Chapter 181

Ethan Smith arched an eyebrow, a rare glint of pride flickering in his eyes.

"Of course. My wife has impeccable taste."

Evan York 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, Evan conceded, "Alright, alright. You two are the ultimate power couple."

It seemed Lucy White hadn't just reversed Ethan's fortunes—she'd reshaped his entire personality.

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

Ethan, 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?"

Robert Lee perked up. "Jade roughs?"

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

Lucy 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. White, any plans to sell the jade you uncovered?"

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

Robert 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.

Lucy suddenly frowned, grabbing Ryan Clark as he passed. "Your brother—is he at the construction site today?"

Ryan blinked. "Uh, yeah? Why?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Holy—!" Ryan Clark 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.

Ryan's knees buckled.

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

Silence. Then—

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

Hanging up, Ryan turned glassy eyes to Lucy. "You saved his life..."

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

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

The lounge plunged into stunned silence.

Every trainee now regarded Lucy with something akin to reverence.