Chapter 213

Chapter 213:

At the Emerald Arcade, a cheerful associate welcomed them with a smile. “Good afternoon, ladies. Do you have a particular gemstone in mind today p>

Once their needs were explained, an experienced consultant by the name of Karen White entered, a velvet-lined tray balanced carefully in her hands. Spread across the dark fabric lay several emeralds, displayed in both raw and cut forms.

“Mrs. Knight, here are the top-quality emeralds we’ve selected according to your preferences,” Karen said, setting the tray down with deliberate care.

Sophie bent closer to inspect the stones one by one. Her voice grew thoughtful as she assessed the details. “This one shines beautifully, excellent translucency and rich color… but it does carry a faint flaw p>

Sophie lifted a medium-sized raw emerald and tilted it beneath the bright beam, her expression lighting with approval. Turning toward Maura, she asked eagerly, “What’s your take on this one? It feels pure and delicate. I think its character fits the spirit I want to bring into my design p>

𝘍о𝘭𝘭o𝗐 𝘂ѕ оn

Maura bent closer, studying it with care. Though she lacked technical knowledge, she could sense the quality before her. In the glow of the lamp, the stone gleamed like a deep emerald pond, alive with richness and charm.

“Wonderful! It’s absolutely striking! Your judgment is sharp. I’ll trust whatever you decide,” Maura responded, smiling with genuine admiration.

Feeling assured, Sophie addressed Karen. “We’ll settle on this piece p>

Karen’s expression brightened as she replied, “Of course, Mrs. Knight. You truly have an excellent eye. This particular emerald happens to be one of the finest from our newest shipment p>

With practiced hands, Karen lifted the tray and moved toward preparing the documents.

A sharp-edged voice suddenly rang out. “Hold on! I want to take a look at the emeralds the consultant is carrying p>

Turning at once, Sophie recognized the sound and found herself staring at Addie. Their paths hadn’t crossed once since she had seen Addie and Rory at a hotel room. All she knew was that Addie had quit her job.

Recognition flashed across Addie’s face, the encounter catching her off guard too. Conflicting emotions stirred within her chest. Memories of bragging to Sophie about Adrian being her boyfriend still stung, especially with the humiliating revelation that Sophie was his lawful wife.

However, another thought tempered her shame. By exposing Rory’s disguise, Sophie had inadvertently cleared the way for Addie to rise socially, all through her continued link with Rory. By now, she was well aware that Adrian had been pushed out of the Knight family, leaving Rory as the only heir.

Because of that very scandal, she almost felt indebted to Sophie. Even so, the sight of her stirred unease, a tangle of awkwardness she couldn’t quite shake.

With Rory backing her, the old assistant designer job at Pinnacle Jewelry seemed beneath her notice. Soon after, she had badgered Rory into funding her own studio, elevating herself to the role of boss.

All her energy now went into currying favor with Sadie, hoping to secure a permanent place in the Knight family. News had reached her ears that Sadie remained displeased with a custom order Sophie had once handled, the fault of a misunderstanding. Seizing that opening, she resolved to buy a fine emerald and turn it into a jewelry set for Sadie.

To Addie, securing this emerald would showcase her skill while proving her loyalty—a move she believed would push her closer to marrying into the Knight family.

Where Sophie was concerned, Addie had already dismissed her as irrelevant. Eyes sliding past her rival, she acted as though Sophie wasn’t even present.

Karen approached carrying the tray of raw emeralds. The selection drew Addie’s attention at once, each piece gleaming with impressive quality. But almost immediately, her gaze locked onto the emerald resting at the very top—the one Sophie had picked.

With every second, Addie’s conviction deepened that this emerald outshone all the rest.

“I’ll take that one,” Addie said grandly, pointing straight at it as though she had first claim.

“Apologies, Miss Hinks,” Karen replied smoothly, her practiced smile never faltering. “That particular piece has already been reserved by Mrs. Knight p>