Chapter 653
Chapter 653 Even the Gods Were Jealous
2.00PM, Saturday.
Charlotte and Leanna arrived at the jewelry gallery listed on the invitation. As Leanna expected, many
designers had received the same invitation. She was greeted by many familiar faces the moment she
stepped out of the car. There were also quite a few celebrities invited, including Tina.
A group of bodyguards escorted Tina into the building as soon as she stepped out of the car. She did
not spare a nce at the people surrounding her, so she overlooked Leanna and Charlotte.
Seeing that, Charlotte curiously asked, “Is she someone to keep hidden from society and the sun? Why
do they keep her surrounded?”
Leanna chuckled upon hearing her remarks. “That is likely.”
“Poor unfortunate soul,” Charlotte said with sympathy.
“Let’s head inside,” Leanna said.
It could not be consideredrge or small because it was a private gallery and was onlyrge enough to
fit a few dozen people in the building. The interior lighting was dim and of a cool white hue. The jewelry
was disyed in ss cases that were subtly illuminated from below. In addition, an employee stood
by each ss showcase to field inquiries from the invited designers.
Leanna knew most of the history behind the jewelry pieces being showcased, but there were some she
had never seen before.
Suddenly, Charlotte stopped before the ss cases and said to her, “This piece is so beautiful,
Leanna.”
When she heard that, Leanna walked over to find a ring within the ss showcase. In contrast to the
borate jewelry pieces in the gallery, the ring appeared rather in, except for the pink gemstone set
in the center. The ring’s beauty consisted entirely of its minute, intricate details. It was regarded as one
of the rings that captivated amateurs, while experts were subconsciously drawn to it.
Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.
Seeing their interest, the employee standing beside the showcase introduced the ring. “You have great
tastes. This is thete Madame’s favorite ring before she passed away. She loved it so much that she
could not bear to wear it.”
Leanna’s eyes were trained on the ring. “Can you tell us about its history?”
“Certainly,” replied the employee. “What we know about its pastes from thete Madame. It might
not contain every detail, but the story isrgely urate.”
“Very well.”
“Thete Madame said that about thirty years ago, a rich young man made a lot of effort tomission
someone to make this ring for his proposal to his girlfriend. The stone is an extremely rare gemstone
that means, ‘I wish to give you a lifetime of romance.’ They were the target of everyone’s envy. Later
on, during a charity auction, the event was at risk of being canceled because no one wanted to donate
anything important. After discussing it with her husband, the woman who was proposed to at the time
decided to donate her engagement ring. She said that she and her husband were thrilled with their life,
so the ring should go on to help those who needed more help than she did. Everyone was shocked that
she would actually auction off this priceless ring. Those in high society who had been shirking from
contributing anything to charity events became too embarrassed to continue staying silent. Hence, the
auction was a sess. As for the ring, our Madame eventually bought it. She frequently stated that it is
more than a ring but a symbol of love. No one may ever get to see such love in their lifetime.”
Charlotte hung onto every word the employee said. When the story ended, she eximed enviously,
“They must now live a life of great happiness. Thirty years… Their children must be married by now.”
“Perhaps, even the Gods were jealous of their love,” the employee said with a sigh. “Over 20 years
ago, the entire family died in an explosion in their home.”
Leanna froze in ce when she heard that.
Charlotte was visibly shocked and asked, “Why did it happen?”
The employee shook their head. “I don’t know the details. All I know is what I heard from thete
Madame.”
Charlotte was about to ask another question when she was interrupted by a man calling from behind
her. “Charlotte? Miss McKinney?”
Charlotte turned around to face the speaker. “Uncle Joseph—”
“Why are you crying?” Joseph asked.
When she heard that, she reached up to rub her eyes and discovered they were wet. “I was moved by
how touching the ring’s history was,” she whispered in reply.
After that, he chuckled. “You really are still a little girl.”
Meanwhile, Leanna closed her eyes and took a deep breath before turning around to look at him. “Mr.
Woodley.”
When Joseph noticed her red-rimmed eyes, he asked, “Were you also touched by this story?”
However, she faintly smiled at him but did not respond verbally.
Then, the employee slightly bowed at them before moving to the side.
“Why are you here, Uncle Joseph?” Charlotte asked.
“I heard there was a jewelry exhibition today, so I came to have a look. I didn’t expect to bump into
you,” he replied. He then added, “I just arrived. Shall we look around together?”
“Okay,” Charlotte answered with a nod.
Joseph then gestured for them to walk ahead of him.
Throughout their time at the gallery, Leanna remained somewhat distracted and utterly uninterested in
the jewelry on disy. Suddenly, an employee who was walking past them inadvertently ran into her.
Out of habit, she fell to the side. However, someone caught her. “Are you okay, Miss McKinney?”
She snapped back to her senses and quickly regained her bnce. “Thank you. I’m fine.”
At that moment, Joseph withdrew his hand and asked, “You seem unwell. Is it because of how stuffy
the air is?”
She nodded in response and said, “I’ll head outside for now. Please look after Charlotte.”
“You’re being too polite. In any case, I am responsible for looking after her,” he responded.
So, she hurriedly nodded and told Charlotte before striding out of the gallery.
The moment Leanna stepped outside, she was met with the sun’s blinding re. She stood there for a
while, looking for a store where she could buy a bottle of water. However, after looking around, she
realized no convenience stores or supermarkets nearby. In addition, she would have to drive to a store.
After looking at the time, she decided to wait for Charlotte first.
When she had found a ce to rest, Joseph emerged from the building and approached her. Following
behind him was an employee of the gallery.
“Do you feel better, Miss McKinney?” Joseph asked.
“Much better,” she answered.
“I’ve asked for a ss of warm water from the employees,” he said.
As he said that, the employee following him stepped forward and held a tray out to her.
Leanna hesitated for a moment before epting the offered ss of water. “Thank you.”
As the employee walked away, she sipped water before asking, “Charlotte—”
“She’s not a kid anymore,” Joseph interrupted. “There is no need to worry.”