Chapter 46
Pandora rolled her eyes.
As if anyone would actually believe your love is that unbreakable.
“Claire is such a pretty name. Claire, come over here. Baldrick has a little welcome gift for you p>
Baldrick didn’t even look at Pandora. He just waved Claire over with a smile.
Claire hesitated. She had never seen her own grandmother give Dane any kind of gift before.
“I didn’t get your grandson anything nice, just so you know,” Pandora said, making it clear from the start.
“Oh, come on. If you hadn’t done me a favor, would you really have sold that agarwood pillow to Dane p>
“I know exactly how you are,” Baldrick said, clearly pleased his grandson had managed to buy the pillow.
That thing wasn’t something you could just put a price on. Even if you had thirty million, you probably couldn’t get one at auction.
“Don’t turn down a gift from an elder,” Baldrick said, still waving Claire over. “Come here, Claire p>
He took out a delicate little box.
Claire glanced at Pandora, who gave her a quick nod, so she reached out and took it. “Thank you, Baldrick p>
“Go on, open it. You young people might not care much for these old things, but take a look anyway p>
Claire looked at Pandora again. After another encouraging nod, she finally opened the box.
Inside was a jade bracelet. It wasn’t the solid green kind, but a clear, icy jade with streaks of lavender. It was gorgeous, almost glowing in the light.
“I found this stone when I was young and traveling abroad,” Baldrick explained. “I brought it back and had a master carver turn it into this bracelet p>
“I always thought I’d give it to a granddaughter. Never expected to end up with only one grandson, Dane p>
Claire blurted out, “Well, you could always save it for your granddaughter-in-law p>
Baldrick laughed, warm and genuine. “There’s actually another bracelet in the set. That one is for my grandson’s wife p>
Claire felt her face get a little hot, and even Dane gave her a look.
She thought about explaining that she didn’t mean anything by it, but figured that might just make things more awkward. Sometimes it was better to let things go.
“Thank you, Baldrick.” Claire didn’t bother
She took
Op it
bet
bracelet out and
ing to be overly polite.
her wrist. Coded
Her wrist was slim, and the bracelet seemed to be the perfect size. Still, it wouldn’t
slide on just by pushing.
“Dane, go get a new bar of soap from the bathroom,” Baldrick told his grandson. Dane nodded and went.
“Wait, I’ll go with you,” Claire said, following Dane down the hall.
She took off her coat and wet her hands. Just as she was about to rub the soap on,
her sweater sleeve slipped down again.
“Dane!” Claire called, stopping him before he could leave.
He turned back. “Yeah p>
“Can you roll my sleeves up a bit? They keep falling down p>
Dane hesitated for a moment, then gave in under her expectant gaze.
His fingers were long and gentle as he rolled her sleeves up to her elbows, revealing her pale, slender wrists.
“Thanks,” Claire said, smiling.
Dane just nodded, the scent of soap filling the small room. After a polite pause, he stepped out.
Once her hands were slippery
enough, Claire managed to get the braceleton. She washed up agai and dried her hands before heading back outside.
Pandora and Baldrick both looked at her as she came out.
Claire held up her wrist. “It’s really beautiful p>
Pandora nodded approvingly. “Of course it is. That bracelet is worth at least two hundred thousand p>
Claire wasn’t surprised. She could tell from the quality that it was something special.
“I’m glad you like it, Claire. Beautiful things deserve to be seen, not hidden away,” Baldrick said with a generous smile.