“Open crate number seven and eight! Now!” Evelyn’s voice rang through the diamond polishing room, usually quiet and precise.

Technicians and staff scrambled to obey, their faces tense, hands trembling as they unlocked the crates of diamonds prepared exclusively for the charity gala—just one week away.

One by one, the crates were opened… and one by one, expressions froze.

“Cracked…” murmured one of the technicians. “The main diamond… it’s cracked through the center.”

“This one’s mixed!” shouted another staff member. “These aren’t our stones! They’re… synthetic!”

Evelyn quickly stepped to the nearest crate. She pulled out a teardrop-shaped diamond meant to be the centerpiece of the collection.

It was ruined....