Chapter 94
Chapter 94:
Nobody in the room made a sound.
Isabella went pale. Paola clenched her gown so hard that her nails dug into the fabric. Neither could understand how someone like Rylie, with no high society upbringing and a background in only medicine, could speak so confidently about rare jewels.
Isabella snapped, her voice rising, “You’re just making things up! What could you possibly know about jewelry? Miss Buckley has lived among gems since childhood. She wouldn’t be wrong about her own necklace p>
Paola, clearly rattled, tried to hush the situation. “Rylie, stop this nonsense. You know where you are tonight. Apologize to Miss Buckley, now p>
But Rylie didn’t pay any attention to those two troublemakers. Her focus was fixed on Celia. “Miss Buckley, would you care to explain why your so-called heirloom has no marking and no velvet shimmer p>
Celia’s breathing picked up, though she held her composure behind a faint smile. “That could be due to how it was stored. A slight change in preservation might explain the difference in appearance p>
“Is that what you believe?” Rylie let out a soft laugh. “That necklace was first auctioned at Wainwright Auction House. It came with full documentation of its history. But it was switched mid-auction by a thief. Its last confirmed sighting was five years ago on the black market overseas. Someone paid a fortune for it p>
She paused briefly before adding, “Back then, it was valued at one hundred million. If that’s the piece your family bought, then I’m afraid you’ve been scammed. That’s a very expensive mistake p>
Celia’s steps faltered, and her color drained. “That’s not true. You’re lying p>
Rylie answered gently, “I wish I were. But it’s the truth p>
By now, the stir around their table had drawn attention from others nearby. Keeping her tone even, Rylie spoke again, “Miss Buckley, will the auction continue as planned, or should we call some experts to take a proper look at both necklaces right here p>
Celia had grown up surrounded by jewelry. She understood, deep down, that Rylie hadn’t been wrong. The necklace she wore was a fake. Her family had trusted international auctions without question and never imagined it might be a counterfeit. For years, they had kept it locked in their safe, believing it to be a treasured heirloom. Wearing it for the first time tonight had made her feel foolish. Still, she had a way out.
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Celia steadied her voice and said, “There’s no need for further discussion. Miss Owen, thank you for telling me the truth. I need to use the restroom now.” As she turned, Rylie spoke, calm and composed. “This replica may lack history, but the craftsmanship is still impressive. Even without the legacy, it’s a fine piece to keep p>
Celia slowed, looked back, and gave a nod. “Thank you p>
After Celia walked away, the table fell into silence. Isabella, who had hoped earlier that Rylie would be humiliated, now sat staring at her lap, her face drained of color.
Johnny raised his glass toward Rylie. “Miss Owen, I didn’t expect you to know so much about jewelry. You clearly live up to the Owen name. Here’s to you.” Rylie touched her glass to his and answered with grace, “I only know a little. Forgive me if I came across as boastful p>