Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 940

"I've never seen anything like this before! These raw stones are incredible!" Kendrick's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Helen was about to make a playful remark when a mocking voice cut through the air.

"You call this good stuff? What you're gawking at are mere trinkets, fit only for amateurs. The real treasures are still hidden; those are the true rare gems."

The man sneered at Kendrick like he was a fool, but his look turned lecherous when it shifted to Helen.

Helen knew that voice all too well. It was Freddie. She didn't even bother to turn to look. Instead, she kept her focus on the raw stones with Kendrick, her eyes moving methodically over the collection.

Suddenly, her gaze was locked in a specific direction.

"Kendrick," she said, nudging him with her elbow and nodding toward the spot. "Take a closer look over there. See anything interesting?"

Kendrick glanced over, confused. There were dozens of raw stones piled up; it was hard to see anything special.

Behind them, Freddie laughed, "Sweetheart, hasn't anyone told you? The finest stones are never in the outer hall. Even for the Chosen One, the best stones come from the inner hall."

He sneered, "With skills like that, you think you can compete with me? Looks like we're in for some fun."

Helen ignored him and tugged Kendrick toward the pile of gems. "Look more closely," she insisted.

Kendrick couldn't deny Freddie had a point, but Helen was in charge. Reluctantly, he began examining each stone more carefully.

Helen wasn't idle, either. She silently repeated the tips given by the old man in her mind while quickly scanning the nearby raw stones, occasionally picking one up to weigh in her hand.

Most people at the gemstone auction were there for the chance to strike it rich in the inner hall, so they lingered in the outer hall just to pass the time and chat. Almost no one paid attention to the stones on display.

Nearly half the hall watched her with pity. In their eyes, Helen was clearly lacking any talent. They were convinced the raw stone Helen chose wouldn't yield anything valuable.

Helen calmly watched the staff record her choice when a figure suddenly approached.

"Ms. Spencer," Laura said, her tone almost too polite, "I feel it's important to let you know that the stones in the outer hall are generally of lower quality. The chance of finding a fine emerald here is slim."

Helen was genuinely surprised. How many times had Laura tried to extend a gesture of kindness toward her? Had she gone mad, not only tolerating her man's infidelity but also embracing and protecting the woman he loved?

"Thank you for the advice," Helen replied. "But I believe that neither stones nor people should be judged too hastily. Until the very end, no one can definitively say this raw stone is worthless."

Helen's words were measured and confident, not loud but clear enough for everyone watching to hear.