Chapter 225
Chapter 225:
Together, Sophie and Angie walked into the lively venue, where the energy of the crowd buzzed in the air.
The event was none other than Zhatwell’s prestigious International Jewelry Expo, held only once every three years.
On the first day alone, the showcase dazzled with treasures that belonged in museums—masterpieces borrowed from renowned collections and hidden away in vaults, the kind of pieces collectors could spend a lifetime chasing.
Layers of tight security surrounded the exhibition, with access strictly controlled and schedules locked down. Seats had been claimed almost instantly by the upper crust, long before the public even had a chance to blink. The handful of tickets that slipped out later were resold at staggering prices.
“I can’t thank you enough, Miss Crawford. Without your help, there’s no way I would’ve gotten in here,” Sophie said warmly, leaning closer with gratitude.
With a teasing smile, Angie tilted her head. “How many times do I have to remind you? Just call me Angie p>
A faint blush colored Sophie’s cheeks. “But… it doesn’t feel proper p>
With a playful squint, Angie leaned toward her, voice laced with mock sternness. “Wait a second. Didn’t we agree we’re friends? Or are you saying you’d rather not be p>
As the space between them closed, a light fragrance lingered in the air. The scent carried an earthy freshness, reminiscent of rainfall settling into soil.
For the briefest moment, Sophie was caught off guard, as if the aroma stirred some faint feeling deep inside her. Something in it wrapped her in an unspoken comfort, tugging gently at her senses. The oddest urge rose within her to lean closer still.
With a sharp shake of her head, Sophie pulled herself back, covering the slip with a bright smile. “Of course not. Thanks, Angie p>
𝖲𝗍о𝗋іеs 𝗒𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝗼n’𝘵 𝗽𝗎𝘵 𝖽o𝘄ո 𝗈n
Pleased, Angie lit up. “Much better. And honestly, the organizers gave me extra tickets anyway. Would’ve been a shame to let them go to waste p>
Angie’s voice softened into something more genuine. “Listen, I didn’t bring you here just to stroll around and stare. You’re the expert, so think of yourself as my private guide through this glittering maze. When I’m stuck with those socialites, all they do is squeal about how shiny everything looks. No substance at all p>
“You give me too much credit,” Sophie replied with a modest smile, recognizing how Angie was intentionally keeping things lighthearted.
Side by side, they moved deeper into the grand hall, and Sophie naturally slipped into her element, pointing things out with a calm, steady rhythm.
Stopping at a pendant strung with emeralds in a vintage cut, Sophie said, “Now this one is special. It once landed on the cover of Element. The design takes inspiration from royal banquets of a century ago, and just look at that diamond in the center—the precision of its facets is unmatched p>
Silently, Angie gave a slow nod, taking it all in.
At the next display, Angie leaned closer and spoke up. “And these cufflinks? The stones have such a striking glow p>
Taking a thoughtful look, Sophie answered carefully, “That’s Paraiba tourmaline. The neon blue shade is nearly impossible to find now. With clarity this flawless, they’re practically legendary in the market p>
Moving further along, they stopped before a single case, and Sophie froze, her gaze fixed. “This piece is iconic. It’s by Maria Aston, who serves as the design director for Pinnacle Group. The entire concept mirrors a butterfly breaking free of its cocoon—bold lines, yet graceful strength p>
Her tone carried open admiration as she continued, “This collection changed everything. Bespoke editions sold like wildfire, despite the sky-high price tags. Socialites across the globe chased after them. For every designer just starting out, this work is practically scripture. It’s the jewel that cemented Pinnacle Group’s place in luxury design p>
Angie’s gaze lingered on the piece as she spoke in a dreamy tone. “Her name’s been familiar to me for ages. We even tried booking her for a magazine feature once, but her schedule was packed, so it never happened p>
Curiosity pulled Angie closer, her eyes tracing every fine detail while a loose strand of hair slipped across her temple. With a motion so natural it seemed rehearsed, she brushed it back behind her ear using only the tip of her pinky.
That small, graceful act stopped Sophie cold, a sudden wave of recognition striking her with unexpected force.