Kiss My Revenge The Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 164

In the world of the elite, the Hawke family wasn't exactly at the top of the pyramid. Yet, in recent years, they'd mastered the art of marketing.

Ever since they hit the jackpot with the "sibling darling" narrative, they’d been riding that wave, pushing the skills of the four Hawke brothers to a level that didn't quite match reality. Sure, they were impressive among ordinary folks, but in the grand scheme, it was all a bit overblown.

Jasper, on the other hand, hailed from genuine high society, his status and influence far surpassing that of the Hawke family. His perspective was naturally different from the average person. Among the members of the Virell’s estate, there was a distinct disdain for such unconventional tactics.

"But I heard that the Hawke family has a branch overseas. Do you know anything about that?" Miranda shook her head. "Not really."

The old Miranda really hadn’t heard of it.

Jasper addressed while driving, "I just heard some chatter. Apparently, Alden was kicked out by the family abroad and only managed to get to where he is now by leveraging some leftover assets in Wye. But, you know, rumors are just rumors, the truth still needs be verified."

Miranda wasn't really up to speed on the Hawke family's rise to fame. However, if there was a branch overseas that hadn't been in touch for years, it likely meant they had written off Alden long ago. Clearly, something had happened that made Alden hesitant to contact his overseas family.

Their conversation carried them to their destination. Jasper dashed around to open the door for Miranda with a practiced chivalry that hinted at experience.

Miranda surveyed the market ahead. It looked simple, unremarkable, with just a few vendors scattered about.

"This place isn't on any map," Miranda remarked, puzzled. She’d flipped through Zephra’s map, and the location didn’t exist.

Jasper chuckled, nearly slinging an arm around her shoulders in a friendly gesture before catching himself. "Well, of course not. If it were on a map, everyone would be here. Every country seems to have one or two of these spots. Every so often, jewelers and collectors gather here for some trading and auctions. It's not just gems - there are rare treasures, all natural wonders.

And Zephra happens to have this kind of place, where transactions carries on. Don’t know if there are things you want, but that’s all I know.”

To Jasper, Miranda was a student with charming features, a easy target drawing danger at this place. Even seeing her with the mask on, he still felt uneasy. He had no choice since they were already here.

Miranda, meanwhile, scanned the stone sellers along the way, but failed to find what she was looking for. The black market, where she was somewhat of a legend, rarely dealt in gemstones, and information was scarce.

These trades were a dispensable item for the market, for those stones meant natural bred, something a mere picture couldn’t illustrate. Hence, the stones were basically traded offline.

As they barely walked far, Miranda sensed eyes on her.

"Well, what’s a pretty student doing in a place like this?" a burly man sized Miranda up as he walked over, his face hideous, eyes dripping with lecherousness.

Jasper stepped in front of Miranda, his voice chilly. "Excuse me, she's my sister."