His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 84

The necklace was crafted from premium gold, its centerpiece a finely carved jade horse—legs outstretched mid-gallop, so lifelike it seemed ready to leap.

Soren, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. “Ms. Locke, what a coincidence. It appears we have the same taste.”

Tonia glanced at him. “I like the horse, so…”

But Soren cut her off, firm and resolute. “Ms. Locke, would you let me have it instead? As compensation, I’ll bid on some other pieces and gift them to you.”

Tonia hesitated, clearly torn.

Alistair shot Soren a curious look. “You’re never interested in jewelry. What’s with the insistence? Planning to give it to some woman?”

Soren smiled, just a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Of course, to someone special. But we’re still getting to know each other, so I can’t be too public about it yet.”

He was already making plans; this necklace would be his return gift to Lumina. That way, whenever she wore it, she’d remember the time they spent riding together.

Alistair chuckled. “Keeping secrets, are we?”

Cedric turned to Tonia at just the right moment. “That necklace doesn’t really suit you. The painting of the peach orchard matches you much better. Why not go for that one instead?”

Truthfully, Tonia loved the necklace. But with Cedric speaking up, she could only nod in reluctant agreement, eager to show how obedient she could be.

Only then did Soren finally relax. He lowered his head and, grateful, sent Cedric a quick message: [Thank you, Cedric.]

By the end of the evening, Soren had claimed the necklace, just as he wanted. Tonia, meanwhile, took the peach orchard painting home.

When Cedric returned to the car, Hilton noticed his empty hands and grinned. “Didn’t find anything worth buying tonight, Mr. Royce?”

Inside, the living room lights were still on. The mess from earlier had long since been cleaned, but Cedric’s newly acquired porcelain vase from two weeks ago was nowhere to be seen.

He swept a glance over the empty table and gave a soft, humorless laugh. Always smashing the priciest things.

Nancy, waiting in the living room, hadn’t gone to bed either. When Cedric suddenly came in, she hurried to help him out of his coat. He pulled something from his pocket and kept it in his hand before handing her the jacket.

Nancy didn’t pay much mind, her thoughts elsewhere. “Thank goodness you’re back.”

Cedric glanced upstairs. “A rough night?”

“Ms. Jardin’s in a terrible mood. She’s been crying for hours, even threw up a few times.” Nancy shook her head with a sigh, unwilling to say more. “You’d better go see for yourself.”

Whatever relief Cedric had felt vanished at her words. His mood darkened again as he slowly made his way upstairs and pushed open the door to Lumina’s room.