Chapter 144
Chapter 144 The Stone Gamble
Lilian turned and saw a man hurrying toward her.
Ethan looked genuinely surprised. “It really is you-I thought I was seeing things p>
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The moment he entered, he’d noticed a girl in a baseball cap. Even with the brim hiding part of her face, she looked familiar enough that he called out. He hadn’ expected it really to be her.
Lilian gave a polite smile. “What a coincidence p>
A young woman followed behind, whining, “You just left me behind. My feet are killing me p>
Lilian glanced past him and spotted Nancy, along with Joy and Carson. Several staff members followed.
She smiled faintly. “Here for business or pleasure p>
Ethan gave a helpless smile. “With an event this big in Morovia, how could I miss it? They’ve never seen a stone-gambling festival before, so I brought them along
Nancy looked at Lilian and asked, “Your friend, Ethan p>
Back at the bar that night, Lilian had worn glasses and it was dark. Nancy hadn’t gotten a good look at her. Now, with only a baseball cap on, she still didn’t recognize her.
Before Ethan could answer, Carson stepped forward. “Ms. Lilian, we meet again p>
Lilian gave him a distant smile. “Mr. Carson. Small world p>
She had never liked Carson-maybe because of Jill. At the very least, she didn’t think much of his taste in
women.
Nancy finally took a closer look at Lilian and said, “You’re the girl who was at the bar with Ethan’s sister that night p>
Something about Lilian’s face rubbed her the wrong way, especially with how warmly Ethan was treating
her.
Lilian nodded. “That’s me. Nice to meet you p>
Nancy gave a sharp smile. “Girls these days are something else. Showing up at events like this… You must have connections p>
Lilian glanced at her coolly. “That’s really none of your concern. However I got here has nothing to do with you p>
Nancy’s face flushed. She opened her mouth to retort-
But Ethan cut her off sharply. “Enough. If you want to stick around, keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, we’ll be going our separate ways for the rest of this trip p>
The others might not know, but Ethan certainly did-Iian didn’t need anyone’s help to be here. Nancy’s comment had practically slapped him in the face.
Nancy froze, visibly upset, but kept quiet. She knew Ethn had a temper too.
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Chapter 144 The Stone Gamble
Ethan turned to Lilian. “Don’t mind her p>
Lilian simply gave a soft smile and said nothing.
Just then, a staff member pushed over a cart stacked with raw stone. “Ms. Lilian, all set p>
Ethan looked at the cart. “These are all yours p>
Lilian nodded calmly. “Yeah. Picked them out from the outer ring. I’m heading to cut them now p>
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“Well, since we’re old friends—if anything good comes out and you’re selling, give me first dibs,” Ethan joked.
Lilian smiled. “Sure, if the price is right p>
Ethan shook his head. “Still the same little money-grubber p>
They walked toward the cutting area, and the others tagged along, saying they’d never seen the process before.
The cutting zone was packed with people-some gambling on their stones, others just watching.
Lilian and her group found an empty cutting machine. Her stones were laid out on the platform. The stone mason glanced at them and asked, “Need cutting lines p>
Lilian took a pen and casually marked a few lines. “Just follow these p>
In truth, she could gauge the stone’s potential with just glance.
Ethan watched her draw casually and asked, “You sure p>
Stone gambling was serious business, after all.
Lilian answered easily, “I’m sure. I’ve got a pretty good gut instinct.” She even threw in a playful wink.
Ethan gazed at her with warm, indulgent eyes, completely unaware of how soft his expression had become.
Nancy saw his face and her eyes darkened. Her tone tured sharp. “Little girl, stone gambling isn’t based on gut feelings. If all businesspeople relied on instinct, they’d go broke. Just don’t try too hard to show off. It’s best to stick to things you actually know p>
Lilian easily caught the sarcasm. Her voice was lazy but irm. “That’s really not your business, especially since we barely know each other p>
Then she turned to Ethan and added, “Picking stones al picking women-same rule. Gotta keep your eyes wide open. Don’t get fooled by appearances p>
“You-!” Nancy turned red with fury, but Joy quickly tugged her arm and whispered, “Let it go. Talk later p>
She’d been watching all morning. It was obvious this gin wasn’t to be messed with—and Ethan’s attitude made it even clearer. If Nancy kept pressing, it would only end badly.
Ethan chuckled. “Got it. When I pick a girlfriend, I’ll run her by you first p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.