Chapter 256 Faced the Backlash
Darlene's antics had everyone scratching their heads. Someone mumbled, "What's up with her?"
But it was cool to dip out during the auction to check out the raw stones. So, Darlene's move was legit. Others, still unsure, started heading back to scope out the stones too.
Nicholas and the Spellscroll Group's appraisers bolted after her.
Nicole stayed put. Ever since she gave Darlene the Generational Blessings, she'd been feeling kinda drained. But now, it was like she was slowly recharging. That heavy feeling she had? Gone. Guess Elizabeth was right after all.
As Darlene dashed out, she shot a look at Elizabeth. Elizabeth caught it, turned, and gave her a cheeky wink. Nicole's eyes got all misty, and she felt like bawling.
Elizabeth turned back and started tapping away on her phone.
Nicole's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen.
Elizabeth: [Darlene's already feeling the heat and will definitely come after you. Get up now and head to the restroom. Look for a woman in a black baseball cap and mask. Follow her to Clifftonshireburg.]
Elizabeth knew Darlene was a piece of work. With her losing it, Nicole would be her first target.
Darlene had a crew with her, and Nicholas wasn't gonna lift a finger to help Nicole. So, now was the perfect time for Nicole to bounce while everyone was distracted with the stones.
Elizabeth had this all planned out. She had her assistant, Shirley, come by yesterday. Shirley was supposed to drive Nicole outta there, no flights, just a road trip with lots of detours to throw off Darlene's goons.
Once Nicole's aura faded, Darlene's crew wouldn't be able to track her.
Reading the message, Nicole felt a warm fuzzy feeling. Elizabeth had her back. Even though she wanted to see Darlene crash and burn in the jewelry market, she knew she couldn't risk Elizabeth's plan.
Nicole: [Got it. Thanks, Elizabeth!]
She quickly got up and headed to the restroom.
Elizabeth: [I'll stream it for you later. Darlene's meltdown and the jewelry market results. Just sit tight and enjoy the show.]
Elizabeth knew Nicole would want to see the drama unfold. If it were her, she'd definitely want to watch.
Nicole couldn't hold back her tears, feeling truly cared for. She'd remember this forever.
Nicole: [Okay, I really want to see it.]
At the restroom door, Nicole spotted Shirley, just like Elizabeth said.
Shirley saw Nicole and rushed over, grabbing her arm. She whispered, "Let's roll, I'll get you outta here."
Nicole nodded. "Okay!"
They quickly left the jewelry market, and Shirley led her to an SUV. Inside was a big guy, doubling as driver and bodyguard.
There was also a Spellscroll stuck to the rear window for safety and to keep them off the radar.
As soon as they hopped in, the guy hit the gas and they were off.
Nicole was still a mess, tears streaming down her face.
Shirley didn't know the whole Generational Blessings deal, but she'd heard from Elizabeth about Nicole's rough ride—being swapped, then treated like dirt by her family.
Feeling for her, Shirley handed Nicole a tissue and gently patted her back, trying to comfort her.
Nicole took the tissue, dabbing at her tears. "Thanks," she mumbled.
Shirley kept patting her back. "No problem. Once we get to Clifftonshireburg, you can crash at my place for a bit. We'll look out for each other."
Shirley lived solo in a company apartment. When Elizabeth asked if she could help Nicole out, she didn't think twice.
Nicole sniffled, "For sure, thank you.."
She'd been under someone's thumb for so long. Back in middle school, she'd begged to live on campus to escape her stifling foster home. They shot her down, saying if she wanted to live on campus, she couldn't go to school.
In college, the Spellscroll family had her on a tight leash. They made her go to the same university and major as Darlene, and she had to live at home.
Nicole had always dreamed of living on her own, meeting chill roommates, and making a few good friends. She never had a real friend growing up. Anyone who got close to her ended up with bad luck.
So, she kept her distance, scared she'd bring them down. But now, she felt a spark of hope for the future.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth was busy hacking into the jewelry market's surveillance system. She wiped all footage of Nicole leaving the auction hall.
This way, Darlene and the Spellscroll family wouldn't have a clue where Nicole went, and they'd have no proof to track her down.
The auction kicked off, and Elizabeth started bidding on the raw stones she had her eye on. If the price was right, she'd snag it. If it got too high, she'd let it go.
Darlene, back at the raw stones, was losing it. She tried to sense the stones like usual, but nothing. That special ability? Gone. She touched each stone, but felt zilch.
She'd been too cocky before, only noting the top-grade gems and ignoring the rest. Now, every stone looked the same. She was freaking out. How was she supposed to bid now?
Nicholas saw Darlene's panic and felt a wave of anxiety. He reached out. "Darlene, what's going on?"
Darlene, totally frustrated, slapped him. "This is all your fault! I had all the must-bid stones noted down, but you called and made me spill water on my notebook!" she yelled.
She couldn't help but lash out at Nicholas. "Now we can't bid on anything, you idiot!"
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