Chapter 205

“Oh, it’s absolutely gorgeous,” Hannah gushed, quickly fastening the necklace and admiring her reflection in a nearby mirror, her face beaming with joy. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful piece in my life. Don’t you all agree? This young lady has impeccable taste.”
“Yes, absolutely,” the maids chimed in.
The necklace was truly stunning. They knew that J-Five Studio’s creations were all one-of-a-kind and astronomically expensive. Getting one required being on a waiting list, with no guarantee of success. A piece this exquisite had to have cost a fortune. This young doctor dressed so simply; they hadn’t imagined she could be so wealthy.
“Could it be a fake?” one of the maids muttered under her breath.
“You think so?” another whispered back, her eyes darting between Juniper and the necklace. She had her doubts too. An item worth millions, given as a gift from a student? It was highly likely a knockoff.
“Quiet!” Wendy, the senior maid, overheard them and hissed, “On the matriarch’s birthday, do you two have nothing better to do than gossip? She detests loose tongues. One more word out of line and you’ll be packing your bags. Now get out!”
“Yes.” The two maids scurried away, but not before casting another skeptical glance at Juniper. They couldn’t fathom what spell she’d cast on the old woman to earn such favor, especially when there were so many high-society ladies to choose from. A fake gift? How tacky!
“My dear, do you know the designer, J-Five?” Hannah asked, stroking the necklace as if it were a precious treasure. As a collector of J-Five’s work, she could tell instantly that the necklace was authentic-and an exceptionally valuable one at that. A piece of this quality would have taken months, if not years, to acquire. How did this young woman manage it?
“Ah?” Juniper, who had been nibbling on a slice of watermelon, feigned composure. “We’re somewhat familiar.”
“Really?” Hannah scooted closer, her eyes sparkling. “Would it be possible for you to introduce me? I’m such an tour
admirer of her designs. Her each piece so unique, so forward-thinking, each with its own story.”

An introduction? Juniper’s chewing slowed. That might be a bit difficult.
“You know, my grandson also had a necklace commissioned from her for me not too
long ago,” Hannah continued cheerfully.
Juniper frowned, a strange feeling creeping over her. This old lady knew about J-Five, and her
grandson had recently placed annet
order
the past few months, the
only commission she’d takenwas from Shanley. Could it be?
“J-Five was so generous,” Hannah went on. “Not only was the necklace exquisitely
designed, but she also included a matching pair of earrings as a gift.”
Juniper lost all interest in her watermelon. She looked at Hannah, about to ask, when a knock came at the door.
“Madam, the eldest young master’s gift has arrived.”
“Bring it in,” Hannah said, then turned to Juniper with a knowing smile. “This is the one. Take a look.”
A maid entered carrying an elegant,
reddish-brown wooden box,
nov.
l.ne
hand carved with the image of rising phoenix. The box, the
design-it was all her own work.
The maid opened the lid, and Juniper’s eyes fell on the contents inside.