Chapter 186

Irene felt uneasy. Dustin's words had gone too far, she thought. How could anything compare to the $30 million Verdigris Emerald ring?

"It's just a Verdigris Emerald," Dustin said with a soft smile. "Why act like you've never seen one?"

He continued, "Coincidentally, one of my men unearthed a piece in the North Pole and sent it to me. I find the color overwhelming, so I'll give it to you."

He casually pulled a small pouch from his pocket and handed it to Irene. "Nothing special. Do what you want with it."

Irene hesitated, worried the contents might be worthless.

"Why hesitate, Irene? Afraid to be embarrassed?" Phoebe sneered.

"Open it," Dustin said flatly.

Taking a deep breath, Irene opened the pouch. A brilliant green light burst forth. After a moment, she carefully removed the object: a Verdigris Emerald, as large as a goose egg. Even under the dazzling lights, its green glow was almost blinding.

Aaron and Phoebe were stunned.

"Is is that a Verdigris Emerald? This big?" someone stammered.

Many in the crowd were captivated by the massive gemstone in Irene's hand. Verdigris Emeralds are among the rarest and most valuable gems; their rarity accounts for their exorbitant price. Even a small piece costs a fortune—Aaron had spent $30 million on a tiny one from the Central Harbor Auction House! While there was a markup, it underscored the gem's cost. Yet, Dustin had casually produced one this size—an unheard-of occurrence.

Most students present were experienced gem identifiers, easily recognizing the emerald's distinctive features and authenticity.

"How much would this be worth?" someone gasped.

The crowd exchanged glances. This was a true rarity, its value immeasurable. It dwarfed Aaron's tiny, fingernail-sized piece.

"How could he have a Verdigris Emerald this big?" Aaron's eyes widened, his face darkening with anger. Phoebe was equally perplexed. Who was Irene's date? Who in Lovellia could afford such a gem? Money couldn't buy this treasure, yet Dustin looked like an ordinary person, lacking any signs of wealth.

"Impressive enough?" Dustin asked, his gaze locking onto Aaron.

Aaron, speechless, silently put away his ring; it now seemed a joke in comparison.

"This this is too much! I can't accept it!" Irene tried to return the gemstone.

"Keep it," Dustin waved dismissively. "Consider it a gift for the West family. Make it into a ring, earrings, or a bracelet—so no one will look down on you again."

Hesitating, Irene finally accepted the gift, seeing Dustin wouldn't take it back.

"Thank you," she murmured gratefully. She rarely accepted gifts from men, but holding this unique gemstone, she felt a strange stirring in her heart.

Aaron gritted his teeth in frustrated fury.