Chapter 323: A Priceless Gift, A Silent Declaration
A Priceless Gift, A Silent Declaration
His tone was refined and courteous.
"A friend of mine returned from Japan a few days ago."
"He brought back a limited-edition Celestial Seraph Ruby Pendant, handcrafted exclusively for the Imperial Aurora Collection."
"I thought such a treasure would suit no one better than you."
"I hope you like it."
As his calm voice faded, Zyan Ashbourne reached into the inner pocket of his tailored suit and carefully took out an exquisitely crafted velvet box. His movements were graceful and confident, as though he had imagined this very moment countless times before arriving.
With a soft click, the box opened.
Inside rested a delicate blood diamond pendant.
The crimson gemstone shimmered brilliantly beneath the warm office lights, its flawless surface reflecting tiny streaks of scarlet across the room. Delicate platinum craftsmanship surrounded the jewel like a pair of celestial wings, making the pendant appear elegant yet noble. It radiated an understated luxury that immediately drew everyone’s attention.
Julian D’Aurelius casually glanced at it.
Even he had to admit it was an expensive piece.
A pendant of this quality would easily cost at least thirty million Euro.
It was clear that Zyan Ashbourne had spared no expense.
He had come prepared.
Holding the pendant between his fingers, Zyan smiled confidently, his expression relaxed as though victory was already within reach.
"If you don’t mind, let me help you put it on. This pendant matches your aura perfectly."
His smile remained warm and refined.
To anyone unfamiliar with him, he looked every bit like a gentleman from a prestigious household.
But beneath that elegant appearance was absolute confidence.
Before coming here today, he had deliberately paid a visit to Luka De Dominicis.
The conversation had gone even better than expected.
He had always been interested in Bianca De Dominicis, the eldest daughter of the De Dominicis household.
She possessed breathtaking beauty, a graceful figure, and an aura that naturally commanded attention wherever she went.
More importantly, her talent in business was extraordinary.
Even his own father, Dario Ashbourne, had praised Bianca on several occasions, saying that few women of her generation could match her vision and ability.
In Zyan’s eyes, a woman like Bianca was worthy of becoming his future wife.
Likewise, with his own background as the sole heir of the Ashbourne family, he believed no one was more suitable for her than himself.
After Luka De Dominicis learned about his intentions, he had expressed strong support without hesitation.
That encouragement only strengthened Zyan’s confidence.
He believed today’s gift would be the perfect beginning.
Across from him, Bianca De Dominicis stood silently.
A faint trace of displeasure flickered through her crimson eyes before disappearing just as quickly.
Earlier, when her father had spoken to her privately, she had already guessed what he was planning.
Seeing everything unfold exactly as expected only made her feel even more annoyed.
She had absolutely no interest in Zyan.
Not because he lacked status or wealth.
But because the man she liked was already standing beside her.
Just as she was about to refuse politely—
Julian D’Aurelius suddenly stepped forward.
Without the slightest hesitation, he casually took the blood diamond pendant from Zyan Ashbourne’s hand as though accepting a gift from an old friend.
His actions were so natural that everyone in the office froze for a brief second.
With a cheerful laugh, Julian smiled brightly.
"Young Master Zyan, there’s no need to be so polite. Bringing a gift is too formal for our Bianca."
His words were spoken casually, yet they sounded strangely intimate.
Bianca’s beautiful eyes softened almost imperceptibly.
Only she could hear the voice inside Julian’s mind.
Even before he moved behind her, she already knew exactly what he was thinking.
Before Zyan Ashbourne could react, Julian D’Aurelius had already taken the pendant with an easy smile.
The atmosphere in the office subtly shifted.
For a brief moment, even the air seemed to grow still.
Zyan’s smile stiffened ever so slightly.
He had never expected anyone to interrupt him so naturally, let alone the very person standing beside Bianca.
Yet, maintaining the composure expected of the Ashbourne family’s young master, he forced himself to keep smiling.
After all, making a scene over a pendant in front of Bianca would only damage his own image.
Julian, on the other hand, looked completely unconcerned.
Still smiling, he held the pendant delicately between his fingers before walking around behind Bianca.
His movements were relaxed, as though helping her wear the necklace was the most ordinary thing in the world.
Bianca instinctively lifted the ends of her long crimson hair with one hand.
Silky strands cascaded over her shoulder like flowing fire, exposing the graceful curve of her fair neck.
For just a heartbeat, neither of them spoke.
Julian carefully reached around her shoulders, bringing the pendant toward the clasp behind her neck.
As he fastened it, his fingertips accidentally brushed against her smooth, snow-white skin.
The touch was incredibly light.
Almost weightless.
Yet Bianca’s body reacted instantly.
A faint shiver traveled through her slender frame.
Her delicate shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly.
The sensitive skin on the back of her neck tingled from the unexpected contact, causing a light blush to bloom across her elegant face.
She instinctively bit her lower lip, trying to hide her reaction.
Only she knew how difficult it was to remain calm.
Inside Julian’s mind, another thought surfaced.
[Her skin is unbelievably soft.]
[No wonder every time she’s close, I have to remind myself to behave.]
[Focus, Julian. You’re only putting on a necklace.]
Bianca’s ears gradually turned pink after hearing his thoughts.
She kept her expression composed, but inwardly she wanted to glare at him.
This fool...
Does he have to think like that while standing right behind me?
Fortunately, no one else could hear Julian’s inner voice.
To everyone in the room, it simply looked like Bianca had become slightly embarrassed by the intimate gesture.
Julian finally secured the clasp.
The ruby pendant rested perfectly against the center of Bianca’s collarbone.
The brilliant crimson gem complemented her long red hair and scarlet eyes beautifully, making her already noble aura appear even more dazzling.
Julian stepped back half a pace and admired it with an approving nod.
"Oh, it does look quite nice. Young Master Zyan has a good eye for gifts."
He smiled sincerely as he spoke.
Anyone hearing him would think he was genuinely complimenting Zyan.
Only Bianca understood there was far more hidden beneath those words.
She glanced sideways at Julian, suppressing the smile threatening to appear on her lips.
Zyan remained calm, but his eyes briefly darkened.
The scene he had imagined had been completely ruined.
He had wanted to be the one to personally place the pendant around Bianca’s neck.
Instead...
Julian had done it before him.
Even the office’s middle-aged Ashbourne household guard silently observed the exchange without saying a word.
Years of experience told him that the atmosphere between the two young men was far more competitive than it appeared on the surface.
Meanwhile, Bianca gently lowered her hand after letting her crimson hair fall naturally over her shoulders again.
The pendant rested elegantly against her neck.
She lightly touched it with her fingertips.
It was beautiful.
But what lingered in her mind wasn’t the expensive jewel.
It was the warmth of Julian’s fingertips when they had accidentally brushed against her skin.
Julian looked at the pendant once more before smiling.
[Idiot... trying to win my Bianca over right in front of me. As if I’d just stand here and watch.]
[I’ll sell this pendant later. Only an idiot would throw away something valuable because there’s no reason to waste good money. More importantly Besides... I don’t want anything that came from you anywhere near my Bianca.]
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