Chapter 400

Oliver Valrose's palms grew clammy with sweat. He hadn't expected Evelyn Roland to be this relentless.

"Master Xingyun, shall we proceed with the ceremony?" Isabella Langley interjected smoothly, her lips curved in a practiced smile. "There are still important rituals awaiting us."

Several business tycoons nodded in agreement.

"Yes, let's not waste time."

Just as the abbot opened his mouth to speak, Evelyn suddenly raised her phone.

"Wait."

Her quiet command instantly silenced the entire meditation hall.

Oliver's stomach dropped.

"This Qing Dynasty jadeite rough stone appeared at last year's London auction." Evelyn tapped her screen lightly. "The official website has detailed records."

"Miss Roland!" Oliver snapped, his voice sharp. "You're deliberately causing trouble!"

Evelyn ignored him and dialed an international number.

"Hi, Charles."

Her flawless British accent stunned the room.

"Yes, that jadeite rough." She activated speakerphone. "Release the buyer's information and photos now."

An exaggerated gasp came through the line.

"My God! You've finally come to your senses! Is the stone still intact?"

"Save me a cutting! I owe the auction house director big time for helping you secure it!"

The man's excited chatter filled the hall, his rapid-fire English punctuated with enthusiasm.

"Shut up." Evelyn's brow furrowed. "Two minutes. No results, and you'll never speak again."

The line went dead silent.

Oliver's face darkened by the second.

"Stop this charade!" he hissed, voice trembling. "Evelyn Roland, you've crossed the line!"

Two minutes later, Evelyn lifted her gaze.

"Time's up."

She scanned the room. "Everyone, please check the auction house's official website for their latest announcement."

A chorus of notification chimes erupted.

When the photo loaded, the hall became tomb-silent.

The image showed Evelyn cradling an emerald-green rough stone, her smile serene.

"This..."

Someone whispered, "Could Mr. Valrose's stone be fake?"

"Impossible!" Oliver shot to his feet. "This must be photoshopped!"

His voice shook.

Evelyn pocketed her phone with deliberate slowness.

"Shall I request an authentication report from the auction house?" Her lips curved. "Or would you prefer an on-site appraisal, Mr. Valrose?"

Oliver's lips began to tremble.