Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 111 Lacks the Natural Talent for It

Hayley’s POV

“Are you quitting already? It seems like you can only focus for about three minutes!”

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I felt a surge of resistance to that remark, my lips forming a slight pour “Maybe I just lack the natural talent for it”

Benjamin offered nie some encouragement, saying, “Rock betting requires a lot of patience. Don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment. When you’re choosing rocks, examine their colors and textures from different angles. There’s a saying in this game: Often, the most unremarkable rocks yield the best surprises. Keep that in mind, and you may discover a rock that you genuinely adore.”

His words ignited a spark of determination within me. I took another look at the room filled with raw stones, deciding it was worth another attempt.

After perusing the collection, I strolled around until I found a small heap of rocks near the entrance. The shopkeeper let out a sigh and remarked, “Miss, these are our least expensive rocks. They’re priced at 3 thousand dollars each.”

These so–called “cheap rocks” were practically worthless. An expert could easily tell that these pieces had afmost no chance of containing emeralds due to their poor quality and dull colors.

Kneeling down, I examined two medium–sized rocks. They weren’t too costly, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to buy them just for fun. I’ll take these two.”

The shopkeeper looked taken aback by my willingness to purchase such rocks. As a businessman, he felt obliged to caution me. “Miss, the odds of these rocks containing emeralds are exceedingly low, nearly non-

existent.

His warning was straightforward. Buying these rocks would be like throwing my money away.

I appreciated his concern, but I saw potential in the two rocks, so I decided to go through with the purchase.

After I paid, the shopkeeper seemed hesitant to say more, but Benjamin jumped in. “Since you bought them, let’s open them right away.”

I nodded in agreement. “Sir, we’ll need your rock cutter’s assistance, please.”

who assessed the two rocks I had selected. “Miss, these rocks have a slim chance of containing emeralds. Would you like me to cut them open to provide

about to reply when Benjamin interrupted, instructing the rock cutter, “Start grinding from the back right side of the rock, gently. Take your time.”

gradual progress. Just as he reached about a centimeter in, his expression shifted to one of surprise. “I see some green poking through! It actually

racing, and I focused intently on the rock. A faint green tint was emerging

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the Natural Talent for it

me, “Celestial emerald–you’ve struck it lucky.”

across my face as I

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examined the rock closely. “In its raw state, it’s worth about a million dollars. If it’s crafted into jewelry, its value could multiply several times. But this type of emerald is rare and highly sought after.”

“I wonder

the rock was fully cut open, revealing about 11 inches of stunning Celestial emerald.

remarkable,” the shopkeeper remarked, his admiration evident. I never expected this

eager to purchase rocks of their own. Suddenly, the shop was buzzing with activity, and the shopkeeper found

do you plan to do with this rock?”

be perfect for making a pair of bracelets. I’ll give them to my grandmother for

“I know a reliable raw stone processing company

to you.

Benjamin!” I replied,

the Celestial emerald, my spirits soared. It reminded me of something Benjamin had mentioned earlier about the careful handling of the rocks. “Mr. Benjamin, do you have some sort of sixth sense? How did you know this rock would contain an emerald, and

smile without answering my question. Instead, he said. “That’s why I’m

asking. “Is it possible that his wolf can sense the quality

mean I can smell

I need to remind you that rock betting relies heavily on luck. Don’t think of it as a guaranteed

it’s with you I won’t return to places like this on

appeared satisfied. “We’ve had our fun; now

agreement.

boarded the flight home. Once we landed, I bade my farewells. “Mr. Benjamin, I