Chapter 84

"Let me make this clear—if this jade stone turns out worthless after cutting, I, Bianca Semona, won't take responsibility."

"Of course we understand! We trust Ms. Semona!"

Vivian Laurent's gaze sharpened like a blade as she stared at Bianca. "Do you deserve their trust, Ms. Semona?"

Bianca's fingers trembled slightly.

She knew this jade was flawed. She'd intended to trap Vivian, not involve others.

Admitting the stone's defects now would ruin her reputation.

She forced composure. "I don't know what you mean. From what I can see, this section is flawless."

Vivian cut straight to the point. "What about the other side?"

Bianca fell silent. The reverse side contained nothing of value.

An impatient voice interrupted. "Enough delays! If Ms. Semona says it's good, either buy it or step aside!"

Vivian kept her hand on the stone. "Buy it if you wish. But heed my warning—don't trust Bianca Semona. This purchase will bring devastating losses."

The man scoffed. "Who the hell are you? My losses are none of your business!"

Vivian released the stone. Some people insisted on jumping into fire—no stopping them.

Three hundred million for a lesson seemed excessive.

"Since everyone heard Ms. Semona endorse this stone, let's witness her expertise together. See if her reputation holds."

Vivian's words pushed Bianca to the cliff's edge.

Bianca paled. This stone would fail spectacularly, destroying her credibility.

She backpedaled. "Perhaps... I could select another for you?"

The buyer had already paid. "No! Cut it now! Ms. Semona, I'm here because of your father's name. Don't disappoint me."

Bianca bit her lip until it bled. Her scheme against Vivian had backfired spectacularly.

Years of built prestige would crumble today because of Vivian.

Yet Vivian remained composed, victory assured.

Ethan Roscente studied Vivian intently. This version of her was startlingly unfamiliar.

She radiated brilliance—confident and formidable. Her earlier words carried such weight they'd roasted Bianca alive.

If the stone proved worthless, Bianca's career would end.

More astonishing—Vivian seemed certain of the outcome.

This Vivian outshone even her beauty.

At the crowd's edge, a disguised man observed everything unnoticed.

No one recognized him as Zero—the Dark Web's top operative.