Chapter 43

Evelina and Florrie were seated in an unmarked corporate car in the parking lot outside the pawnshop.

Jasper rarely allowed Florrie to accompany Evelina on outings, which made Florrie exceptionally excited today!

"Do you really think Esme will pawn those earrings? They're quite famous and unique," Florrie asked with a hint of doubt.

She personally would have sacrificed two villas before letting go of such precious earrings.

Designed by the illustrious Kristine Carpenter, who only crafted one jewelry piece per year for a predestined owner, those earrings were highly coveted worldwide.

Collectors globally vied for Carpenter's creations, fully aware that their value would only appreciate significantly/over time.

Evelina responded with certainty, "Yes, she will. I've asked for a hundred million to perform your eye surgery.Esme is desperate not to be discovered, and she'll surely scramble to assemble the funds."

Esme's family business overseas wasn't substantial enough to free up a hundred million quickly.

Her brother Sebastian had tied up his assets in the stock market, rendering him unable to assist.

And with the Gibson Group currently embroiled in severe financial woes, Esme was left with no choice but to liquidate her most prized possession.

The Russell family's bodyguard leaned in and whispered, "Ms. Marsh, she'sarrived."

Evelina observed Esme walking into the pawnshop, Sebastian by her side.

About thirty minutes later, the pawnshop owner called Evelina to confirm that the transaction was complete.

Afterward,Esme and Sebastian exited the pawnshop.

Florrie, astonished, asked, "Evelina, how did you know Esme would come to this pawnshop? There are many in Aglonard."

Evelina responded with a smile, "This pawnshop is the only one in town capable of handling a hundred million in cash, and I gave her an interest rate that's half of what others offered. How could she resist?"

"Is this pawnshop yours?" Florrie asked,impressed.

While many heiresses Florrie knew depended on their family's influence and wealth, Evelina had carved out her own path.

"Why don't we go in and have a closer look? You've always admired those Starry Nlight earrings, haven't you?"

Evelina took Florrie's hand, and they exited the car, with the Russell family's bodyguards trailing them.

Before Florrie's vision had faded, she had once seen the earrings and had always cherished that memory,though she had never touched them.

Inside the private viewing suite of the pawnshop, Evelina not only allowed Florrie to handle the earrings but also helped her try them on.

"Idris's daughter has a birthday next month. You can wear these until then, just make sure not to lose them."

"Are you serious, Evelina?" Florrie couldn't contain her excitement. "Please, take plenty of pictures for me.I want to see them all once I can see properly again."

Evelina laughed warmly. "It seems you've really taken a liking to these earrings."

"But it's not only the earrings," Florrie quickly added, her enthusiasm undimmed. "The Ocean of Stars sapphire necklace is breathtaking too. I've only ever seen it in photos, but it's magnificent."

"Ah,that necklace is also my favorite," Evelina replied, thrilled to discover their shared taste.

"Kristine crafted that three years ago, didn't she? Since then, she hasn't produced anything new. Maybe she's lost her muse?"

This remark resonated deeply with Evelina.

She had spent the last three years focused on her duties as a wife and daughter-in-law, healing Cary's vision, which had caused her to neglect her own desires.

The name Kristine had almost slipped from her memory.

"That's tragic, considering Kristine's stature as a world-renowned designer," Florrie said sadly.

"She won't stop creating," Evelina said, looking into Florrie's earnest eyes, which sparked a renewed sense of inspiration within her.

She grinned mischievously. "I predict Kristine will reveal a new sapphire necklace this year, named Angel's Eye!"

Florrie pouted slightly, playful suspicion in her tone. "You're just poulling my leg, aren't you?"

Florrie was no longer a child; did Evelina really think she could be tricked with fantasies?

"Why don't we place a bet then?" Evelina suggested, her tone playful.

She had taken Florrie out today not just for fun, but also to lighten her spirits before her important surgery.

"Here's the deal: if Kristine releases that necklace, it's yours-as long as you promise to follow through with your surgery without fuss."

Florrie's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously."Deal! But what happens if Kristine doesn't come up with anything new this year?"

In response, Evelina smiled warmly. "Then, Florrie, I owe you one wish-anything you want."

The joy in Florrie's eyes was unmistaable. She briefly contemplated the endless possibilities, then blurted out, "If that happens, then you have to marry Uncle Jasper-that's my wish!"

Evelina was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by Florrie's cheeky demand.

Laughing together, they made their way back to Morningstar Villas, unaware that they were about to encounter someone unexpected waiting for them at home.