Chapter 805 The Gemstone
Hayley’s POV:
Truman narrowed his eyes slightly and turned to give an order. “Bring it over.”
At his words, Melody stepped forward with a finely wrapped gift box and held it out to me. “Ms. Sander, this is something our Alpha personally prepared for you.”
“What is it?” I had no intention of accepting it.
“It’s something you’ve been wanting for a long time. Once you’ve seen it, you can decide if you’ll let me pursue you,” Truman said.
His confidence made me falter a little.
Setting aside how his relentless pursuit annoyed me, there was no denying that Truman had single-handedly turned the Grimmoon Pack into one of the most powerful packs in less than half a year. That alone proved he was no ordinary man.
He might actually be able to offer me help I couldn’t get elsewhere.
On an emotional level, I didn’t want to keep owing him favors.
That was just how I was. I liked keeping score and making things even, no matter who I was dealing with. Even with Benjamin, I had never truly learned to rely on him.
As the Alpha of Shadow Pack, I was more accustomed to acting with reason.
With that thought in mind, I reached out and took the gift.
Because I suddenly realized – Truman had already helped me far more than just once or twice.
If he ever asked me to repay it all by doing something for him, I wouldn’t be able to refuse.
Since that was the case, why keep hesitating? I might as well accept it openly and repay him when the time came.
“That’s more like it.” Truman’s lips curled in satisfaction when he saw me accept the gift.
“Leave your relationship matters for private time, you young people. Don’t forget us old folks. I came here today to see that top-grade rare gem!”
“Michelle, did you bring the emerald back with you?”
Some of the elders grew restless, their voices rising as they began pressuring me.
After everything, we had finally arrived at the gemstone presentation segment. Clearly, I wasn’t going to get out of this.
I glanced at Scarlett behind me and gave her a nod.
“The gemstone is massive and heavy. Bringing it in whole wouldn’t have been safe, so I had a piece cut off and brought it here. If you don’t mind, feel free to have a look.”
As soon as I finished, Scarlett stepped up with practiced precision. She opened the box she’d prepared and revealed the gem.
In a flash, the dazzling brilliance of the gemstone caught everyone’s eye.
“It’s so beautiful!”
“It’s absolutely radiant…”
Scarlett had the server clear away the champagne on the bar and placed the gem on top, letting everyone gather around to admire it freely.
The guests swarmed in immediately.
I was nearly shoved out of the circle, and the mix of scents from the bustling crowd was starting to agitate my wolf, Hera.
Just as I managed to calm Hera down, Freya walked up to me and said coldly, “This gemstone is extremely rare and precious. Thank you for securing the raw stone for the Sanders.”
She pulled out a check and shoved it into my hand, her tone proud. “Here’s ten million dollars. Part of it is to cover what you paid for the stone. As for the rest, consider it pocket money.”
I glanced down at the check in my hand and raised a brow. “What’s this supposed to mean? You think ten million is enough to buy my one-of-a-kind, top-grade emerald?”