Chapter 398

The charity gala shimmered under dazzling chandeliers, their crystal prisms refracting blinding light.

Oliver Valrose stood onstage in an immaculate suit, his lips curved in a confident smile.

"On behalf of the Valrose Group, I donate this pair of Qing Dynasty jadeite bangles," he announced. "Appraised at one billion."

Gasps rippled through the crowd before he finished speaking.

"One billion?"

"Since when could the Valroses afford this?"

"Marrying into the Roland family really changed their fortunes."

Whispers crisscrossed the venue as tycoons craned their necks to glimpse the legendary bangles.

Alexander Roland's brow furrowed slightly as he studied the emerald-green bracelets on the velvet tray.

"Fine quality indeed," he murmured.

Evelyn Roland lounged in her seat, fingers drumming the armrest with detached elegance.

"Oliver is so dreamy!" Isabella Langley squealed, clinging to his arm with saccharine sweetness.

All eyes darted between Evelyn and Sebastian Valdemar.

"What treasure will Mr. Valdemar present?"

"It must surpass this, surely?"

Sebastian's sculpted face remained impassive as he twisted an antique jade ring around his finger.

"Miss Langley has exquisite taste!" someone fawned insincerely.

Isabella preened under the mixture of envy and flattery.

As the auction neared conclusion, Evelyn suddenly chuckled.

"Oliver Valrose," she drawled. "Are you certain these are Qing Dynasty pieces?"

The room froze.

Oliver's smile stiffened. "Naturally."

Evelyn rose leisurely, crimson lips parting. "That raw jade was privately held—never appeared on the market."

"What are you implying?" Oliver's voice tightened.

"I'm saying—" Her gaze turned glacial. "These are forgeries."

Beads of sweat dotted Oliver's forehead. "Preposterous! These are authenticated!"

Sebastian finally spoke, his voice arctic. "Shall we summon the appraisers?"

A tomb-like silence descended. Every guest held their breath.