Chapter 344
Aspen smirked and said, “Ms. Santana, you sure are devoted to Mr. Lloyd. From the beginning, you’ve been protecting this so–called expert at every turn. Aren’t you worried that the rest of us collectors might feel a little neglected?”
Elsie responded calmly, “I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Ms. Stevens. Mr. Lloyd is a distinguished guest of Radiant Group, and it’s my job to assist him. Is there an issue with that?
Aspen let out a disdainful laugh. “For someone to earn such exceptional treatment from you, Ms. Santana, they must be quite the expert. So, Mr. Lloyd, how about it? Are you brave enough to take me on? Don’t chicken out now after all your earlier bravado.”
All eyes turned to Andrew, their curiosity piqued. His earlier confrontation with Orion had been impressive, earning hfin widespread admiration, but gemstone cutting was an entirely different challenge.,
Someone encouraged, “Mr. Lloyd, your expertise in antiques is remarkable. Surely you can hold your own in gemstone cutting, too.”
“Exactly! Win or lose, you’re already a rising star in Jayrodale’s collectors‘ circle. Show them what you’ve got!” another added.
However, a few older experts from the antique association, who were more cautious and well- meaning, tried to dissuade him.
“Mr. Lloyd, your reputation is hard–earned. Gemstone cutting is unpredictable, and gambling on it carries great risks. We advise you to proceed with caution.”
While some were eager to see a showdown, others genuinely wanted to protect Andrew’s burgeoning reputation. Aspen, however, stood by, her smile growing colder by the second.
She thought to herself that if Andrew backed out now, he would be branded a coward. However, if he took the bait and accepted her challenge, she would finally have her chance to humiliate him and settle past scores.
Either way, she saw herself winning.
Andrew chuckled lightly, his tone was casual yet firm. “Since Ms. Stevens is so insistent and everyone’s clearly looking forward to it, refusing would indeed make me look like a coward. I suppose I have no choice but to play along.”
Aspen’s smile froze for a moment as she processed his reply. Was he really this fearless–or just foolish?
Christina shook her head in exasperation. “Andrew, can’t you see she’s goading you? This is exactly what she wants!”
Elsie, looking anxious, pleaded, “Mr. Lloyd, gemstone cutting is far too uncertain. There’s not
need to engage with Aspen she clearly came prepared, and it wouldn’t be a fair match,”
Andrew smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. If anything, I’m afraid it might not be fair for her.”
Elsie stood stunned. Did he really mean what hest sald? Could he truly be that confident?
Francesca, torn between excitement and concern chimed in, “Andrew, if things go south, promise me we’ll stop before it’s too late.”
Andrew’s eyes gleamed coldly as he replied, “I’d love to lose, but unfortunately, my skill won’t allow it.”
Aspen’s voice rang out sharply, cutting through the murmurs. “Andrew, I’m sure you know how this works. Normally, gemstone cutting is about buying a raw stone and gambling, on whether it holds anything valuable inside. But our match will be different. We’ll see who can extract the most valuable and highest–quality stone. I’ll show you what it truly means to be a master and the kind of precision that’s almost magical.”
Her words drew loud cheers from the crowd, many already betting on Aspen to win. Andrew’s presence was seen by some as nothing more than a foll to highlight her brilliance. All eyes were now on the two of them, as the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
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Chapin 344
need to engage with Aspen–she clearly came prepared, and it wouldn’t be a fair match.” Andrew smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. If anything, I’m afraid it might not be fair for her.” Elsie stood stunned. Did he really mean what he just said? Could he truly be that confident?
Francesca, torn between excitement and concern chimed in, “Andrew, if things go south, promise me we’ll stop before it’s too late.”
Andrew’s eyes gleamed coldly as he replied, “I’d love to lose, but unfortunately, my skill won’t allow it.”
Aspen’s voice rang out sharply, cutting through the murmurs. “Andrew, I’m sure you know how this works. Normally, gemstone cutting is about buying a raw stone and gambling on whether it holds anything valuable inside. But our match will be different. We’ll see who can extract the most valuable and highest–quality stone. I’ll show you what it truly means to be a master and the kind of precision that’s almost magical.”
Her words drew loud cheers from the crowd, many already betting on Aspen to win. Andrew’s presence was seen by some as nothing more than a foil to highlight her brilliance. All eyes were now on the two of them, as the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
