?Chapter 159:


    “Honey, your tie is crooked. Let me help you straighten it.”


    As Marissa spoke, she discreetly pinched the tender flesh on Connor’s chest. They were positioned in such a way that onlookers saw only her adjusting his tie. Connor gasped, unable to maintain his facade offort


    His foot, protected by a leather shoe, managed the pain well. However, the sharp pain from his chest was overwhelming, radiating up to his teeth. He offered a weak smile and whispered, pleading for mercy, “Mrs. Daniels, I’m sorry.” It was indeed difficult to make ck Snake yield. If she remained steadfast, he would have to concede, considering he was towering over her


    Marissa did not release her pinch immediately. Instead, she whispered back with a stern smile, “Release me first!” She shot him a sharp look before easing her pinch. Attempting to step back, she found her leg numb and stumbled backwards. In an instant, Connor’s hands steadied her by the waist, lifting and cing her gently on the sofa before she could react. His lips inadvertently grazed her cheek as he set her down—a fleeting, tingling sensation


    Though it appeared idental to everyone else, Marissa knew better. Feeling vited yet again, she longed to confront him, but the setting demanded decorum. She could do nothing but swallow her fury. She pouted and shot him a resentful re


    Connor, oblivious to her ire, suggested kindly, “Mrs. Daniels, your leg is numb. You should rest.”


    hosts great stories


    “Then take a seat and rx,” Arabe added cheerfully. “Connor, would you fetch the ne I intend to give to my granddaughter-inw and help her wear it?”


    “Certainly, Grandma,” Connor agreed. He opened an ornate jewelry box, and as it clicked open, light seemed to dance across the room. Inside was a magnificent ne, featuring 999 brilliant diamonds, each reflecting its own story of luxury and craftsmanship—an undeniable masterpiece


    The maids couldn’t contain their excitement


    “Oh my goodness, it’s breathtaking. The brilliance almost blinds me!”


    “This ne is part of Mrs. Arabe Daniels’ dowry, valued at one hundred and seventy million dors!”


    “One hundred and seventy million dors? Oh my goodness! Seeing such exquisite jewelry is a dreame true. I could die happy now.”


    Marissa was also taken aback, but not by the jewelry’s opulence. As Sara, a celebrated designer who had created for the ultra-wealthy internationally, she was no stranger to extravagant materials. Her astonishment stemmed from Arabe’s decision to offer her this diamond ne, appraised at one hundred and seventy million dors. epting it was out of the question


    Arabe had a soft spot for Tiffany, and while Marissa could mimic Tiffany to gain some affection and support, epting such avish gift would cross a line. Her marriage to Connor was bound to dissolve. How could she ever return such a gift in the future?


    She demurred, “Grandma, I cannot ept such valuable jewelry. It’s best if you keep it.” Yet Arabe persisted


    “My dowry has to be inherited by someone. When I entered the Daniels family, this ne became an heirloom of this family, passed down to each generation’s matriarch. You are Connor’s wife. It is entirely appropriate for you to have it.”


    Marissa wanted to confess that she had no im to the heirloom, but she couldn’t disclose the full truth to Arabe. She turned to Connor, silently pleading for his support in declining the extravagant gift. Noticing her anxious gaze, Connor paused, then did something even more surprising…


    .


    .


    .