Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 746 An Unremarkable Stone

Hayley's POV:

The raw stone was completely covered in thick moss. Its surface had a faint reddish tint, and under the light, it looked more like an ordinary rock than a gemstone.

It was about the same size as the first one, but its rough, unremarkable appearance caused a stir of murmurs and disapproval across the room.

The starting bid was set at 280,000 dollars.

In the silence that followed, I called out enthusiastically, "Five hundred thousand dollars! I'll take it!"

The moment the words left my mouth, every pair of eyes turned my way. Some were confused, others suspicious or outright condescending.

A half-second pause later, the whole place erupted in laughter.

"Haha! Whose spoiled rich brat is this, making a fool of herself in public?"

"She looks decent enough; too bad she's just an Omega. Doesn't even have the basic knowledge to tell a rock from a gem."

"Hey, sweetheart, do you know what premium gemstone rough looks like? The lighter the outer layer, the better chance there is something valuable inside. You take that rock home, and your elders are going to faint from rage!"

The man stretched his neck and made a show of looking concerned, drawing a wave of laughter from the

crowd.

placed a bid. My bid stood unchallenged for more than a minute, right

putting them in their place. Instead, I scanned

would raise the price, I could've just offered 300,000.

clearly ready to congratulate me. Then a sharp male

hundred and

clear, firm enough to carry across the hall.

I. I followed their gaze, wondering which poor fool was joining me

Truman standing at the railing in white gloves, looking down at the raw stone from above like

had

12

746 An

seethed with jealousy. She turned to Freya and hissed, "Why is Truman

sister's got Truman wrapped around her finger!

Truman's really going all out, huh? Willing

loudly. "You think Truman's like you low- class mutts? Watch your mouth!" That one sentence managed to offend nearly everyone in the

just like these seats, some ladies get the VIP

you're squeezed in with us on the first floor, why are you so smug? Maybe don't

at least she's pretty. That one over

insulted by Celine earlier, the crowd showed no mercy now. Their taunts came

fangs came out, gleaming and sharp, ready to snap back at every

the line of fire, quickly held her back. "Celine! Calm down! Alpha Truman is still watching from