Chapter 339
Andrew smiled. “Don’t mention it. I didn’t do much for Dr. Aicker anyway. That relic just seemed to have a natural connection with him.”
Elsie stood quietly to the side, observing Andrew with subtle interest. Her thoughts churned as she wondered to herself, ‘Could a man like this truly exist? Someone so composed, charming, and effortlessly skilled in everything he does?”
From his demeanor and words to his charisma and even his looks, Andrew checked every box for Elsie. She had to admit he had a magnetic pull on her, yet she felt a pang of disappointment.
No matter.”
she did, her charm did not catch his attention at all.
Just then, a staff member whispered something in Elsie’s ear, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking up. “Mr. Lloyd, the Jayrodale Antiques Association would like to invite you to join as a member. Are you interested?”
Andrew instinctively wanted to decline. He was never one to care about club memberships, VIP titles, or committee positions. Those labels might impress others, but they held no appeal for him, as he preferred to keep to himself.
Before he could turn it down, Francesca interjected with a cheerful laugh. “That’s a great honor! I’ve heard that being part of the antiques association earns you much respect. Andrew, this is perfect for you, especially at your age. Thank you so much, Ms. Santana!”
Elsie’s face lit up. “Then it’s settled! I’ll speak to the association president and let them know Mr. Lloyd is officially joining our association.”
With both women looking so pleased, Andrew felt it would be rude to dampen their excitement, so he held back his objections. He let out a small sigh, resigned to going along with their enthusiasm for now.
After a short break, Elsie announced, “Mr. Lloyd, we’re about to start the highlight of the antiques festival.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I thought the event was already lively enough. What’s this highlight you’re talking about?”
Elsie gave him a sly smile and whispered, “The most thrilling part of the festival is stone gambling. It’s a tradition where fortunes are made–or lost–on the gamble of what lies. hidden inside raw stones.”
Francesca’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Oh, I’ve heard about that! It’s all about the adrenaline rush and the thrill of the unknown, right? Even wealthy collectors and business. tycoons are cautious about playing, though.”
Elsie nodded. “Exactly. The stakes are so high that one mistake or streak of bad luck could ruin someone completely. I once saw a prominent antiques expert risk his entire fortune on a
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Chapter 339
single uncut stone. When the stone turned out to be worthless, he lost everything and eventually ended up on the streets–completely broken.”
Francesca’s expression turned sympathetic. “To gamble away everything for something so uncertain… Why would anyone do that? The risk seems far too great–it’s like betting your entire life on one spin of a roulette wheel.”
Andrew shrugged and said calmly, “That’s exactly the allure of stone gambling. People enjoy the process of turning nothing into something, of taking a risk and hoping for a reward. You’d be surprised how many are drawn to the thrill.”
Francesca looked at Elsie in surprise. “Ms. Santana, is Andrew right? Are that many people really into this?”
Elsie smiled knowingly. “He’s absolutely right. The magic of stone gambling lies in its unpredictability and the hope it offers. Even knowing the risks, people still can’t resist diving in, chasing that one chance to strike it big.”
Francesca shook her head in disbelief. “I honestly can’t understand how anyone could take a risk like that.”
