Chapter 32 May I Ask Your Husband's Surname?
Clara Bennett felt a tightness in her chest and exchanged a tense glance with Anna. Anna looked back at her with concern.
"Why does she want to see you?" Anna frowned. "She's definitely up to no good! Clara, be careful!"
"It's okay," Clara said calmly, walking confidently into Stacy Chen's office.
Stacy deliberately left the blinds and the door open, ensuring that everyone outside could see what was happening inside.
Clara was puzzled. It seemed Stacy didn't intend to confront her directly.
After all, with so many eyes watching.
"Clara, this is Mr. Simon Carter from BrightStar Corporation," Stacy introduced with a smile. "Mr. Carter, this is our company's top salesperson this month!"
Clara nodded politely, but the more she looked at Stacy's expression, the more she felt Anna was right.
Up to no good...
Mr. Simon Carter was a refined middle-aged man. From the moment Clara entered, his eyes were fixed on the emerald ring on her finger and didn't move away.
"Clara, you're really lucky today!" Stacy smirked.
"Don't let Mr. Carter's businessman appearance fool you; he's quite accomplished in gemstone and jewelry appraisal!
Mr. Carter is also a permanent member of the Jewelry Association, and many jewelry stores have invited him for appraisals.
Ha, Mr. Carter's eyes are as precise as any instrument; he can tell the real from the fake with just a glance! "
"Mr. Carter," she turned to Simon Carter, "what do you think of the ring on Clara's hand?"
Clara's heart was pounding, and she instinctively covered the ring with her hand.
Simon Carter stood up and smiled politely. "Miss Clara, may I take a look?"
Clara hesitated. By now, curious colleagues were peering in from outside. Stacy crossed her arms, a cold smile on her lips, clearly enjoying the show.
"Mr. Carter, this ring isn't valuable," Clara said softly. "I just wear it casually; there's nothing special about it. It's not worth your time."
"Is that so?" Stacy interjected sharply. "Ha, but I heard someone say it's her wedding ring!"
"Clara, why be so stingy? Mr. Carter is interested in gemstones and jewelry; just let him take a look! He's a major client for our company; don't offend him!"
Clara took a deep breath, finally understanding Stacy's true intention in leaving the door and windows open.
She paused for a few seconds, then expressionlessly took off the ring and placed it on the desk.
Simon Carter smiled, put on a pair of white gloves, and took out a professional Charles filter from his bag. He carefully picked up the ring and examined it closely.
The more he looked, the more his expression changed.
Clara felt nervous. Last night, Mason Reed had told her the ring wasn't worth much... Now Stacy had brought in a jewelry expert just to have him declare the ring a fake and embarrass her in front of everyone.
"Miss Clara," Simon Carter suddenly spoke. "Where did you get this ring?"
Clara noticed his serious and shocked expression and found it strange.
"It's from my husband; it's my wedding ring. Is there a problem?"
Simon Carter widened his eyes. "May I ask your husband's... surname?"
Clara frowned, wondering why he was asking this out of the blue. But she maintained her politeness and answered softly, "His surname is Reed."
Simon Carter was taken aback, his doubts not only remaining but deepening.
How could it be Reed? The subtle totem on the ring's band was clearly the mark of the Harrington family from Central City!
If he wasn't mistaken, this ring was a family heirloom of the Harrington family, worn by an ancestor who was a noble concubine.
Stacy also noticed Simon Carter's unusual expression and couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Carter, what's wrong with the ring? Ha, is it fake?"
The crowd outside grew larger, whispering and discussing.
Clara bit her lip lightly and discreetly took the ring back, slipping it onto her ring finger again.
"This ring is not only not fake, but it's extremely valuable," Simon Carter said, removing his gloves. "This gemstone is an emerald, and the band is made of pure gold from the Humal River mine. Although the ring's style is old, it's very valuable."
"What?" Stacy's expression changed. "Mr. Carter... are you sure?"
"Are you questioning my professional ability, Manager Stacy?"
"No, no, that's not what I meant..."
Simon Carter glanced at her disapprovingly, then turned to Clara with a warm smile. "Miss Clara, this emerald is extremely rare in terms of hardness, purity, and size. If it were auctioned at Christie's, its value would be immeasurable!"
Clara was taken aback by his words.
The onlookers, who had been expecting a spectacle, were also shocked, whispering among themselves and looking at Clara with mixed emotions.
"I've heard that Miss Clara's sales proposals are excellent. I have a few business deals I'd like to discuss with your company. Would you be available now?"
Clara was momentarily stunned, then met Simon Carter's gentle eyes.
She smiled lightly. Why would she refuse business that came knocking at her door?
"Mr. Carter, please wait for me in the conference room. I'll bring you some tea and show you the sales proposals I've prepared."