Chapter 330

Everyone recoiled in disgust after hearing the news, even Shirley. David stepped forward, attempting to ease the tension. "Ms. Jones, it seems you accidentally misplaced it during, ah, your break. Now that it's been found, perhaps you should be more careful with your jewelry."

Shirley was furious. She couldn't believe that the jewelry she'd personally hidden in Cynthia's bag—and kept under constant observation—had ended up in the toilet, only to be retrieved by the cleaning staff. The rose brooch was still wet, possibly contaminated with toilet water.

David again urged Shirley to secure her jewelry, but she remained motionless.

Cynthia spoke. "My sister seems to find the jewelry rather disgusting after itsunfortunate incident. If she doesn't want it, perhaps the organizers could donate it to charity."

Shirley reacted instantly. Fifteen million dollars! she thought. Even if Cynthia tricked me, it's still worth at least six million. Donate it to charity? She's doing this on purpose! She snatched the brooch from the attendant's tray. "Cynthia, this is mine! You have no right to decide for me!"

Cynthia merely smiled, offering no retort. The onlookers, however, whispered amongst themselves. After Shirley took the tray, some even subtly covered their mouths and noses, subtly emphasizing the brooch's recent location.

Shirley fumed. Her reputation was paramount, but she couldn't let Cynthia casually donate six million dollars.

David signaled the start of the Queen's Tears auction, but Jonathan intervened. "Ms. Jones should first apologize to my wife."

The crowd remembered the earlier wager, some playfully reminding Shirley, "Oh yes, slandering Mrs. Bennett means barking like a dog three times!"

Everyone watched, anticipating the spectacle. Shirley's face flushed crimson. Every time I try to outsmart Cynthia, it backfires! she thought. Bark like a dog in front of everyone?

She remembered the live global broadcast. If I bark like a dog, how will I ever maintain my social standing? she pondered, observing Cynthia's calm, almost expectant gaze. Shirley wouldn't beg. Instead, she turned to Whitney. "Ms. Bennett, I'm here with you today. Could you help me?"

Shirley believed Whitney was her strongest ally. If Cynthia caused trouble, she'd also be targeting Whitney. By escalating the confrontation, Shirley hoped to extricate herself.

Whitney noticed Shirley's approach, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. This Shirleymore trouble than she's worth, she thought. But she also sensed Cynthia's deliberate provocation. Whitney wouldn't tolerate such challenges to her authority.

Whitney stepped forward. "It was a misunderstanding. Now that it's resolved, I believe Ms. Jones isn't one to hold grudges. With so many esteemed guests, we shouldn't waste time on personal matters."

Whitney effectively blocked Cynthia's options. Shirley was secretly pleased. I chose the right person to support me. If Cynthia persisted, she would appear petty and alienate everyone.

Cynthia's face remained impassive, but a subtle smile played on her lips. "I understand, Ms. Bennett. One should respect the owner's dog. Since Shirley is your faithful pet, there's no need for her to bark."

Turning gracefully to David, Cynthia said, "Please continue the auction."

David ushered the guests back to their seats. Whitney, initially eager to confront Cynthia, was surprised by her easy surrender. She'd won, but felt strangely unsettled.

Shirley felt even worse. While Cynthia hadn't forced her to bark, labeling her as Whitney's "dog" in front of everyone was equally damaging. The looks of contempt were palpable.

Fuming, Shirley retreated to the edge of the room, her teeth gritted as she watched Cynthia, admired and centered on the stage.

David finally took the stage. All but one display stand had been removed. It stood empty, generating anticipation among the guests.

David spoke enthusiastically. "The Queen's Tear, personally designed by Miss Y, is a marvel of the jewelry world. Now, let's welcome Mr. Wright to unveil its mystery."

Simon returned to the stage to thunderous applause. Many guests stood, eagerly awaiting the unveiling.

Simon placed his hand on the display case, triggering a mechanism that revealed a dazzling piece of jewelry. The jewelry was simultaneously displayed on a large screen behind the stage, magnified a hundred times.

A collective gasp filled the room. Even those who'd seen Miss Y's sketches online were awestruck by the real piece.

A rare 392-carat Kashmir sapphire, shaped like a teardrop, was artfully set in a necklace with bright-cut diamond tassels. Its radiant blue, tinged with purple, was breathtaking.

"It's a miracle!" someone exclaimed.

"Miss Y is a genius! It's beyond imagination!"

"I must have this, no matter the cost!"