Chapter 62 He Lies
"Twelve thousand one hundred dollars," the man said with a pleading look. "Miss, please let me have this pearl. My wife has always wanted a collector-grade black pearl ring, and I haven't been able to give her one all these years. Now she has cancer, and I just want to give it to her before her surgery." As he spoke, two tears rolled down from the corners of his eyes, making him look deeply devoted.
Jennifer felt sympathetic and gave up bidding. Maybe she could find other suitable pearls - this man needed it more than she did. However, during the rest of her shopping, although she selected some good quality pearls ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, she never encountered such a stunning collector-grade pearl again.
After spending the afternoon at the pearl market, Declan suggested they relax at the beach, and Betty jumped with joy. Jennifer said somewhat dejectedly, "I'm a bit tired, you guys go ahead." Seeing she wasn't happy, they tried to persuade her, but Jennifer said apologetically, "I'm fine, you two enjoy the beach. I'd feel even worse if I ruined your fun."
Declan had to take Betty to the beach. But he could tell that Jennifer felt some regret about giving up that pearl in the afternoon, and he needed to find a way to cheer her up.
That evening back at the hotel, Declan knocked on Jennifer's door. "Jennifer, are you asleep? I have good news for you."
Jennifer wasn't asleep. She straightened her clothes and opened the door.
"Look what this is." Declan pulled out a box. "What a coincidence - we ran into that man who bought the pearl at the beach. He found another pearl that was even more suitable, so he sold this one to me."
It was the collector-grade black pearl Jennifer had missed. Even under the dim hallway lights, its luster was still warm and captivating. Jennifer covered her mouth in surprise. "That man is really lucky to find two such amazing pearls in a row!" She didn't doubt it, only asked Declan how much he paid so she could reimburse him.
But Declan smiled calmly. "No need. As long as you like it, I'm happy. Consider it my thanks for keeping Betty and me company on this trip - she's so noisy, and you didn't complain about her once." Actually, that man was a merchant who could sell the pearl at a high price after some processing. The story about his wife with cancer was just something he made up. Declan had paid quite a bit more for the pearl, but he couldn't bear to tell Jennifer the truth and upset her.
Jennifer pushed the box back. "No, it's too expensive."
But Declan said, "We're friends at least, right? Can't I even give you a gift at this price? Francis gives you dresses and jewelry worth millions of dollars - am I not even worth one percent of him?"
Jennifer quickly denied it. "That's not what I meant. Of course, we're friends."
Declan pressed the box into her hands. "If you consider me a friend, take it. At worst, you can treat us to dinner tomorrow to return the favor." He acted like he'd be upset if she refused again, so Jennifer had to agree.
Having found a suitable pearl, the next day's schedule was more relaxed. For dinner, Declan had reserved the local famous mountaintop rotating restaurant to taste local seafood. Betty flipped through the brochure and said, "Declan, don't you really want to go to this romantic spot alone with Jennifer? Having me along must be awkward."
Declan looked serious. "Betty, don't talk nonsense. Jennifer will take you seriously."
Jennifer also said, "We agreed - I'm treating today, so don't try to grab the check later."
Betty looked at Declan with disdain. "Declan, you're actually letting the beautiful Ms. Brown treat you to dinner. You're so cheap - did you go bankrupt?"
Declan said, "Jennifer insisted. What could I do?"
Jennifer said disapprovingly, "Betty, when Declan offers to pay, that's him being a gentleman. But he and I are friends, and friendship means give and take, so I need to treat him back."
Betty pouted. "I know, Ms. Brown."
When the three entered the rotating restaurant, it was dusk. The restaurant was on a mountaintop by the sea with an excellent view. The soft red sun hung on the horizon where sea met sky - above was a dreamy purple sky, below was dark blue ocean. A waiter led them to a table by the window. Just as they sat down, Jennifer heard the sound of breaking glass. In the quiet restaurant, the crisp sound stood out, and her eyes naturally turned toward it - only to see someone completely unexpected.
It was Francis! He wore a dark brown suit and was waving for a waiter to come and clean up. At his feet was a broken wine glass. More importantly, sitting across from him was a mature woman with a seductive smile. She wore glamorous makeup and carried herself elegantly, dabbing her fingertips with a napkin.
The woman across from Francis was Yasmin Crestwood, daughter of an oil tycoon. She was thirty years old, two years older than Francis, and had been married, but her husband died in an accident last year. This wasn't her first meeting with Francis - they were mainly discussing an oil field development project, but she also wanted to invite Francis to spend the night. She hadn't expected Francis to refuse her extended hand and knock over his wine glass. After wiping her fingers clean, she asked unhurriedly, "Why such a big reaction, Mr. Carter? Didn't we have a pleasant time last time?"
Francis coughed lightly and said, "Sorry, but I have a girlfriend now." In the past, he wouldn't have minded enjoying a few days with this beautiful Yasmin. But thinking of the photos Jennifer had sent him these past two days, his heart softened. Although he hadn't made any promises, if she knew he'd been with another woman, she would definitely be heartbroken. He didn't want to hurt her anymore.
Jennifer watched from afar. She couldn't hear their quiet conversation, only saw the faint smiles on their faces - they seemed to be chatting happily. She bit her lip, which turned pale. He lied about being busy with work - was his work having dinner with this woman? He suddenly canceled on her trip to Bluebay City, then immediately showed up at a romantic restaurant with another woman - what did he think she was?
Declan noticed something was wrong and asked with concern, "Jennifer, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"
Jennifer shook her head and looked down at the menu. Just as Declan was about to turn around, she pressed her hand on his shoulder. "Nothing to see. The oysters here are very fresh - let's order some."
Declan laughed cheerfully. "Order whatever you like. I love it all."
Yasmin raised an eyebrow and looked at Francis with some surprise. "Mr. Carter suddenly being so pure-hearted - I'm really not used to it." She tossed down her napkin and stood up. "In that case, let's call it a day."
Francis stood up. "I'll take you back to your hotel."