Ten days later, Hannah returned to the shop. Miller handed her an official document stamped with a silver seal. Attached was a detailed report describing a 4.2-carat natural alexandrite of Russian origin, exhibiting a ninety percent color change and remarkable clarity.
“It’s one of the rarest gemstones on earth,” Miller explained, his voice hushed. “Synthetic ones are common, but natural stones this size are almost unheard of. The report gives a conservative auction estimate between seventy and ninety thousand dollars.”
Hannah sat down heavily on the waiting sofa, the paper trembling in her hands. Seventy thousand dollars would clear her late husband’s remaining bills and pay off her car. It was life-changing money for a thirteen-dollar purchase. Then Miller’s desk phone rang.