Chapter 178

Olivia Davis had witnessed firsthand the miraculous effects of Lucy White's protective talisman.

Unable to contain her excitement, she planted a kiss on Lucy's cheek. "I adore you too!"

She resolved to prepare an extravagant gift for Lucy later—such precious jade talismans couldn't possibly be accepted without reciprocation.

As for whether Lucy's stones would yield nothing? The thought never crossed their minds.

Their affectionate display, flanking Lucy on either side, drew scowls from Ethan Smith and Michael Johnson trailing behind them.

Michael muttered sourly, "Since when did girls become so shameless? Canoodling in public like this."

Not that he'd ever admit to jealousy. After all, he hadn't even held Lucy's hand yet.

Remembering his pretentious aloofness during their past relationship made him want to travel back in time and slap some sense into his younger self.

Ethan surprisingly agreed. "Quite improper."

He hadn't even gotten to hold his future wife's hand, yet these two women were stealing kisses.

Their complaints carried clearly to the trio ahead.

Vanessa Knight turned with a triumphant smirk. "Sour grapes!"

Olivia added with a playful wink, "Lucy belongs to us!"

Though truthfully, they too felt slightly embarrassed by their impulsive displays.

Lucy sighed, touching her cheek. "These are supposed to be reserved for my boyfriend."

Vanessa pinched her rosy cheek affectionately. "Noted. We'll leave them for him next time."

The three dissolved into laughter, warmth blooming in Lucy's chest. Having close girlfriends was wonderful—something she'd lacked in her previous life when Michael had been her sole focus.

Their merry gathering attracted numerous envious glances, including a particularly icy stare from Fiona Von.

Seeing Lucy and Vanessa's closeness twisted Fiona's gut. This minor celebrity certainly had tricks—not only ensnaring two well-connected men but also befriending the Knight heiress.

What infuriated her more was Lucy snatching up all the prime rough stones she'd earmarked. Her planned grand debut was off to a disastrous start. Something felt fundamentally wrong about how events were unfolding.

Her only hope now lay in the afternoon auction. Spotting Ethan conversing amiely with Evan York, her brow furrowed. These two knew each other? This "Ethan Smith" required deeper investigation.

Soon, all participants had selected their stones.

Robert Lee asked eagerly, "Shall we head to the cutting area?"

As first-time stone gamblers, everyone was itching to see results. Olivia and Vanessa tugged Lucy along enthusiastically.

Thanks to celebrity privilege, others yielded their spots willingly. The production crew summoned additional lapidaries.

"Who wants to go first?" the director asked.

Robert and others volunteered eagerly while Lucy smiled. "I bought the most—I'll go last."

The cutting commenced.

Of Robert's six stones, only one yielded bean jade—a net loss. Yet he remained cheerful. "Better than I expected!"

William Jones fared worse—all five stones were duds. "Stone gambling carries risks," he warned the cameras wryly.

Olivia hit three out of six. While the first two were mediocre, the last revealed ice jade.

"Oh my god! Lucy, I love you!" She hugged Lucy fiercely—this was precisely the stone Lucy had recommended.

Vanessa also scored three from seven stones, the final one being premium ruby jade.

"Lucy, you're magical!" She twirled excitedly. "This'll make bangles for all three of us!"

It matched exactly what she'd casually wished for earlier.

Exchanging stunned glances, the two women saw identical realization—Lucy's luck bordered on supernatural.