Chapter 80

Bianca Semona had always been the center of attention. Beautiful and poised, she was accustomed to being adored wherever she went. This was the first time someone had completely ignored her.

She bit her lower lip hard, her gaze darting between Vivian Laurent and the man speaking with her. A plan quickly formed in her mind.

"Hello everyone, I'm Bianca Semona." She stepped into the center of the crowd, her voice clear and bright. "I wonder if any of you are familiar with Jade Gambling? Perhaps you've heard my name."

"Bianca Semona?" someone exclaimed immediately. "The daughter of Master Semona? They say she could pick out premium jade from scrap piles at age three! A true prodigy in the gemstone appraisal world!"

"You flatter me." Bianca lowered her head slightly, though her lips curled with pride. "I merely learned a few basics from observing my father since childhood."

"Miss Semona, could you help us evaluate this stone? We're hesitant to make a move."

"Miss Semona!" More people gathered around her.

The adoration of the crowd satisfied Bianca immensely. She deliberately glanced toward Ethan Roscente's direction, only to find he didn't even spare her a look. The man beside Vivian showed the same indifference.

Bianca picked up a high-intensity flashlight, its beam gliding across the stone's surface. She alternated between examining patterns with a magnifying glass and measuring data with a refractometer, her movements practiced and professional.

"Truly Master Semona's daughter. Such expertise is unmistakable," the onlookers praised.

Within half an hour, she selected two stones to cut open immediately. The translucent jade shimmered brilliantly under the light, drawing gasps of amazement.

"Miss Semona is incredible!"

"You honor me too much." Bianca smiled demurely.

Requests for her assistance multiplied rapidly, with someone even offering, "Miss Semona, I'll pay five hundred thousand. Could you evaluate mine first?"

"Apologies." Bianca's expression turned displeased. "The Semona family has a tradition—appraisal isn't for profit. To measure my skills in monetary terms is insulting. Besides..." She smirked disdainfully. "A mere five hundred thousand is beneath our family's notice."

"Pfft—" Vivian suddenly burst out laughing.

"What are you laughing at?" Bianca's eyes turned icy.

Vivian tilted her head, her smile radiant. "At you. If you think the money's too little, just say so. No need to put on this virtuous act. Your passive-aggressive remarks are practically oozing out."

"You!" Bianca's face flushed with anger. "There's always been a fee structure in Jade Gambling. Premium jade's market value far exceeds that amount. Don't embarrass yourself if you don't understand!"

"Who says I don't understand?" Vivian raised an eyebrow.

Bianca sneered. "Stop pretending. Prove it—cut open a stone for everyone to see!"

Vivian scanned the crowd. "Anyone want me to evaluate their stone? Free of charge. I guarantee better results than Miss Semona here."

The crowd erupted in mocking laughter.

"Little girl, Jade Gambling isn't child's play. Don't make a fool of yourself."

"Exactly! Miss Semona is a recognized genius in the field. You're not fit to hold a candle to her!"

Skeptical comments rose one after another. Not a single person believed Vivian.