Chapter 181

Damian Cross arched an eyebrow, a rare glint of pride flickering in his eyes.

"Of course. My wife has impeccable taste."

Elias Vaughn nearly choked on his tea. "..." Was this peacock-strutting tone really coming from the aloof Oscar-winning actor he knew?

Shaking his head with a chuckle, Elias conceded, "Alright, alright. You two are the ultimate power couple."

It seemed Aria Bennett hadn't just reversed Damian's fortunes—she'd reshaped his entire personality.

"Damian, care to join me at next month's Myanmar jade auction?" Elias swirled his teacup. "Let's carve up a few imperial-grade stones and leave the Valmont family starving."

Damian, initially disinterested, sharpened his gaze. "Deal."

Nothing pleased him more than cutting off his enemies' lifelines.

Meanwhile, the director hurried over, excitement bubbling. "There's a small auction this afternoon. Interested?"

Caleb Monroe perked up. "Jade roughs?"

"Premium selections," the director whispered. "Rumor has it there's a showstopping glass-grade specimen."

Aria toyed with the jade pendant around her neck. "Let's take a look."

Sunlight glinted off the polished stone, but its luster paled against the cunning spark in her eyes.

The director rubbed his hands. "Ms. Bennett, any plans to sell the jade you uncovered?"

"Not for sale." She tucked the pendant into her collar. "I have other uses for it."

Caleb winked conspiratorially. "Say no more!"

Their cryptic exchange piqued everyone's curiosity, though no one dared probe further with cameras rolling.

"Lunch first," the director announced. "Auction starts at three."

During the break, livestreams paused.

Aria suddenly frowned, grabbing Kieran Doyle as he passed. "Your brother—is he at the construction site today?"

Kieran blinked. "Uh, yeah? Why?"

"Call him. Now." Her voice turned urgent. "Tell him to evacuate his current position immediately."

Though bewildered, Kieran dialed. "Bro! Don't move!"

Construction clamor blared through the receiver. "What? I'm inspecting progress—"

"Run left! NOW!" Kieran's voice cracked with panic.

A deafening crash erupted through the phone, followed by screams.

"Holy—!" Kieran Doyle Jr.'s voice shook. "The crane's steel beam just collapsed!"

The two-ton girder had smashed precisely where he'd stood seconds earlier, cratering the concrete half a meter deep.

Kieran's knees buckled.

"Ms. Bennett... she told me to call..." He trembled. "Said you were in mortal danger..."

Silence. Then—

"Thank the seer for me." Kieran Jr. exhaled sharply. "I'll deliver my gratitude in person."

Hanging up, Kieran turned glassy eyes to Aria. "You saved his life..."

Aria traced invisible patterns in the air. "The calamity was fated, but today his stars shielded him."

Her fingertip brushed Kieran's forehead. "The shadow over your fraternal bond has lifted."

The lounge plunged into stunned silence.

Every trainee now regarded Aria with something akin to reverence.