Chapter 24 Cracks in the Jade
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Claudia had changed into a fresh outfit–light blue dress, long slender legs, bright clear eyes. She stood tall and graceful like a painting come to life.
Nero paused briefly, then nodded. “Sure. Come in and take what you want.”
Claudia stepped into the study, and within a few steps, the bouquet she had been hiding behind her back was exposed.
Nero blinked. “You kept it?”
Claudia looked a little embarrassed–the flowers were almost dried up, yet she still hadn’t thrown them away.
But
seeing the slight surprise in his eyes, she mustered the courage to say, “You gave them to me. Of course I’d keep them. I’m going to press them inside a book.”
Nero said nothing for a moment. But his gaze on her grew darker and deeper.
That evening, they had dinner together.
Claudia had thought that one time was a rare treat, but now it seemed like Nero intended to keep doing it–and the thought filled her with quiet joy.
As they finished eating and were just about to leave the table, Nero’s phone rang. It was Madam Cheryl, his grandmother. Claudia sat nearby and caught bits of the conversation. The elderly woman was saying she’d gone to a market to get a special jade amulet for him. She would be sending it over the next day and told him to wear it for peace and protection.
Nero replied warmly, “Alright.”
Then the old lady asked, half–jokingly, “That girl from the Cloud family–she moved into Blossom Park, right? How is she?” Nero paused. His eyes drifted to the side, softening slightly. “She’s doing well.”
It was the first time he had spoken positively about someone in this context. Every other potential candidate before her, he had dismissed with cold disinterest.
The old woman was thrilled. “Good! That’s good. Treat her well,”
And then, as a parting note: “If you two could give me a great–grandchild soon, that would be even better!”
Claudia hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but she heard that last part loud and clear.
Her cheeks flushed instantly. She turned away awkwardly, pretending she hadn’t heard a thing.
Nero, catching the red tip of her car, said nothing. His eyes were dark and unreadable as ever.
After a vague reply, he hung up.
“Weren’t you going to finish those bookmarks?” he asked.
“Right…. okay!” Claudia hurried upstairs.
At the corner of the staircase, she glanced back down, then gently touched her hot ears.
Despite her shyness, her heart was warm.
She couldn’t believe how kind Madam Cheryl had sounded–even though they hadn’t met yet, the warmth in her tone was
unmistakable.
Compared to her past life, it was worlds apart.
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18.33 AM |
Chapter 24 Cracks in the Jade
10 Free Coins
In her previous life, Madam Cheryl had never looked at her kindly. Dislike was putting it mildly–hatred was closer to the truth.
But that was understandable.
Back then, Claudia had run from the marriage, and after being sent back to Blossom Park, she’d never shown Nero a shred of affection. She’d ignored all his efforts and even leaked his secrets to Chase more than once.
With all that, how could Madam Cheryl ever have liked her? The fact she hadn’t had her killed was probably just out of
consideration for Nero.
Madam Cheryl’s courier arrived–unfortunately, Nero had just left Blossom Park thirty minutes earlier due to urgent business.
The courier was holding a quaint, elegant box with great care. He inspected it again before handing it over.
“This jade was personally chosen by Madam Cheryl for Mr. Nero,” he said gravely. “Be very careful–it must not be dropped!”
Mandy’s eyes flickered. She stepped forward. “Let me take it. I’ll bring it to Madarn so she can pass it to Mr. Nero later.”
The servant holding the box was trembling. Such a valuable item–it made him nervous just to touch it.
Seeing someone eager to take the responsibility, he quickly passed the box to Mandy.
Claudia had just lain down for her afternoon nap when a knock startled her.
She got up to open the door. It was Mandy.
“What is it?” Claudia asked coolly.
Mandy bowed and presented the old–fashioned box with exaggerated care. “This is from Madam Cheryl–for Mr. Nero. Since he wasn’t home, I thought I’d deliver it to you.”
Claudia glanced at the box and nodded. “Leave it.”
Mandy entered, placed the box on the table, and quietly left.
Claudia approached but didn’t touch it
Even if it had been given to her, it wasn’t hers. Not touching what didn’t belong to her–that was just basic decency.
Later that day, Nero returned.
As Claudia came downstairs, she heard Mandy explaining. “The item’s with Madam. Mr. Nero wasn’t home, and it was too valuable to leave out, so I took it to her.”
Claudia joined in. “It’s in my room.”
She turned to retrieve the box, brought it down, and handed it to Nero Curiously, she asked, “Is this the jade from Grandma?
Nero nodded. “Yes”
Simon added, “Madam Cheryl went to the market herself to pick it out for Mr. Nero. I heard-
His voice stopped abruptly
A chilling silence fell.
Nero’s face had turned cold and grim.
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Chapter 24 Cracks in the Jade
+10 Free Coins
Inside the box–where there should have been a flawless piece of jade–was now a shattered relic, broken into several pieces.
Chapter 25 Shattered Lies
