Raine revealed an unnoticeable look of glee when she saw the scene unfold.
‘See, I knew it.Nicole can never start anew.She's a country bumpkin.Who is she to get first place in the
Math Olympiad? Who is she to gain Mr.Wyance's favor? She's meant to be trampled like a speck of
dust, ‘she thought.
Just as everyone was fixated on Ms.Emerson, a solemn voice came from the podium.
"What're you all talking about? I'd like to hear it too."
Meanwhile, Nicole and Sebastian were heading to The Grove; neither of them had a clue about what
was happening in the hall.
On the way to the restaurant, Sebastian asked Nicole what she had been up to.He then reminded her
to take care of herself and to be attentive to her health despite her young age.
On the other hand, Nicole responded to all of his questions and reminders.She felt as if he was close to
talking her ear off by the time they reached the lounge.
Sebastian seemed to have realized that he was talking too much.He quickly waved a waiter over to
start ordering.
Merwin was sensible enough to exit the room, leaving the two of them alone.
It did not take long for the food to arrive.
Sebastian stopped speaking and smiled while telling Nicole to eat up.
However, he did not touch any of the food; he sat there and watched Nicole eat.
Nicole did not urge him to eat but slowly chewed her food.
Soon after, she was done eating.She wiped her mouth and asked casually, "What did you get? Show
me; I'll take a look."
Sebastian seemed happy when he heard her question.He immediately handed her the rough stone he
had been toying with recently.He had a look of nervousness.
"How's its luster?"
Nicole grabbed the inconspicuous-looking stone.The stone seemed as if it was often held; it practically
had smooth edges.It looked oddly shiny and had deep- green swirls.
Besides that, it had a flawless and smooth texture.She placed the stone on the table.
The sunlight pouring in from the window made her eye color seem light and indescribably beautiful.
"It's okay.The core is genuine; it's from Greyridge."
The nervousness on his face diminished when he heard her words.He revealed a look of excitement
and satisfaction.
Then, he flashed a smile at Nicole.
"My judgment now is better than before, right?" he asked in a seemingly casual tone.
Nicole glanced at him and agreed.
‘His judgment before was certainly significantly worse than now" she thought.
Years ago, Sebastian had wanted to search for a piece o f ocean gem.
The texture of the ocean gem was like layers of fish scales and seemed as grandiose as the ocean;
that was how the gemstone got its name.
Back then, someone had spread the rumor that Great Oak had ocean gems.
He quickly traveled to Great Oak to search for the gemstone.
Even though he did not manage to find the gemstone, he found Nicole.
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