Chapter 26 Unexpected Turn
After hearing Marvin's words, Dennis was dumbfounded and exclaimed, "Marvin, what are you saying? This is indeed a top-grade jadeite!"
Marvin became even angrier, bristling as he remarked, "Take a look for yourself. Is this really top-grade jade?"
Even the most clueless person could see that something was off. Tony took the jade before Dennis could react, examined it closely, and then burst out laughing.
Tony scoffed accusingly, "Dennis, you've gone too far. Using an ordinary jade to deceive Dad into thinking it's top-grade? If you did this on a regular day, it might be forgivable, but on Dad's seventieth birthday, this behavior is unacceptable!"
The other relatives, who had some knowledge of jade, took turns inspecting it, and all wore expressions of schadenfreude and disdain.
A relative jeered, "Haha, this is supposed to be top-grade jadeite? Ridiculous! It's clearly just an ordinary jade. Look at the impurities inside. This small piece wouldn't even fetch ten thousand dollars!"
Someone added, "Ten thousand? Dream on, maybe eight thousand at most, and that's only if it's a friend offering that price."
Somebody mocked, "Just now, Dennis claimed that someone offered him a million for this jade yesterday, and he didn't sell it."
Another remarked snidely, "He sure talks big..."
Listening to the relatives' mockery, Dennis turned red with embarrassment. He had never experienced such humiliation before, and it was beyond what he could bear. His body trembled, and he wished he could disappear into the ground.
He snatched the jade and examined it carefully, only to realize that it was not the high quality jade at all. It was just an ordinary jade that looked similar to original jade in color. In terms of quality and purity, it fell far short!
"How could this be? How could this be? Yesterday, it was clearly top-grade jadeite..." Dennis's face turned pale, and he muttered to himself, on the verge of tears.
Kaitlyn hurriedly stepped forward to explain, "Dad, we did find a top-grade jade at the gemstone market yesterday. Dennis knew you liked collecting beautiful jade, so he went early this morning to have it sculpted.
"That was indeed a high quality jadeite. Someone offered six million for it, and James didn't sell it! But somehow, it got switched, definitely tampered with by someone else!"
"Exactly, exactly!" Dennis suddenly realized this and exclaimed, "It must have been swapped! Damn that Mr. Rogers, what a piece of work. After all the business I've handled for him, he pulls this stunt on me!"
However, no one believed their words. Leonard, standing next to Tony, heard the crucial information and spoke strangely, "Wait a minute. You just said someone offered six million for it, and James didn't sell it? James found the so-called top-grade jadeite. Is that what you meant?"
Upon hearing Leonard's words, everyone realized this point and turned their gaze towards James.
This was the first time James, who had been constantly insulted in the Johnson Family, was being scrutinized by these relatives in the Hill Family.
In the Johnson Family, James was at least acknowledged as a person, but in the Hill Family, these so-called relatives didn't even regard him as a person and simply ignored him.
Upon hearing Kaitlyn's statement that James had found a top-grade jade yesterday and refused a six-million offer, they burst into laughter.
"What are you laughing at? James did find a top-grade jadeite yesterday. A big boss offered six million dollars, and James didn't sell it. He gave it to Jennifer as a fifth wedding anniversary gift!" Kaitlyn said angrily, disliking how these relatives looked down on others just because they had some money.
Unexpectedly, the laughter grew louder upon hearing her words. Tony said, "Kaitlyn, you're really spinning a tall tale here. James found a top-grade jadeite and didn't sell it for six million? Why not say he's actually a deity who came to experience human life, haha."
Another relative chimed in, "Yeah, Kaitlyn, you're really exaggerating. We all know what kind of person James is. He's been in your family for five years, still hasn't found a job, just loafing around all day."
The relative added, "Do you really think he could find a top-grade jadeite? You're just fooling around with us, talking about not selling it for six million. Big sister, I know your financial situation isn't great, unlike us, but you shouldn't daydream like this, right?"
The one speaking was Kaitlyn's youngest sister, with a long face that looked quite harsh and mocking when she spoke. Others joined in the mockery, showing no regard for Kaitlyn, and the family bond seemed almost nonexistent.
At that moment, Leonard approached Marvin with a gift box and presented it respectfully. He said loudly, "Marvin, this is my gift for you. I wish you a long and prosperous life. May all your wishes come true, and may you encounter joy every day!"
Marvin smiled and showed his satisfaction when he accepted Leonard's gift. "Very good, thank you, and I wish you a bright future, continuous success, and reaching new heights!" he replied.
"Thank you, Marvin!" Leonard replied politely. "Marvin, please open the gift and see if you like it."
Marvin, full of anticipation, tore open the gift box. The moment he saw the present inside, his eyes bulged, "This..."
Inside the gift box was a piece of jadeite that was identical to the one Dennis had given!
Marvin was stunned, and at a loss for words, "This is..."
The expressions of those around also turned a bit odd, as the jadeite was strikingly similar to the one Dennis had presented.
Leonard puffed out his chest, a smile spread across his face as he said, "Marvin, knowing you appreciate fine jade, I went out of my way to purchase a piece of top-quality jadeite, hoping you would like it!"
As he spoke, he glanced at James and Dennis, boasting, "Take a good look. This is what real top-quality jadeite looks like! This piece alone is worth over three hundred thousand dollars! In the future, stop trying to deceive people with ordinary stuff; it's embarrassing!"
His sarcasm towards James and Dennis was evident.
James furrowed his brow as he looked at Leonard's top-grade jadeite, feeling a sense of familiarity. Suddenly, it dawned on him that this was likely the jadeite that had been swapped with Dennis's!
Dennis also realized this, his face turning grim. He rushed forward, grabbed the jade, and shouted, "This is the top-grade jadeite I lost! Marvin, this is the top-grade jade I intended to give you! How did Leonard end up buying it? Leonard, you stole my top-grade jadeite!"
As soon as he said this, James knew things were about to get messy.
Sure enough, Leonard's expression darkened. He denied it, and said, "Dennis, what nonsense are you spouting? I bought this jadeite two months ago. Are you accusing me of stealing your top-grade jadeite? You must apologize to me today!"
Other relatives also joined in, angrily berating Dennis, especially Tony, who pointed at Dennis and cursed at him, almost resorting to physical violence.
Under the siege of so many relatives, Dennis was powerless to fight back.
At that moment, a voice filled with authority rang out, "Enough!"
It was Marvin, his gaze coldly fixed on Dennis. He ordered, "Leave. Don't come to see me again."
Dennis's legs gave way, his face devoid of color. If James hadn't caught him in time, he would have fallen.
Meanwhile, in the elevator, a few people emerged.
A voice questioned, "Greg, are you sure the person who stole the top-grade jade is here?"
The speaker was Mr. Rogers, his face dark with anger.
Greg, a young man in his twenties, was flanked by two burly men, looking terrified as he walked with a wobbly gait.
Greg nervously answered, "Y-yes, I just messaged him. He's here, in the private room ahead."
Mr. Rogers warned, "Alright, I'll give you a chance. If you can retrieve the top-grade jadeite, it's fine. If you can't, I'll send you to prison!"
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