Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 163

The host’s voice echoed around the room, reaching Julie’s ears through the speakers, “What we have here is a chrysoberyl ring. Chrysoberyl is known for two special optical effects the color change effect and the cat’s eye effect.. It’s quite a rare mineral and is widely considered as one of the most precious gemstones in the world. Those chrysoberyls that exhibit both effects are especially rare. The ring we have here is made from such a chrysoberyl. If you take a closer look, you can see ‘Zeus&Queen’ engraved inside the ring.”

The host explained that since the designer of the ring was unknown, and there were no records on the ring, people could only interpret the engraving literally and couldn’t ascertain the actual meaning.

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The host continued, “In the early 19th century, the Veridia Natural History Museum acquired a piece of chrysoberyl named The Hope Emerald. The Hope Emerald is incredibly clear, sparkling, without any spots or flaws. It’s also quite large and perfect. It was considered as a rare treasure. Studies have confirmed that the ring we’re auctioning today is made from the same chrysoberyl excavated with The Hope Emerald. The starting bid for this ‘Zeus&Queen’ ring is $1.68 million. Let’s start the bidding.”

When the host announced the price, Julie was shocked. She had never dreamed that her mother’s ring could be so valuable. She still remembered that before her mother slapped her, she did see letters inside the ring. Because the letters were so small, she even used a magnifying glass to look at them.

Despite being slapped, she still remembered the spelling of the letters clearly.

She never knew the ring was so expensive. If a ring was this valuable, why did her mother and father live such a long time in poverty? Why did her father end up bankrupt?

As Julie lost herself in thought, the bidding for the ring had already reached $2.87 million.

Suddenly, Kieran, sitting next to Julie, quietly raised his bid paddle and calmly said, “Five million.”

Julie looked at him in surprise, her clear eyes full of questions.

He gave her a comforting look, then put down his bid paddle and smiled, “This ring looks familiar. I think you’d like it.”

Of course, he would find this ring familiar…

Julie had once told Kieran about the first time she got smacked because of this ring….

The auctioneer wasn’t surprised by Kieran’s high bid. He picked up the auction hammer and said, “No.28, five million for the first time…five million for the second time…five million for the third time…”

“Six million.”

Just as the auctioneer’s hammer was about to fall, suddenly, a strange voice came from a corner.

Everyone looked towards the source of the voice.

The man had No.49 card. He wasn’t tall, looked in his thirties. He wasn’t particularly handsome, but he had two bodyguards in black suits standing next to him. He slowly put down his card, staring at the ring on the auction stage with determination.

about to speak, but Kieran raised his

was shocked once more, she grabbed Kieran’s sleeve

beautiful eyes were full of questions.

Kieran turned to look

raised his card again, “Eight million and

raised his card again while Julie was distracted, “Eight million and fifty thousand.”

out of your mind?” Julie turned

mind too. He raised his card again, “Eight million and fifty-two

only Elliot and Adeline next to her

must be

my mother’s ring.” Julie whispered

about to raise his paddle again, Adeline boldly took Elliot’s paddle

confusion. Everyone thought it was a competition between No.28 and No.49. No one expected

paddle back from Adeline and knocked on her head,

daughter. I’m helping you bid for your girl, you don’t thank me and even hit me! Do you know how to woo a woman? You

you…”

million. Suddenly, a deep voice came from No.49.

Everyone gasped.

not far away couldn’t help but widen her eyes and look at No.49. She whispered, “My God,

looked at No.49’s card and then at No.49’s face. He heard the auctioneer’s voice slowly rise, “No.49,

grab

refusing to give it

a resigned but indulgent smile, Kieran said, “Sweetie, give it

it to him,

her head, looking at him seriously, “Stop

to bid, the price would only go higher and higher. Although the proceeds from

was distracted, excitedly handed the 27th paddle to Kieran, “Here! Bid 10 million! You can definitely

auctioneer’s voice echoing, “Number 49, 9 million for the

something my mother treasured, not me. Even

came

a sigh of relief, glad she didn’t let Kieran pay more than 9

heard Kieran’s lazy yet magnetic voice overhead, “Who said I was buying the

was confused for a good 30 seconds before she