Chapter 6

Simon Walsh gazed at the transparent hologram of the old artefact revolving in the air, his deep and dark eyes glistering in deep contemplation.

This was going to be the next treasure in his collection.

He could finally tell where the crown came from: Byzantine, and once belonged to a concubine who lived in the early 400. The last three red rubies dangling between two white pearl strands were carefully wrapped in platinum chains, making a dazzling decoration, just like any royalty jewels.

And to think about how lucky he was for the final negotiation to be able to buy the crown?

Simon let out a self-deprecating grin, remembering how many times he nearly lost the item, with his secret rival throwing hundreds of bidders between the table to completely confuse the entire market.

Despite losing her nearly thrice, Simon would soon have the crown in the palm of his hand. He was certain of it, for no other jeweller in the States could afford that beauty with the price he had settled down at.

This deal was going to be completed as soon as tomorrow.

“It’s been over 15 minutes you have been staring at that thing. Are you sure you’re not bored yet?” Diana chittered, mostly out of boredom. She was an old yet elegant woman who seemed to be the only person occupying his office space other than him. The only person he allowed anywhere near himself whenever he was alone with his obsession for ancient and pretty things.

She was his client once, but now she was much more than that. A friend for most parts, but not friendly enough to give her the right to come between him and his love for valuable artefacts and possessions.

The corner of Simon’s lips curled up in a handsome grin. His dark brown hair shone in a mesmerizing color thanks to the afternoon light from outside that filtered through the blinds. His firm chin with a slightly curved jaw made his appearance unintentionally intimidating. And he knew it. He knew the effect he had on others. He relished the attention his strong, wide-shouldered appearance would receive whenever he walked in. Some might resent it, mostly men, but Simon took pride in it. He loved the stares.

With his hands shoved deep into his pockets, Simon finally peeled his gaze off the hologram crown and met the eyes of the older woman.

His smile reached his eyes, lighting up the cold dark orbs. “As a matter of fact, I am completely satisfied with the outcome.”

“Do you always have to get it?” Diana stared, sitting cross-legged in the chair across his desk. “I swear you acquire these antiques way more often than any other human should. And not to mention, this time was particularly challenging with all the fake auctions. How did you end up winning this deal?”

Simon chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Persistence, my dear Diana. And a touch of cunning. You know me, I don’t back down easily, especially when it comes to treasures like this one.”

Diana shook her head, a mixture of admiration and exasperation in her expression. “You never cease to amaze me, Simon. But sometimes I worry about the lengths you’ll go to for these obsessions of yours. You have paid a heavy price once. Are you sure you can handle more of that?”

The smile froze on Simon’s face, and for a brief moment, his face hardened. “Don’t make this conversation too personal, Diana.” There was a brief silence, and then Simon’s face relaxed. “I’m not the same man as before. I have learned my lesson.”

“I’m sure you did.” She sighed. “So what are you going to do now that you have the crown?”

Simon’s eyes gleamed with excitement, and a boyish grin spread over his face, the previous tension forgotten.

“Well, it’s easy. Now, I have to find the head on which it belongs.”

“A new quest then?” Diana smirked.

“It’s never-ending, my dear Diana. You should know that. And it’s about to get started.”

“And what are you planning to do about your rivals?”

Simon smirked back. “I will keep an eye on them, of course, and if they dare to show their faces again, I will make them regret the day they decided to cross me.”

“That sounds very dangerous.”

“Dangerous and exciting. Don’t worry, it’s going to be fine.”

“Of course,” she said and sighed deeply, her chest tightening as she thought about something else. “What about the masquerade ball the Matthews are throwing? Any plans for that?”

Simon looked up, remembering the invitation on his desk. It was the one he had received a few days ago, the one he had oddly been excited to accept.

The thought of the ball suddenly brought a smile to his face. He had been so focused on the deal lately that he had forgotten to prepare for the ball. But no problem. There was nothing he couldn’t take care of. Nothing that couldn’t be handled.

“You have no idea how long I have waited for this,” he said, his dark eyes gleaming. “Ms Matthews thinks she’s the one with the bait, but she has no idea I’m the one in control of the entire game.”

Diana knew Simon well enough not to doubt his conviction. He was a cunning man, one who got what he wanted, no matter the price. The only woman he could not wrap around his finger was a woman who was now a mother to two lovely kids. The woman who was also her only daughter.

But that was a story for another time. Like Simon said, he had learned his lesson, and no matter how strange that made her feel, she believed him.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll make quite the impression,” Diana said and stood up from the chair, smoothing her skirt. “I’ll be heading home now. Something about my grandson’s birthday party, but you carry on. I’ll see you in the evening?”

Simon nodded, and Diana headed towards the door. Before leaving the room, she turned around and smiled.

“I can’t wait to hear how the ball went.”

And then, she was gone.

Simon stayed back in his office, turning his chair around and staring at the hologram of the beautiful crown. He had a lot of work to do, and the day was not getting younger.

It was time to get started.