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.”

a slim chance of containing emeralds. Would you like me to cut them open to provide a definitive answer? It’ll save

was about to reply when Benjamin interrupted, instructing the rock cutter, “Start grinding from the

reluctantly but followed his instructions. He began grinding the rocks with précision, making gradual progress. Just as he reached about a centimeter in, his expression shifted

heart racing, and I focused intently on the rock. A faint green tint was emerging from what had previously appeared as

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Natural Talent for it

to me, “Celestial emerald–you’ve struck

face as I

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worth about a million dollars. If it’s crafted into jewelry, its value could multiply several times. But

“I wonder how big the

cut open, revealing about 11

is remarkable,” the shopkeeper remarked, his admiration evident. I never expected this seemingly worthless rough rock to reveal such a

their own. Suddenly, the shop was

you plan to do

would be perfect for making a pair

a reliable raw stone processing company I can

to you.

Mr. Benjamin!” I replied, my

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

without answering my question. Instead, he said. “That’s why I’m the expert and you’re

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

doesn’t mean I can smell what he

relies heavily on luck. Don’t think of it as a guaranteed way to

I won’t return to places like this on

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

agreement.

Benjamin and I boarded the flight home. Once we landed, I bade my farewells. “Mr. Benjamin, I hope to learn more from you in the