And yet, despite their rarity and value, the collection was still incomplete.
One final stone remained.
Unlike the others, its worth could never be measured in carats, rarity, or money.
Not because of what it was.
But because of who it belonged to.
Damien reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket.
The movement immediately drew the manager’s attention away from the gemstones spread across the table.
As Damien withdrew a small velvet pouch from his jacket, the manager’s eyes lit with anticipation.
He could only assume another rare gemstone was about to join the collection.
But the anticipation faded almost instantly, replaced by genuine curiosity as Damien emptied the contents into his palm.
The manager studied the stone carefully.
Just a modest diamond.
Barely over a cara
