“Constance, can you help me carry this? My hands are sore, I have no strength left,” Elisa said.
The two of them stood at the doorway, struggling to push the fruit basket back and forth. Eventually, upon hearing Elisa’s cry of pain, the homeowner reluctantly took the fruit basket from her.
She invited Elisa to sit down and then poured a glass of lemon honey water, placing it on the coffee table.
“How have you been feeling these past few days? Uncomfortable?” she asked.
“I just don’t have much of an appetite and feel like throwing up, but otherwise, I’m okay,” Elisa replied.
“Such a reaction is normal, but if you’re really uncomfortable, you should go to the hospital. When I was pregnant with my son, I didn’t have an appetite for anything. My husband spent all his time researching food for me and took me out to relax. That made me feel better. By the way, when I had no appetite, I liked to eat sour things, like lemon slices. Why don’t you try it? Have a sip.”
Upon hearing these words from the homeowner, Elisa felt both touched and envious. She envied her for having a caring husband and felt sorry for her dealing with pregnancy discomfort.
Elisa picked up the glass of lemon water in front of her. It was pleasantly sweet and sour, and she nodded, “It’s good.”
“As long as you like it. I also liked to drink this when I was pregnant, but don’t drink too much; it’s heavy on sugar. I’ll fill a bottle for you to take back and dilute for yourself, to have as afternoon tea,” the homeowner said.
Elisa didn’t refuse the homeowner’s kindness and nodded in agreement.
The homeowner was very hospitable. At that moment, she went to wash some fruit. There was an abundance of fruit in season: peaches, waxberries, grapes, and cherries. She washed a large plate and placed it in front of Elisa, looking at her somewhat weary face, urging her to eat more.
The homeowner had many questions about Elisa. Why had she come to this unfamiliar place alone while pregnant? And how had she managed to have her nails removed from her hands? Who was the child’s father, and why had he abandoned her?
Everyone is curious, but although the homeowner was puzzled, she never asked too much. Firstly, her relationship with Elisa was still unfamiliar, and secondly, it was Elisa’s private matter. Out of respect, she felt it wasn’t right to ask too much.
However, considering that Elisa was alone, she took extra care of her, hoping she could quickly integrate into this place.
“What did you want to ask me about?”
“I wanted to ask if there’s a place here that sells jewelry.”
“There isn’t one in the small town, but there should be in the county. However, if you want a good price for selling jewelry, it’s best to go to the city.”
Elisa didn’t dare to go to the city. Hamish was looking for her at the moment, and the city’s search area was extensive; Hamish could be waiting for her there.
“The city is too far. I wanted to ask about the county, or if you know anyone who would like to buy jewelry.”
The homeowner thought for a moment, hesitated, and then asked, “If it’s convenient, could you show it to me?”
Elisa opened her bag and took out an exquisite box. At just one glance, the homeowner knew that the jewelry inside was very valuable, indeed…
As Elisa opened the box, her eyes widened instantly. She had lived for thirty years and had never seen such a beautiful necklace. The combination of jade and diamonds had a seamless harmony.
“Wow, this is too beautiful,” the homeowner exclaimed. She subconsciously wanted to reach out and touch it but held back.
“What price are you thinking of?”
Elisa shook her head, “The higher the better, of course. When I bought this necklace, it was worth three and a half million. If I can sell it for a million, that would already be very good.”
“Three and a half million?!” Although she knew it was very expensive, she hadn’t expected it to be that expensive!
Three and a half million; this was like wearing the entire town’s wealth around one’s neck. The homeowner couldn’t help but be astonished and suddenly wanted to keep her distance from Elisa, fearing she might accidentally knock over the jewelry box.
“I’m afraid the county here can’t offer you the price you want, after all…” The homeowner didn’t finish her sentence.
Elisa also knew this, so she had been lowering her asking price in her mind, even down to five hundred thousand.
In fact, it would be best to sell it to a black market. Black market traders have various channels, and in the end, it would end up at an auction. At that time, not only would she be able to sell it for three and a half million, but she might even get five million.
The jewelry that Hamish gave her was all custom-made limited editions. Not only would their prices not drop, but the longer they were kept, the higher their value would become. They were worth collecting.
“I understand,” Elisa said.
Seeing her disappointed expression, the homeowner gently patted her shoulder, “Don’t be disheartened. I’ll ask around for you on Facebook later.”
“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?”
“Not at all, not at all. I’ll take a few photos and ask for you later.”
Elisa was preparing to go to the county to inquire about the price. Constance knew many people, but there was definitely no one within her reach who could buy this piece of jewelry. Therefore, Elisa didn’t hold much hope either.
The homeowner took out her phone and carefully took a few photos. Beautiful jewelry didn’t need any touch-ups; they always look good no matter how you look at them. If she had the money, she would definitely buy it.
“Don’t show off your wealth. You should keep this necklace safe and not let others see it.”
“I understand. Caution is essential.”
Seeing that she truly understood, the homeowner didn’t say anything more to remind her.
“Elisa, I’ve always been quite curious about you, your background, and why you have such valuable things on you?”
Elisa seemed to have a difficult secret, and after hesitating for a while, she said, “Constance, something happened in my family, but rest assured, I haven’t done anything illegal. These are all mine.”
The homeowner had never doubted Elisa’s character. After all, having spent two months with her, she knew her temperament and character well, and she imagined a story of a “fallen heiress.”
“Don’t think too much. I haven’t doubted you. I just want to say that if you have any difficulties, you can tell me. You came to this place alone, pregnant, and without any family. You might as well regard me as your sister.”
“Constance, aren’t you already my sister?” Elisa replied with a faint smile.
“True. I’m very glad to have such a beautiful younger sister like you.”
…
Elisa saw that it was almost time and prepared to go to town to buy some groceries.
The homeowner escorted her to the door and then took out her phone, looked through some photos, and edited a post on Facebook, uploading the picture.
“-Interested parties, please message for the price.”
The necklace looked too beautiful in the photo. As soon as it was posted, people started asking about the price and the materials.
“It’s so beautiful, are those real diamonds?”
“How much is it?”
“They didn’t use a filter, did they?”
“It looks expensive. A girl from a humble background like me doesn’t deserve to have it.”
…
There were many comments under the post, but very few private messages. Throughout the day, only one or two people mustered the courage to ask about the price.
When the homeowner revealed the price of 3. 5 million, they all hesitated and stepped back.
…
Elisa went to town, bought some groceries, and returned home. She made sweet and sour spare ribs and a vegetable soup.
After lunch, she packed her bag and placed the necklace in a compartment, deciding to go to the county the next day to inquire about the price.