Chapter 190
Given the task of selecting a birthday present, Flora took on the significant responsibility with gusto.
Raul and Henrik felt it was a good idea to let Flora prepare, seeing it as an opportunity for her to eventually stand on her own two feet If Flora’s gift wasn’t suitable, they had backup gifts ready.
“Mr. Josiah has a keen interest in antiques. You might want to consider selecting some emerald pieces or paintings, Henrik advised.
Sticking to these options was a surefire way to avoid mistakes.
Early the next day, Flora got up, quickly got ready, and set out to pick a gift for Josiah. She didn’t head to the financial district but ventured into the alleys of some old towns instead.
Her brother had mentioned that Josiah was interested in antiques, which were not found in the financial district’s mainstream shopping areas. The more hidden the place, the better the quality of antiques.
After browsing for a while, Flora entered an emerald shop that looked a bit worn down.
The shopkeeper, sleeping behind the counter, perked up at the sight of a customer. “Welcome! We have all kinds of genuine emerald pieces. What are you looking for?”
A quick glance told Flora that the shop sold both genuine and fake items, a common practice among most emerald shops.
Without pointing this out, Flora noticed that despite some fakes, the genuine items were of good quality. There were indeed some treasures to be found
“Let me see that one,” Flora pointed to a painting. It was perfect as a birthday gift for an elder.
The shopkeeper, all smiles, handed it over, “You’ve got a great eye! This is a masterpiece from the Renaissance period, priceless!” Flora ignored the shopkeeper’s exaggeration. While the painting was indeed from the Renaissance era, it wasn’t as valuable as he claimed.
“How much for this?”
The shopkeeper eyed Flora, assurning she was an easy mark. “For you, just fifty thousand!” Flora chuckled. Fifty thousand… The shopkeeper must have thought she was born yesterday.
“Selene! Look at that painting. It’s quite nice! I think Josiah would love it!”
A familiar voice rang out from behind Flora, making her feel as if it was a small world after all,
Yvonne, arm in arm with Selene, walked in. Upon seeing Flora, her expression darkened. “It’s you again!”
Flora was equally exasperated, wanting to echo the sentiment.
“Do the three of you know each other? Even better!” The shopkeeper, oblivious to the tension, assumed they were friends. “This young lady has excellent taste. She chose this Renaissance painting first. What can I get for the two of you?” “We’ll take the painting!” Yvonne declared, giving Flora a challenging look and hugging the painting to her chest.
She wouldn’t let Flora get what she wanted.
“But… The shopkeeper hesitated, glancing at Flora. “She was interested first… He ran his business with principles.
“Whatever she’s offering, I’ll double it!”
“Let her have it then. I wasn’t that keen on it, Flora said, turning her attention elsewhere.
Her eyes settled on an emerald pendant, her gaze sharpening.
It’s a high–quality piece of warm emerald, perfect for wearing close to the skin to aid sleep and prolong life–a truly nurturing stone.
“Could I take a look at this emerald pendant?
Hearing Flora’s interest in the pendant, the shopkeeper took another look at her. From the moment she walked in, her choices had been impeccable.
It seemed he had underestimated her, mistaking her youth for inexperience when she was, in fact, quite the connoisseur