Chapter 21
But when he saw the picture on the screen, he lost interest and
looked down again.
The oval diamond was big but not pretty enough.
The auctioneer continued, “The size of this diamond ring is rare.
More intriguingly, it comes with a speaking device. Connected to
the phone, it can speak for the owner. It has many functions.”
Terrence looked up again to listen to the auctioneer attentively.
After the auctioneer declared the starting price, he raised his sign.
This was the first time Terrence was interested tonight. Krista
noticed it.
The auctioneer had tested it on a phone. The ring had an AI
system. It could simulate human voices.
Its former owner was mute. The husband developed it for his
wife.
Was Terrence buying it for Bethany?
Krista tapped on the recorder on her phone and put it in her
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pocket. She pretended she didn’t know Terrence was bidding.
“Terrence, this ring is perfect for Beth. With it, she’ll be able to communicate with people who don’t know the sign language. Buy it for her.”
Terrence’s eyes darkened.
After a moment, he said, “OK.”
Krista wore a faint smile.
But Terrence’s expression was complicated.
Other people were bidding for the diamond.
The size was tempting. But it wasn’t pretty in Terrence’s eyes.
He raised his sign again and again. At last, no one was competing
with him anymore.
He got the ring eventually.
Soon, it was the last piece.
Terrence kept looking ahead.
When the article was displayed, the guests exclaimed.
It was a platinum diamond tiara in the style of the Middle Ages. It
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glared under the lights.
In the center were seven rare chicken blood rubies. Each was
surrounded by diamonds. The rubies formed the shape of a heart.
With 999 supreme diamonds in total, the tiara was named
Burning Love.
All the women present were eager to have it.
Each time Terrence raised his sign, he more than doubled his
rival’s increment.
In the end, Terrence had the tiara.
Emery looked up and smiled, “Dad, did you buy the tiara for
Krista?”
Before Terrence replied, Krista put in, “Emery, don’t say that. The
tiara is invaluable. Your dad must’ve bought it for your mom.“”
Emery frowned. “My mom is always home. She doesn’t go to
parties. Why would she need a tiara? I think it suits Krista better.”
Then, he turned to Terrence. “Dad, what do you think?”
“Hmm. Your mom doesn’t need it.”
Krista’s smile widened.
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But since Terrence didn’t say explicitly that the tiara was for her,
Krista said no more.
The host held a banquet after the auction.
Krista knew Terrence didn’t like parties. So, she said, “Terrence,
I’m tired and wanna go back to the hotel.”
“OK.”
The auction group delivered the articles to them.
After paying, Terrence left with Krista and Emery.
As soon as they got into the car, Emery took out the tiara.
“Krista, I’ll help you put it on.”
“Emery, be good. This tiara is very expensive. I can’t take it.”
Seated on the side of Emery, Terrence said gently, “I bought it for
you.”
Krista looked down. She knew it was for her.
She was only waiting for a positive answer.
“Terrence, I know you’re trying to keep your promise. But we…”
Krista stopped midsentence and changed the subject. “It’s better to let Beth have the tiara. I had allergies at the hotel, and you let
me stay in your home. It upset her. If I take this tiara, she’ll be
angrier.”
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