Chapter 74
“It’s just the kids having some fun; nothing serious,” Brooke replied, smiling as she greeted, “How are you feeling rodky?
“Much better! I made a special trip to join your birthday celebration, so don’t hold it against me for being a bit late, Doroty said, her smile warm and inviting.
Once the pleasantries were exchanged, Jade quickly chimed in, moving closer to Dorothy. “Oh, you arrived just in time! Aah just gifted Mom an incredibly rare set of jewelry, and we’re all admiring it.”
Jade seemed eager to please but subtly drew Dorothy and Calvert’s attention to the jewelry Brooke was wearing,
Dorothy’s eyes sparkled as she focused on the set. “Wow! This is from my future granddaughter–in–law Ash? At first glance, it’s obviously something special—what a beautiful piece!”
“Absolutely! I heard it was personally designed by the master Elysian Gems. I’m totally envious, Jade added, playing the part of the supportive sister while cleverly undermining Ash’s credibility.
She wondered if Dorothy still held Ash in such high regard when she then found out that her cherished granddaughter–in- law would gift her mother a fake.
Jade was convinced that if the Snider family, who navigated the international scene with ease, learned the truth about Ash, they would see right through her facade.
With that thought, Jade’s hopeful gaze landed on Dorothy and Calvert, eagerly waiting for them to expose Ash’s true identity for all to see.
Brooke’s heart sank as doubt crept in. She wasn’t ready to hand the pendant over to Dorothy without confirming whether it was genuine. If it turned out to be fake, she feared it would damage the Snider family’s opinion of her beloved daughter, Ash.
But Dorothy was brimming with excitement. The moment she learned the gift was from Ash, her praises flowed freely.
Calvert glanced at the pendant, admiring the deep, royal green of the emerald alongside the exquisite design by the renowned Elysian Gems. It was undoubtedly something special.
Noticing that neither Dorothy nor Calvert spoke up, Jade jumped in, “Calvert, this is my first time seeing something from Elysian Gems. Have you ever seen it before? Can you check if Ash has been tricked?”
With that, she took the pendant from Brooke and handed it to Calvert. “Look, it even has Elysian Gems‘ signature on it.
Calvert examined the pendant closely. “This is definitely from Elysian Gems,” he confirmed, instantly recognizing the unique signature from a similar piece he had encountered two years ago.
Brooke felt a wave of relief wash over her; knowing the pendant was authentic lifted a heavy weight off her shoulders.
However, Jade was left utterly speechless. ‘How is this possible? That woman has somehow gotten a nourishing pill before, but now she has something designed by Elysian Gems? That is completely out of her league!” she thought.
“Are you sure you’re not mistaken? Can you look again?” Jade blurted out, skepticism coloring her voice.
Calvert frowned, his gaze turning icy. “Are you doubting my judgment?”
“No, not at all,” she quickly replied. “I just want to make sure Ash isn’t being scammed. I’m only trying to help.
Ash observed Jade’s performance with a cool detachment. Ever since the drugging incident, Jade had been more careful with her words, but her attempts at looking innocent were becoming painfully obvious. ‘Does she think everyone is naive?” she thought.
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Chapter 74
“What exactly are you implying, Jade?” Brooke’s expression darkened as she started to realize Jade was clearly trying to undermine Ash in front of the Snider family.
Jade snapped back to her senses, softening her tone and feigning innocence. “Mom, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just so excited! I can’t believe Ash was able to get jewelry designed by Elysian Gems. I’m genuinely happy for you.”
Brooke’s expression softened slightly at Jade’s response, but Dorothy snorted dismissively. “My granddaughter–in–law is smart and beautiful; there’s no way she’d fall for a trick.”
Jade’s expression soured further. She couldn’t understand why she had been working so hard to win Dorothy’s approval, yet Dorothy remained cold toward her while Ash seemed to effortlessly win her affection.
Caspian was just as shocked to discover the emerald jewelry was indeed real. His earlier confidence crumbled as disbelief washed over his face.
“Caspian, apologize to your sister,” Josh’s cold voice cut through the tension.
Being called out in front of the Snider family was a shock, and Caspian hesitated, his mouth opening without coming out.
any words
Josh’s expression remained serious, showing no signs of backing down. It was clear that if Caspian didn’t apologize, this situation would not end well for him.
After what felt like an eternity, Caspian finally lowered his head, mumbling, “I’m sorry.”
With that, he shot Ash a furious glare before turning on his heel and storming off to his room.
“I’m really sorry about all this,” Brooke said, trying to ease the tension. She had no issues with how her husband was dealing with the situation.
Caspian had thrown around some serious accusations against his sister, claiming the gift she brought was fake, and just getting him to apologize felt like a generous compromise.
At that moment, Dorothy pulled out another box, her eyes sparkling as she turned to Ash. “I have something for you that I meant to give you a while ago but completely forgot about. I just remembered today, so I brought it along. Why don’t you take a look and see if you like it?”
As she opened the box, a breathtaking crown glimmered inside, adorned with massive diamonds that immediately captured everyone’s attention.
The crown had three silver support rods, with the first attached to nine delicate chains, each showcasing a diamond. The centerpiece was a radiant pink diamond surrounded by several white ones, and the sheer size of each stone was stunning; they were all at least a hundred carats.
Samantha gasped, her eyes wide. “Isn’t that the crown worn by the kings of Yonrace during their weddings? How on earth is it here?”
Ash stood momentarily speechless, recalling her brief encounter with the Yonrace princess during a mission. She had heard that the former queen gave the crown to a dear friend who saved her life, and now that friend was connected to the Snider family.
This crown wasn’t just valuable; it symbolized status and power. Ash’s lips parted slightly as she said, “This is way too precious; I can’t accept it.”
Calvert glanced at the crown, equally shocked that Dorothy would offer it so casually.
Meanwhile, Jade was seething with jealousy. A crown this special could have been hers if Ash hadn’t returned. “Why hasn’t that old woman revealed it sooner?‘ she thought.
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Jade’s grip tightened, her jealousy morphing into a physical ache as her nails bit into her palms, unnoticed.
“Sweetheart, this crown is meant for the future matriarch of the Snider family, and that’s you,” Dorothy said softly, her gaze firm.
Calvert frowned slightly, sensing the tension; ‘hasn’t now?‘ he wondered.
andma mentioned a one–year agreement before? What is
