Chapter 333

Everyone followed her gaze. A man walked onto the stage from the back and stopped beside Cynthia. It was Simon Wright, founder of QUEEN Jewelry. Cynthia seemed close to him. Simon's eyes were cold and sharp. He glanced around the room, his face impassive. His gaze commanded absolute silence.

Finally, his intense stare fixed on Shirley. Their eyes met, and Shirley shivered involuntarily, a chill running down her spine. Her heart pounded with fear.

Simon announced, "Ms. Cynthia Jones is Miss Y, QUEEN Jewelry's chief designer. There is no doubt. Anyone who still disbelieves will be permanently removed from QUEEN's VIP client list."

His words silenced all remaining doubt. As founder of QUEEN Jewelry, his statement held ultimate authority. Shirley was stunned, stepping back in disbelief. She knew, no matter what she said, no one would believe her. The looks directed at her were now filled with disdain and contempt. Shirley's fingers trembled with rage.

She yearned to attack Cynthia, to tear her apart. She seethed over Luke's failure to kill Cynthia previously. Her hatred for Cynthia burned fiercely.

Whitney, unhappy with Shirley's defeat, refused to accept Cynthia as Miss Y. The revelation made her look foolish; she'd spent 300 million dollars on a design by her enemy.

Once the commotion subsided, David said, "Please hand over the Queen's Tears to Ms. Bennett, Miss Y." Cynthia approached the display case, placing her hand on the glass beside Simon. Instantly, the glass vanished. Cynthia retrieved the sandalwood box containing the Queen's Tears and walked to Whitney.

With a bright smile, she said, "Congratulations, my dear sister-in-law. You've got what you came for." This public display of affection, unseen in private, would inevitably put their relationship under the spotlight, likely making Whitney a global laughingstock. Her sister-in-law was the renowned Miss Y, a fact Whitney had been utterly oblivious to. She'd spent 300 million dollars on her enemy's work.

The irony was clear to everyone. She had unknowingly walked into a trap. Refusing humiliation, Whitney didn't accept the necklace.

"I've suddenly lost interest," Whitney stated. Cynthia's expression remained unchanged, as if anticipating this reaction.

Cynthia calmly replied, "The auction rules are simple: mutual agreement, and once the gavel falls, there's no turning back. If you don't want the jewelry, I can resell it through an agency, but the money will be donated. The 300 million dollars is non-refundable. You know the QUEEN Jewelry Auction rules."

Whitney knew; everything was in writing. Once the gavel fell, retraction was impossible unless double the bid was paid.

Even though 300 million dollars was a significant sum, Whitney wasn't truly worried. However, she wouldn't let Cynthia off easily. Spending that much without receiving the jewelry, and having it donated under QUEEN's name, was unacceptable.

Whitney chuckled, "Ms. Jones, I don't want it, but I plan to give it to someone else. Give it to her directly."

"Shirley, come here," Whitney called, ignoring Shirley. Cynthia and Jonathan had set a trap, but Whitney wouldn't let them succeed. Money was inconsequential. She would casually gift the 300-million-dollar necklace to Shirley.

This served a threefold purpose: demonstrating disregard for the jewelry, showcasing her immense wealth, and exploiting the conflict between Cynthia and Shirley. The Queen's Tears was Miss Y's most prized possession, valuable both financially and sentimentally. Whitney intended to utterly insult Cynthia by giving her life's work as trash to someone who didn't appreciate it.

The audience was stunned. No one expected Whitney to casually give away such a valuable piece to Shirley, whose lack of jewelry knowledge and uncouth behavior made the gift akin to "casting pearls before swine." The animosity between Miss Y and Shirley was also evident.

Shirley, however, was overjoyed, almost disbelieving. 300 million! One of the world's most expensive pieces! she thought. Something even the richest haven't obtained! The origin or designer were irrelevant; she had 300 million dollars!

Overwhelmed, Shirley dashed towards the stage, fearing a change of heart. She tripped on the steps. Whitney felt scorn, but there was no better option. Cynthia remained impassive. Shirley stood beside Cynthia, her smug expression provocative.

"Cynthia, give me the Queen's Tears. Thank you for this beautiful design," Shirley sneered.

This was the pinnacle of Shirley's life, surpassing even her near-win in the Pillere Design Competition. Cynthia's masterpiece was hers, and she had 300 million dollars. Global financiers, princes, and princesses could only watch with envy.

Shirley felt like she was on top of the world, basking in the global spotlight. The holographic screen zoomed in on her face; the world watched.