expose my real background as an Alpha from the Shadow Pack.
Only then did Humbert look at me properly, though confusion lingered in his eyes. “Ms. Sander, I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
“No better time than now.” I went straight to the point. “I want to buy your company–Byrd Jewelry.”
I had done my research. The Byrds had once made their fortune in stone betting. But since Humbert took over, his luck had run dry. For years, not a single quality gem had come through their doors.
Five years ago, the company’s performance started to nosedive. Since then, they have barely stayed afloat.
That four million dollars had been spent today. It was likely every cent Byrd Jewelry had left. And still–his effort had fallen through.
Humbert looked at me with a complicated expression.
He had run out of cash flow. His company was on the verge of collapse. In every practical sense, it was already bankrupt. If I offered to buy it, I figured he’d be tempted.
But he hesitated, like something was holding him back.
Was he ashamed to make a deal with a low-level Omega like me?
Just as I wondered, he said dejectedly, “To tell you the truth, the company’s been in bad shape over the last few years. It could potentially collapse at any moment. If you buy it, you’ll just be throwing your money away.”
“Maybe a miracle will happen,” I said with a light smile.
“A miracle?” Humbert let out a dry laugh. “Do those even exist anymore?”
“Why not?” I smiled calmly. “If anyone knows, it’s you. Miracles might be rare elsewhere, but not here. Around here, they happen all the time–don’t they?”
From everything I’d gathered, Humbert had run Byrd Jewelry with honesty and integrity for over ten years. His craftsmanship and brand reputation were still well-known throughout the Winterbite Pack and even across the country.
Because of that, reviving the business to its former glory wouldn’t require much PR or rebuilding trust.
All it needed was an influx of cash–and a single, stunning centerpiece to put the store back on the map.
Humbert held my gaze, clearly weighing my words.
I didn’t rush him. Instead, I waited patiently, even letting Hera entertain herself by sifting the crowd for others like us – high-ranking werewolves hiding in plain sight.
When my patience started to fray, I urged, “How about we make a deal?”
“A deal?” he echoed, puzzled.
I patted the rough gemstone Henry was carrying in his arms, “If this raw stone reveals a top-tier gem, you sell me the company. Deal? It’s a win-win. You lose nothing if it turns out worthless, but if I’m right you’ve got a buyer. What do you say?”
He opened his mouth, unsure how to respond. Right then, a burst of gasps came from the gemstone-cutting station.
“This one’s incredible! Crystal-clear, glowing from within–it’s definitely a high-grade yellow sapphire! Who would’ve thought the Sanders had an heiress with sharp eyes?”
“Probably the most flawless gem we’ve seen today!”
People were starting to look at Freya with newfound admiration.
She lifted her chin, proud and smug, basking in the praise. When her gaze swept across me, it was full of arrogance and disdain.
I smiled faintly and leaned toward Humbert. “Well, it looks like it’s our turn to put on a show. Stay right here and wait,” I said with a wink. “A miracle’s about to happen.”
Then I slipped through the crowd and made my way straight to the cutting table.