Chapter 81

Bianca Semona curled her lips in a mocking smile. "Vivian Laurent, Jade Gambling isn't child's play. These raw stones cost real money. Don't make everyone lose their investments."

The crowd stepped back nervously. No one dared to let Vivian choose. As Ethan Roscente moved forward, Lucas Lefèvre cut in first. "Pick any stone you want, Vivian. It's on me."

He'd been eager to see her skills in action.

"Thought you claimed to know stones? Prove it by picking one now," Bianca taunted.

Vivian didn't even glance at her. She walked straight to the raw jade section. When someone offered her a professional flashlight, she waved it away.

Her fingers closed around a dull gray stone. She handed it to Lucas. "Cut this one."

The saw's whirring filled the air until Lucas gasped. "Ice-blue jade!"

Murmurs erupted through the crowd.

This stone's quality surpassed both of Bianca's previous finds combined.

"No way! She grabbed it at random?"

"Now that's a true expert—no tools needed!"

Bianca's face paled, her nails digging into her palms. This had to be luck. How could Vivian possibly understand Jade Gambling?

"Satisfied?" Vivian asked coolly.

"You just got lucky!" Bianca's voice trembled. "Prove yourself by cutting a few more!"

"Fine." Vivian scanned the room. "Free selections for anyone. Who's next?"

The attendees exchanged uncertain glances, still attributing her success to chance.

Ethan suddenly spoke. "I'll go."

"You?" Vivian narrowed her eyes. "I refuse."

"You said anyone could participate," Ethan pressed closer. "Money isn't an issue. Choose freely."

With a cold laugh, Vivian approached the stone pile. This time, she didn't pick randomly. She placed her palm lightly against each stone's surface, sensing them one by one.

Beads of sweat formed on Bianca's palms. Could the legends about touch-based identification be true?

"This one." Vivian pointed to an unremarkable stone.

The saw started again. The room held its breath. Bianca stared fixedly at the blade, her nails nearly drawing blood.

The blade descended, revealing a murky interior—pale pink streaked with ugly purple blotches.

A worthless rock.