Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 784 Choosing Raw Stones.

Hayley's POV:

"That makes four!"

Finished

"Preston has this locked down! With those carlier finds, he's already pulled four top-grade raw stones. There aren't many left, so unless something crazy happens, he's the winner for sure!"

“Where's that foolish and arrogant Omega? I haven't seen her at all. Did she chicken out?"

I glanced over indifferently. Over by the stone-cutting area, Preston was soaking up the crowd's praise, and a woman was quietly standing next to him.

I knew her. It was Becky. We'd just met the day before.

I steered clear of the crowd, making it look like I was leading Humbert around the inner room. I acted like I was seriously checking out the stones before strolling back outside..

"Ms. Carson, Preston has already found a bunch of top-grade-emeralds these past two days. There's probably nothing good left," Humbert said as he followed closely behind.

"Mhm," I responded calmly.

Then, I stepped out of the inner room and into the outer hall, where the lower- grade stones were kept.

ahead, clearly stressed. "Ms. Carson, you probably missed it, but the Hanovers always get their

the outer hall is trash.

explain, so I just nodded and kept walking along the outer hall, checking out the display tables. I didn't stop until I got to the person handling registrations and read off some

stones total, all with

let down. He didn't say another word and just trailed behind me quietly, no longer pushing me to pick

a lot quieter

stones were numbered based on the organizers' first evaluation. Smaller numbers meant a better shot at finding emeralds. Higher numbers meant worse

room. All the

Humbert stared at me, it was obvious he thought I had

still have time.

at least we can try not to lose too badly by choosing something from the inner area. Maybe a miracle will

smiled and patted his shoulder. "Miracles are always

704 Choosing Raw

I said that, he was

#finished

There might be leftovers worth grabbing. That's better than picking through junk just

a quota.

pick what you want. I'll pay." I

but I cut him off with a hand gesture. "Mr. Byrd, I respect your choices, so please respect mine. Picking up a few extra stones won't do any harm. Why are you so stuck on changing

keep pushing, you'll just waste the time you've got left to choose your

let a bit of my Alpha aura leak out.