"Three hundred and fifty million, no less. Just so you know, the seven diamonds in this box alone are worth no less than eighty million. The diamond market is tight these days, and these diamonds save you the hefty cost of hiring a cutter next, plus there’s zero risk, so the price is definitely higher than the raw diamonds on the market."

Huo Sining smiled at Windsor Reed, as if the three hundred and fifty million she mentioned was just like three dollars and fifty cents.

Windsor Reed was taken aback by Huo Sining’s revelation of the hidden risks in the diamond industry and the unique features of this batch of diamonds. He understood that the young lady before him, even if not an expert in the diamond business, was definitely not a rookie.

However, in the matter of business, three hundred and fifty million was still a bit high. After a moment of reflection, Windsor Reed reduced the price by thirty million.

"Three hundred and twenty million. Miss Huo, if you find this price suitable, we can proceed with the transaction immediately. Furthermore, I will transfer the money directly to Miss Huo’s account by six o’clock tomorrow afternoon, without any delay."

Huo Sining was taken aback, then promptly smiled.

She initially thought pulling out several hundred million in funds would require Windsor Reed to plan for some time, at least ten days to a half-month to gather the money. She didn’t expect Windsor Reed to say he could transfer the funds by tomorrow.

This surprised and stunned Huo Sining, making her realize she underestimated the financial strength of the Windsor Family. However, she felt quite pleased with Windsor Reed’s forthright answer. Although Windsor Reed deducted thirty million, Huo Sining decided not to nitpick and agreed with a nod.

"Fine, then three hundred and twenty million. Anyway, I’ll have many more chances to collaborate with you in the future, old sir. I hope we can look out for each other moving forward, share the meat and drink the soup together."

These diamonds were initially acquired at no cost, involving only a bit of labor, digging for two days in Oregon. So earning a little less didn’t bother Huo Sining, as the result already exceeded her expectations significantly.

Gaining over three hundred million US dollars in two days’ time was a boon that, if disclosed, would surely drive those Americans utterly crazy.

After negotiating the price, Windsor Caesar hurriedly fetched the contract, and both sides smoothly signed it. As Huo Sining pressed her fingerprint onto the contract, everyone in the room simultaneously let out a sigh of relief.

Adrian’s gaze lingered on the boxes of diamonds, also casting a look of envy towards Windsor Reed. He knew the opportunity fell to Windsor Reed; had it been him, he wouldn’t have had the guts to pull out over three hundred million to devour such a big piece of the pie.

Gu Xu exhaled deeply as well, knowing his nerves were on edge ever since his wife decided to sell the diamonds to the Windsor Family, fearing the deal might ultimately fail.

Windsor Reed’s expression relaxed; he had been worried about the London diamond exhibition in May. But even a skillful housewife struggles without provisions, and he didn’t have any supply. All efforts without sources would be futile.

Windsor Reed hadn’t expected, when mentioning the Philadelphia Black Market auction to Huo Sining at the New York Li Family, that it would bring such an unexpected surprise.

Just like someone delivering a pillow when you needed sleep, Huo Sining’s provision of these diamonds was a timely rescue. Now he wouldn’t need to rush off to Mexico, instead focusing entirely on processing these diamonds.

With four months to prepare, excelling at the London diamond exhibition in May wasn’t going to be a challenge at all.

After signing the contract, Windsor Reed recalled something. Huo Sining and her companions were in America for the Li Family birthday banquet. If he remembered correctly, when they came to Philadelphia, they didn’t carry much luggage; these diamonds couldn’t have been brought over from Huaxia Country.

Moreover, diamonds are special items that can’t be transported in bulk through customs. Carrying them would likely get seized by security; getting them to Philadelphia would be impossible. They would’ve been discovered when flying to New York.

This puzzle left Windsor Reed perplexed and skeptical. If the diamonds weren’t brought from Huaxia Country by Huo Sining, then where did they come from?

"Miss Huo, may I boldly ask, where did you acquire these diamonds?"

Windsor Reed, though unafraid of trouble—even with those black-market items, he knew how to clean them up—as a buyer, still needed to inquire. He had the right to know, especially the origin of these diamonds, so he can handle any impending situations.

Huo Sining hadn’t planned to hide this. The legitimacy of the diamonds, despite Qibao’s post-processing, meant that even if police traced their origins, they wouldn’t find any flaws or loopholes.

"Mr. Windsor, you all probably know about my trip to Oregon with my companions a few days ago, right?"

Huo Sining smiled at the trio of Englishmen, as if casually mentioning their trip two days ago.

But Windsor Reed knew mentioning Oregon wasn’t without intent, so he couldn’t help but glance at his son instinctively:

"I remember, Emperor even went looking for you the night before, but the hotel manager said you hadn’t returned, and we couldn’t reach you by phone, almost driving us mad thinking you encountered danger in Philadelphia. What were you doing in Oregon?"

Huo Sining smiled and stated slowly: "Digging diamonds."

"What?!"

The answer startled not only Windsor Reed but also Adrian and Windsor Caesar.

Windsor Reed stared at Huo Sining in shock, seemingly wanting to ask if she was joking.

Huo Sining shrugged, saying matter-of-factly:

"Digging diamonds. I had no money, but after the bet with Alden and confirming that the auction centerpiece did include two twelve zodiac animal heads, I resolved to acquire those two heads. However, time was pressing; only two days were left. So I had to take a bold step and find a way to gather funds."