The group walked slowly to the tent where the gemstones were being displayed. Gemstones were the easiest thing to dig up in this time of the year, but it didn’t make it less expensive either. Jade spoke excitedly on the way to the tent. It’s been far too long since she struck out a bet with someone, since people of their caliber already viewed her as a threat and an expert in gemstones. Liam was a newbie; it was going to be easy to beat him and receive her accolades afterward.
“Nine million,” she said when they stopped in front of the tent. “If you could discern a gem that’s higher than mine in profit, I lose, and if mine is higher, then you give me nine million. That’s all I ask for. I usually aim higher, but I’m in a good mood and you’re new.”
“Twenty million,” Liam objected, feeling q
