Chapter 324

Previously, Alex had appeared on a variety show with Cynthia. Shirley wondered if this was how Alex became close to Whitney. But such things weren't unusual at the top of the entertainment world. Even the biggest stars were often the playthings of powerful tycoons.

Once inside, Shirley looked around. The entire exhibit hall was spacious and had a vintage vibe. Besides the jewelry, precious artifacts from an old palace were also on display. As Shirley entered, she was surrounded by a uniquely luxurious, Clusia-style atmosphere—subtle, traditional, yet rich in history.

They quickly reached the central exhibition hall. Inside were several sandalwood display stands, each covered with bulletproof glass. Various jewels were showcased within.

After just one glance, Shirley's heart raced, and her vision blurred. Everything was dazzling and beautiful. Dozens of exhibits included diamond necklaces, crowns, gemstone brooches, and sapphire scepters. Each piece was an exquisite masterpiece, suggesting immense value. All the exhibits were arranged in a petal-like fashion, forming the shape of a flower.

In the center was the largest and most striking stand, also covered in bulletproof glass, but it was empty. Shirley found this odd. It seemed like the centerpiece, yet it contained nothing. Of course, she wasn't the only one questioning this.

Alex, standing beside Whitney, asked, "Ms. Bennett, why is the central stand empty?"

Whitney calmly replied, "This is the highlight of today. QUEEN will unveil today's main attraction: the Queen's Tears."

"The Queen's Tears?" Alex asked, surprised.

Whitney explained, "It's said to be Miss Y's masterpiece, a 309-carat Kashmir sapphire that was once a coronation gift from the Saudland Royal Family to Queen Elizabeth. However, it never appeared at the coronation and only resurfaced half a century later."

Alex, quite surprised, asked, "Ms. Bennett, are you interested in the Queen's Tears?"

Whitney smiled. "All the jewelry displayed here today will be auctioned off, including the Queen's Tears. It's the piece I value most this year, and I plan to take it home tonight."

Alex said, "I hope Ms. Bennett comes out on top."

Whitney smiled. "Among today's auction items, you can choose one as well. I'll give you a budget of $16 million. If you find something suitable, just bid on it."

Alex's face lit up. "Thank you, Ms. Bennett."

Shirley, standing nearby, initially looked down on Alex for his flattery. But her eyes lit up when she heard about the $16 million budget. She quickly stepped forward. "Ms. Bennett, who would dare to compete with you? The Queen's Tears is surely meant for you. Only you deserve the title of Queen."

Chapter 324 (Continued)

Shirley's abrupt words caught everyone off guard. Whitney glanced at Shirley, easily perceiving her true intentions.

Whitney gave a cold chuckle. "You can also choose something you like, and I'll give you the same $16 million budget."

Shirley's eyes lit up. She couldn't believe that a few kind words to Whitney could earn her so much money. If I become Whitney's favorite, she thought, will I accumulate endless wealth? She became increasingly excited.

In the blink of an eye, Cynthia and Jonathan arrived. Upon seeing Cynthia, Shirley's face fell. However, remembering the potential $16 million, she felt smug again.

Jonathan approached Whitney respectfully. "Whitney, you're here too."

Whitney assessed Jonathan. "Looks like you've been doing well lately."

Jonathan's voice was calm. "Thanks to you for going easy on me, Whitney."

Whitney seemed amused. "But I'm getting a bit bored. Your peaceful days might be over soon."

Jonathan showed no fear. "Then I am ready to accompany you until the end." His tone exuded calm confidence and a touch of disdain.

Whitney found this amusing. Jonathan seems little different from before, she thought.

Whitney's gaze landed on Cynthia. "I heard you two already got your marriage certificate?"

Cynthia responded openly, "Yes, Ms. Bennett."

Whitney said, "Since you've gotten your marriage certificate, shouldn't you call me Whitney?"

Cynthia smiled slightly. "Everyone is aware of the pretense in our relationship with Jonathan, so there's really no need for this."

Whitney mocked, "No wonder you're just a country girl without any manners."

Jonathan was about to speak when Cynthia gently took his arm. Cynthia wasn't bothered. She smiled lightly. "I am an uncultured country girl, so if I ever do something inappropriate that offends you, I hope you won't mind, Ms. Bennett."

Whitney was momentarily speechless. Deep down, she admired Cynthia's natural elegance despite her small-town background. Standing beside Shirley, their attitudes were worlds apart. One was like a proud swan; the other, a quacking duck.

Whitney quite liked Cynthia and had tried to win her over. Unfortunately, Cynthia chose to oppose her, so she wouldn't be lenient.

Whitney gave a slight smile. At that moment, the lights dimmed, and everyone fell silent. The host rose from an underground lift. "Welcome, everyone, to the annual grand party of QUEEN."

Chapter 394 (Note: There's a numbering error; this should likely be Chapter 325 or a later chapter.)

The hostess intentionally introduced comedian David Hively. His humorous style quickly energized the crowd. After a long monologue, David continued, "Today, our jewelry show will be broadcast live worldwide, including the auctions, which will be completely open."

David's words caused quite a stir. Everyone present wondered why an event of this magnitude would be live-streamed. Many attendees were secretive millionaires who highly valued their privacy, and there had been no prior notice.

The audience was in an uproar. Even Whitney furrowed her brows. To Whitney, live streaming seemed like a publicity stunt. Why would QUEEN suddenly decide to livestream? she wondered. It will upset many people.

Sure enough, wealthy individuals worldwide began to protest, throwing the scene into chaos.

Cynthia, however, remained calm. The live stream was a request she had made to Simon. It could offend privacy-conscious clients, but today, Cynthia had to use this method to expose Shirley's wrongdoings to the world. It was the best punishment for Shirley, and no matter how powerful Whitney might be, she couldn't save her.