The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 47
As Johanna sat on the comfortable sofa, the staff brought out tea, and soon a coordinator came in, carrying boxes made of velvet, displaying them one by one.
Inside the various-sized boxes lay an array of precious gems, including top-grade diamonds, all nestled snugly. As the boxes were opened and the gems awakened from their slumber, they emitted a brilliant glow. The dazzling sparkle was so overwhelming that just looking at them left her breathless.
From classic pearl jewelry sets to diamond earrings and rings, and necklaces crafted with teardrop-shaped sapphires, Johanna calmly selected the jewels.
She ended up choosing twenty different items. Although it seemed like she had chosen quite a lot, Leonid didn’t issue any command to stop.
Her heart fluttered with anxiety, unsure of how much more she should pick and whether it was okay to purchase so many. Having lived her life as an ordinary citizen, this extravagance was dizzying for Johanna.
Meanwhile, the coordinator seemed determined not to miss this opportunity and instructed a staff member to bring something extraordinary.
It was none other than a large diamond necklace, exceeding 100 carats. The secondary stones set in it were all top-grade diamonds as well, and the necklace itself looked like a work of art.
“This necklace was actually meant to go up for auction…”
The coordinator began, launching into a lengthy explanation about the diamond necklace before slyly mentioning the price. It was an unbelievable amount. Johanna nearly dropped her teacup.
“I didn’t know something like this was here. It wasn’t around when I came with Kiara last time, was it?”
Leonid looked at the extraordinary diamond necklace with casual indifference and spoke. It was more of a monologue than a question. It took Johanna a moment to remember who “Kiara” was. Kiara Rinke Elderique was his youngest sister.
“Ah, at that time… it was confidential even for us…”
The coordinator laughed awkwardly, clearly hiding something. Johanna could easily guess what it was. This diamond necklace was likely meant to be part of someone’s private collection, but the transaction fell through for some reason.
People in high society invested in not just real estate, mines, and art but also in jewels like these. Diamonds of this size are not easily mined and are difficult to craft, so their history and value increase over time.
Whoever originally intended to own this diamond necklace must have been immensely wealthy. …Or perhaps, they were someone who overstretched their means and backed out of the deal at the last moment.
“Well, fine. Let’s purchase it.”
The sudden decision made Johanna whip around to stare at Leonid in shock. He wore his usual confident smile and gestured to the coordinator, signaling to have the jewels packed up. There was nothing more to discuss.
‘This is ridiculous. He’s actually buying that?’
Stunned and frozen in place, Johanna eventually came up with a plausible explanation. He must be buying the diamond as an investment. That made sense. After all, all the gifts she received today weren’t truly hers. They were things she’d have to leave behind when the contract period ended.
“Haha, I express my gratitude. As expected, Marquis Neubitz, you have an excellent eye for value…”
The coordinator showered them with flattery while the staff carefully packed the jewels. Just then, the door to the jewelry store opened, and someone walked in. It was a new customer. Johanna turned her head casually and immediately stiffened her expression.
To her surprise, it was a familiar face—her aunt, Lady Clarisse Littberg.
“Johanna? Why are you here…?”
At that moment, Johanna noticed something. The coordinator, who had been smiling enthusiastically while attending to Leonid, wore a cold expression the moment they saw her aunt. But then, quickly putting on a business mask, they approached her aunt with a friendly greeting.
“Welcome, Lady Littberg. Thank you for visiting us again. Unfortunately, I’m quite busy at the moment… Bennet will assist you. Bennet?”
Another coordinator, called Bennet, hurried over to her aunt. Despite Bennet’s words, her aunt stood there with a dazed expression, staring at Johanna.
“Do you know each other?”
The coordinator attending to Leonid and Johanna asked cautiously. The question was directed at Johanna. As she hesitated to respond, opening and closing her mouth, Leonid’s gaze landed on her aunt. A flicker of interest flashed in his sunset-colored eyes.
“She’s a relative from my fiancée’s maternal family.”
“Oh, I see.”
The coordinator glanced between Johanna and her aunt, as if wondering why they hadn’t exchanged greetings. However, deciding it wasn’t their place to intervene, they quickly reverted to a professional demeanor and smiled warmly.
