Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 75

Chapter 5

However, Nydia soon realized, "You really made up your mind? Going abroad, leaving Berton?"

Jean Collins nodded. "There's something else. You know more about jewelry; can you take a look at

this? How much do you think it's worth?"

"I don't have any channels for diamonds, but darling, I have this."

Jean saw the invitation to the jewelry auction and knew Nydia was reliable.

Nydia usually dealt with jade, and diamonds would fetch a much lower price.

This auction was attended by experts, and if Jean could connect with some people, at least she wouldn't be severely underbid.

A few days later, Jean decided to move out of the shallow water bay villa.

She thought it best to give a heads-up, but when she called, it was Joy Snow who answered: "Berton is busy helping Winni pick out dresses. He really thinks of himself as the Snow family's son-in-law! Don't bother them!"

The busy signal made Jean feel self-deprecating; it didn't matter whether she was there or not.

In the evening, Jean was unaware of the grand scale of the jewelry auction. Dressed in a simple dress, she hurried over. Once inside, she realized everyone else had come prepared.

Remembering the money in her pocket, she straightened her back. Although the jewelry was expensive, she could afford it.

The crowd surged, gathering towards the central display. On stage, the spotlight revealed Berton, standing next to Winni.

The jewelry Winni wore was the high-grade jade Nydia had shown Jean a few days ago.

It was valued and cherished.

Thinking back to the gifts Berton had given her, they were always chosen by his assistant from the mall-careless and hasty.

She had always made excuses for Berton, but now it seemed he simply didn't care.

na to My Substitute

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Chapter

"Thanks to the Snow Group for sponsoring this auction. Now, we officially begin."

Winni linked arms with Berton as they took their seats.

The first item was a colorful spring bracelet. Jean watched as Winni whispered something to Berton, who then raised the bid from 100,000 to a million in an instant.

"Such a generous spender! No wonder Mr. Snow is so magnanimous! I heard Miss Winni is his first love, the one he couldn't have. Now that she's back, he must be trying to win her back!" "Isn't Mr. Snow engaged? So, is Miss Winni the mistress?"

"What mistress? Haven't you heard? She's the first love; that's the real deal! And I know the inside

scoop-

Mr. Snow's family is pressuring him. That woman is supposedly deaf; how could she possibly be worthy of Mr. Snow?"

The crowd below praised their love, as if that could somehow involve them in their lives. Each word felt like a needle piercing Jean's heart, and she couldn't bear to listen any longer. She moved to the exhibition hall.

Although it was an auction gala, some jewelry was displayed with clear prices, available for immediate purchase.

Despite having many connections, none were Jean's, and after several setbacks, she felt a bit i disheartened.

She stopped in front of a pink diamond ring.

Looking at the price tag, she remembered Berton had given her a pink diamond brooch, which was of even better quality. Surely it would fetch a higher price.

"Miss, is this pink diamond your favorite?"

Seeing the newcomer, Jean quickly shook her head. "No."

After hearing her denial, the person called over a staff member, stating he wanted to place a bid.

"I noticed you standing here for a while; I thought you were trying to steal someone's love."

Jean's mind raced. "No, no! Sir, you're quite generous. I wonder if you'd be interested in seeing a pink diamond brooch I have."

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Chapter 5

They quickly exchanged WhatsAPP contacts and arranged a time to meet.

Later, Jean learned through Nydia that the man was Duke Austin, a well-known collector.

Aware that her attire wasn't suitable for lingering near the exhibits, Jean headed to the dining area to rest and scout for another potential buyer interested in diamonds. The grand champagne tower was extravagant.

"Miss Jean, even if Berton doesn't love you, you don't need to dress so poorly, looking like a country bumpkin."

Turning around, she saw Winni sizing her up.