Chapter 13

Isabella and Amelia strolled into the swankiest jewelry store in the city, where many wealthy individuals had custom jewelry made, as it was also the most authoritative gem appraisal institution.'

As soon as they told the staff why they were there, the head honcho appraiser was called in right away.

The staff were sharp. The moment they saw Isabella, they connected the dots to the Williams Family, the biggest name in the city, and knew they had to be on their A-game.

"Mrs. Taylor, please show me the jewelry you want appraised," the appraiser said, gesturing politely.

Isabella slipped off her bracelet and handed it over. The appraiser carefully placed it on a soft pad and got to work.

Under the light, the emerald bracelet seemed to glow faintly.

But then, an irritating voice cut through the air. "Well, if it isn't Isabella from the Taylor Family. Has your family fallen so low that you're here to sell jewelry to make ends meet?"

Isabella and Amelia turned to see a woman with permed hair. She was pretty, but her words were like daggers.

"Pearl, I think it's best if we end this conversation now." Isabella shot back, giving Pearl Brown a cold look.

Pearl was from the Brown Family, who had taken the Taylor Family's spot among the city's elite. Isabella couldn't stand the Browns, especially after her family's downfall.

Pearl's face twisted with anger at Isabella's retort.

"I heard John's into Bianca now. How sad for you! Did he cut you off, so now you're selling jewelry to get by?" Pearl sneered, thinking she'd hit a nerve. Little did she know, Isabella couldn't care less about John anymore.

"I'm just here to get this piece appraised. If you've got nothing better to do, back off," Isabella disdainfully remarked.

"You!" Pearl spat, but her bodyguard quickly held her back.

Pearl remembered she couldn't afford to lose her cool. The Brown Family, now one of the top families, was under scrutiny for their lack of class. They were trying hard to appear more refined in public.

Taking a deep breath, Pearl put on a haughty expression and looked at Isabella.

"How could the Taylor Family still have such treasures? I bet it's a fake, and you fell for it," Pearl smirked.

Isabella didn't want to waste her breath on Pearl, but Amelia couldn't hold back.

"Pearl, have you forgotten how your Brown Family used to grovel when the Taylor Family was on top?" Amelia's words hit a nerve.

The Browns had indeed relied on the Taylors in the past. Their rise was seen as a betrayal, and they hated being reminded of it.

Pearl noticed people were starting to watch, so she quickly switched gears. "Alright, Isabella, how about a bet? I say that bracelet's a fake. If I win, you both have to kneel and apologize to me."

"And if we win?" Isabella shot back, turning to face Pearl.

Pearl almost blurted out, "How could I lose?" but with all eyes on her, she had to think twice.

"If I lose, then I..." Pearl hesitated. The thought of kneeling and apologizing to Isabella, someone she loathed, was unbearable.

Isabella smirked, letting Pearl stew for a moment. "If you lose, you owe me $10 million. Deal?"

Pearl was stunned but quickly agreed, confident she wouldn't lose.

Amelia pulled Isabella aside, whispering, "Are you sure about this? What if the bracelet's fake? Are you really gonna apologize to that witch Pearl?"

Isabella patted Amelia's hand, smiling. "I trust my husband. He wouldn't lie to me."

Amelia rolled her eyes, still skeptical. She couldn't understand Isabella's faith in Michael, especially since they hadn't known each other long.

Isabella and Pearl stood by the appraiser, waiting for the verdict.

After a thorough examination, the appraiser gently placed the bracelet back on the pad.

"After careful appraisal, this bracelet is authentic and an antique," he announced seriously.

Isabella's face lit up with a smile, while Pearl's turned anxious.

"No way. How could this shabby bracelet be real? Are you lying to me? Are you scared of the Williams Family?" Pearl accused, glaring at the appraiser.

The appraiser frowned. "Ms. Brown, are you questioning my integrity? I swear, this bracelet is genuine. It's over 100 years old and worth around $40 million. "

Pearl was speechless. No one doubted the appraiser's word; he was renowned and deeply religious.

Amelia couldn't help but laugh at Pearl's sour expression. "A $10 million bet, huh? So, Ms. Brown, card or cash?"

Pearl's face darkened. "I don't have that kind of money on me. Give me a few days."

"Trying to dodge payment? No way. You need to write an IOU," Amelia insisted, giving Isabella a nudge.

"Does the Brown Family have no integrity?" Pearl snapped, glaring at them.

Isabella looked at Pearl coolly, then turned to the appraiser.

"Sir, you heard our bet. Please be our witness," Isabella said.

The appraiser politely responded, "Ms. Taylor, if you decide to take legal action, I will testify."