Chapter 644
Chapter 0644 The bus thundered down the road, not stopping for anything. In under 30 minutes, they pulled into the heart of Coconut Wind Island, the place everyone raved about— the volcano crater.
It was a whole different scene from their last visit. The place was buzzing with life, dotted with shiny new buildings and jewelry shops at every corner, showing off gems dug up from the depths of the volcano. Each stone was a burst of color, a feast for the eyes.
"We're here!" Alexander parked in the public lot and smilingly announced, "Go have fun, folks! Just remember where we parked. Be back by dusk, and we'll head to the hotel we've booked. Off you go!” With a rustle, the tourists streamed out, each one passing Alexander with a look of thanks. That volcano crater was their main event, everything else was just a sideshow. They could have been milked for every penny by the tour guides, but Alexander, steering clear of any tourist traps, had saved them both time and money. They had every reason to be grateful.
"Kane! n Carson Ramsey was the last to leave the bus, fixing Alexander with a menacing grin. "Enjoy the drive? Just so you know, we're not through with today's drama. Better stay on this bus and keep out of trouble, orProperty belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
else..." Or else what? Alexander just gave a detached smile, ignoring Carson like he was nothing. He took Amber's hand, her skin soft as silk. With Coral—her cheeks puffed up, probably from some mischief —they all stepped off the bus, ready for adventure.
There was no need to fret over the suitcase left in the car. It was rigged with a GPS tracker and the latest in theft-proof electronic locks. If it ever went missing, they would have it back in no time.
"Think you can just ignore me?" Carson's eyes seethed with venom as he watched Alexander and his friends walk away. He whipped out his phone, fingers flying over the keys as he shot off a text, then stealthily tailed them.
The base of the volcano crater was a hive of activity, with shops crowding every inch of space.
Tourists from all corners of the globe spilled out of their cars in the public lot. Some clustered around tour guides, others struck out alone, all drawn to the various attractions dotting the volcano crater's edge.
Camera-toting visitors made a beeline for the volcano crater's heart, eager for that perfect shot. Meanwhile, the curious meandered through the shops, eyes wide as they picked through the bounty of
mineral treasures.
Coral-like shapes, jade-like hues, intricately carved and polished gems that sparkled like stars, and necklaces strung with rainbow stones...
"Wow, these little gems are gorgeous! Did they really come from the volcano crater?" "Look at these stones shaped like seashells. Mother Nature's a true artist, isn't she?" "Is that a pearl, ground from minerals? It's stunning..." The visitors audibly expressed their awe. Amber and Coral were no exception, their gazes drawn again and again to the treasures laid out before them.
Those pieces might not break the bank, but they were unique, a melting pot of decorative ideas from around the world, a showcase of global craftsmanship.
"This necklace is something else." Amber, arm-in-arm with Alexander, lifted a mineral necklace from a stall. It was smooth and polished, with mesmerizing patterns swirling within, the legacy of volcanic fire turned to stone. It was the kind of beauty that she could not help but hold onto.
"You like it?"
Alexander eyed the necklace and smiled warmly. "Go ahead, get it. It's on me." Throughout their marriage, he had never sprung for such a trinket. It was not about the gift, really. It was all about Amber's delight.
Sir, miss, what excellent taste you have." The vendor, a middle-aged man with a shopkeeper's savvy, gave Alexander and Amber a once-over, then cast a glance at Carson trailing behind. He nodded to himself and beamed as he pitched, "This necklace is crafted from rare minerals found only in the volcanic heart of Coconut Wind Island. You won't find this anywhere else! "Don't let its simplicity fool you. It's got a luster that outshines diamonds and it's as light as a feather. Miss, a beauty like you will dazzle even more!" Necklace fittings were standard fare in the jewelry game. Amber's cheeks flushed with a shy thank you to the vendor before she passed the necklace to Coral for assistance.
It sparkled like a star.
She was a knockout, no question. With the necklace's glow against her skin, she was a sight that made passersby pause and gape in awe.
"Alex, how's it look?" Amber spun, a playful twinkle in her eye and a blush spreading across her cheeks. "Pretty, huh?" Alexander looked at her, his face soft with adoration. "Gorgeous! Even
the simplest bauble becomes the world's most exquisite gem on you.
It's a perfect match!" Amber's blush deepened, and she playfully pretended to spit.
Such a charmer, but she loved it.
"Shopkeeper?" I Amber's fingers grazed the delicate necklace, her eyes sparkling with a mix of shyness and delight. She leaned in closer to the vendor and whispered, "How much for this piece? Can I pay with my phone?" The vendor gave a sly grin and flashed two fingers. "One price only.
Three hundred thousand dollars!"