Chapter 58. Gemstone

The man turned slightly, glancing at her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "That stone could yield a flawless Paraíba core," he said. "Even at two million dollars, it might still be a bargain."

"Please," Serena said. "Trust me-don't buy it."

He blinked. "You're young. You don't look like someone who's spent decades in gemology. Why should I listen to you?"

"Just this once," she replied steadily. "Believe me. If it turns out I'm wrong-if there's a flawless core in that stone-I'll reimburse your bid. Every cent."

She wasn't bluffing. The divorce settlement from Clint had left her with ten million. A few million? She could afford that.

Something in her tone, her eyes, seemed to disarm him.

He hesitated-then slowly lowered his paddle.