billion book
Chapter 32 Your Husband's Surname
Chapter 32 Your Husband's Surname
Chapter 32 Your Husband's Surname
Stella's heart tightened, and she exchanged glances with Annie, who also looked at her nervously.
"Why does she want to see you?" Annie furrowed her brow. "She definitely has ill intentions! Be careful,
Stella!"
"It's alright." Stella walked calmly into Ava's office. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Ava deliberately opened all the blinds in the office and left the door wide open, exposing the situation
inside to those outside.
Stella felt puzzled. Seems like Ava isn't planning to confront me. After all, there are so many eyes
watching.
"Stella, this is Mr. Smith from Starlight Group." Ava introduced with a smile. "Mr. Smith, she's our
company's top salesperson this month!"
Stella smiled and nodded in greeting, but the more she observed Ava's expression, the more she felt
that Annie's words held truth.
Ill intentions...
Eric Smith, a refined middle-aged man, maintained an unwavering gaze on Stella's ring ever since she
stepped into the room.
"Stella, you're in luck today!" Ava smirked. "Not only is Mr. Smith a successful businessman, but he's
also a renowned expert in gem and jewelry appraisal. He holds a permanent director position in the
Jewelry Association and is frequently sought after by jewelry stores for his expertise. His discerning
eyes can determine the authenticity of a piece with just a single glance."
"Mr. Smith." She turned to Eric. "What do you think of this ring on Stella's hand?"
Stella's heart raced, and she subconsciously covered the ring on her hand.
Standing up, Eric smiled politely while asking, "Miss Taylor, may I have a look?"
She hesitated while curious colleagues outside the room were already peeking in. Meanwhile, Ava
stood with crossed arms and a smirk, clearly relishing the spectacle.
"Mr. Smith, this ring doesn't hold much value," Stella replied softly. "I simply wear it as an accessory. It's
nothing remarkable and not worth your attention."
"Is that so?" Ava's sharp voice cut through the air. "Hmm, but someone just told me it's a wedding ring!"
"Why be so stingy, Stella? Mr. Smith is interested in gemstones and jewelry, so why not show it to him?
He's our important client, so don't offend him!"
Stella took a deep breath, realizing the true intention behind Ava's actions of leaving the doors and
windows open.
Pausing for a few seconds, she calmly removed the ring from her finger and placed it on the desk.
With a smile, Eric donned white gloves and retrieved a professional Chelsea Color Filter from his bag.
With utmost care, he took hold of the ring and began a meticulous examination.
However, the more he examined it, the stranger his expression became.
Stella's heart raced, as Liam had told her the night before that the ring was not worth much. It became
clear to her that Ava intended to publicly humiliate her by seeking the so-called expertise of the jewelry
expert to declare the ring a subpar item.
"Miss Taylor," Eric suddenly asked, "where did you get this ring?"
Stella found his serious and astonished expression quite peculiar.
"My husband gave it to me as my wedding ring. Is there any issue?"
He widened his eyes. "May I know your husband's... surname?"
She furrowed her brows, unsure why he was asking such a question out of the blue. Nevertheless, she
composed herself and politely answered, "His surname is Anderson."
Eric was taken aback, and his suspicion only grew instead of fading away.
How could it be Anderson? The intricate pattern on the ring's setting clearly represents the symbol of
the Martinez family from Emberfall! If I'm not mistaken, this ring is an heirloom of the Martinez family,
worn by their ancestors when they held noble positions.
Noticing his unusual expression, Ava could not help but ask, "Mr. Smith, what's wrong with the ring?
Could it be fake?"
More and more people gathered outside, whispering and discussing among themselves.
Stella lightly bit her lip and calmly slipped the ring back onto her finger.
"Not only is this ring not fake, but it's also highly valuable." Eric removed his gloves. "The gemstone is
an emerald, and the ring setting appears to be made of pure gold extracted from the Humar River gold
mine. Despite the ring's ancient style, it carries significant worth."
"What?" Ava's expression changed. "M-Mr. Smith, are you absolutely certain about this?"
"What's the matter? Are you questioning my professional competence?"
"No, that's not what I meant..."
Eric glanced at Ava with a hint of displeasure before turning to Stella with a smile. "Miss Taylor, this
emerald possesses exceptional hardness, purity, and size. If it were to be auctioned by Christie's, its
value would be beyond measure!"
Stella was taken aback by his words.
Outside the door, the onlookers, who had gathered to witness the commotion, were also taken aback.
They exchanged whispers, their gazes toward Stella becoming increasingly complex.
"I've heard great things about your sales plan. Coincidentally, I have some business matters to discuss
with your company. I was wondering if you're available at the moment?"
Stunned, Stella lifted her gaze to meet Eric's gentle eyes.
She smiled, knowing that she could not possibly turn down this business opportunity that had
presented itself to her.
"Mr. Smith, please wait for me in the conference room. I'll prepare some tea for you and bring the
previous sales plan for you to review."