The Rise Of A Billionaire 1943
Chapter 50 - 52 – Moissanite

Chapter 50: Chapter 52 – Moissanite

What’s a "major splurge"?

Roughly two hundred dollars.

Inside a jewelry store, after browsing more necklaces than he could count, Pierre finally nodded in satisfaction.

"This one."

The necklace—studded with dazzling stones—was priced at just $200.

Its chain was made of platinum, but the "diamonds" weren’t real. It was a display piece, designed so that real diamonds could be swapped in at a moment’s notice. In Washington, it wasn’t unusual for someone important to suddenly need a top-tier necklace, and that’s exactly what this type was for. Within a few hours, a sparkling diamond necklace could be assembled—basically, just swap in the real stones.

"Sir, the centerpiece for this necklace would require a stone of at least 30 carats..."

The Jewish jeweler had only just started speaking when he froze mid-sentence.

**Pierre had just casually pulled out a gemstone—**at least 40 carats, and handled it like a rock.

The jeweler wasn’t the only one stunned. Even Ava Gardner stood speechless.

She hadn’t imagined this man would just casually carry around something like that in his pocket.

And then, Pierre took out a small cloth pouch.

"My God!"

As he poured the contents onto the counter, over a hundred small diamonds—from 1 to 4 carats—tumbled out in a glittering cascade.

"My God..."

Ava clapped her hands to her mouth in shock. She had known he was wealthy, but she’d never imagined he would have this many diamonds, just tossed casually in a bag.

The jeweler was completely frozen, staring in disbelief.

He had met many wealthy clients over the years, but never someone who treated diamonds like pocket change.

"S-Sir..."

Snapping out of his trance, the jeweler heard Pierre say casually:

"These are all pre-cut. Some are square-cut, some round. See which ones might fit as replacements."

Diamonds?

Not quite.

In truth, even Pierre hadn’t realized that tucked inside a hidden pocket of his satchel were two small bags of moissanite.

In the future, lab-grown moissanite was a cheap and common diamond simulant. Even large stones of several dozen carats cost just a few hundred dollars.

As for why the tomboy who’d owned the bag originally had these, Pierre had no idea.

Back when he’d arrived in London, if only he’d searched the bag more thoroughly, he might never have gone hungry.

One stone would’ve paid for weeks of lodging.

"O-Of course..."

The Jewish jeweler hurriedly clipped a loupe to his eye and began examining the pear-shaped giant stone under a bright desk lamp. His heart raced uncontrollably.

It might very well be the largest cut gemstone he’d ever laid eyes on—and the cut was exquisite.

But the moment he looked closer, he was shocked all over again.

"My God, the fire... it’s blinding!"

Blinding, huh?

Didn’t blind you, did it... Pierre thought dryly.

Soon, he called over a second jeweler—an older man. After close inspection, the man said:

"Sir, your diamond is quite unique. Compared to ordinary stones, its fire is far more intense—and beautiful. I’ve never seen one quite like it in all my years."

"Yes? Is that a problem?" Pierre asked mildly.

"No, no problem at all. In fact, it would be an honor to craft this necklace for you. If you can give us three days, I guarantee we’ll create something truly magnificent."

"Three days..."

Pierre thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"I can’t wait that long. Just finish it as soon as you can. It’s only accent stones, after all..."

Before he could finish, the jeweler interjected:

"Sir, the accent stones—we’ll provide them free of charge. But in return, we’d like permission to photograph the final piece and take credit for the craftsmanship."

His eyes sparkled with hope and ambition.

Truthfully, this wasn’t about free stones—it was about publicity.

No jewelry store in Washington had ever made a necklace with a main stone over ten carats, let alone this.

"Fine." Pierre agreed.

A few hours later, back at the hotel—when the newly crafted necklace was fastened around Ava Gardner’s slender, swan-like neck—she completely lost herself in the mirror.

Even though she knew full well this necklace would never belong to her, she was utterly mesmerized.

Just getting to wear it was fortune enough.

As Pierre fastened it, his fingers brushed her skin, and Ava couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp.

Looking in the mirror, her face flushed red, lips gently bitten, and her eyes glowed.

Pierre couldn’t help thinking:

Diamonds really are a woman’s aphrodisiac.

Even lab-grown ones... maybe even more so.

Standing behind her, fastening the necklace, he could feel her quivering breath. She leaned softly into his arms, her body melting into his, weak and boneless.

Feeling her rapid breaths, Pierre traced his knuckles gently along her collarbone.

Ava kept her eyes closed, head resting on his shoulder, trembling slightly under his touch.

As her breathing grew more urgent, the necklace on her chest rose and fell between her dramatic curves.

Pierre’s fingers slid along her waist, following the gown’s contours.

Her figure was stunning. Utterly flawless.

"Pierre..."

Ava turned around. Her watery green eyes stared deep into his, lips quivering slightly.

"I... I..."

With such a sight before him—who could resist?

And just like that, she kissed him—eyes dazed, heart open.

So this was the test of manhood?

Pierre was just a man—like any other.

A normal, healthy, red-blooded man.

Well... guess we’re doing this.

If it can’t be avoided—might as well enjoy it.

By the time it ended, it was already ten o’clock at night.

Several hours of "combat" had concluded with the woman utterly defeated, lying sprawled across the bed, drenched in sweat, a blissful smile on her sleeping face.

Meanwhile, Pierre sat gazing at the Washington Monument in the distance, a faint, amused smile on his lips...

"Harry, it’s time to go."

Hearing his wife call out, Harry S. Truman rose from behind his desk with clear reluctance.

He didn’t particularly want to waste his time on pointless social dinners—not when he and his committee had a mountain of investigations to work through every day.