?Chapter 2783:


    “Go on,” Ellis said as he lifted the lid for her.


    Insidey a full ruby jewelry set.


    “Mom?” Ellis arched a brow.


    “This set? I haven’t seen you wear it in years.”


    “I’ve long outgrown it!” July huffed softly before turning to Hadley.


    “This was part of my dowry—passed from my mother, and from her mother before that.”


    Her fingers traced the delicate craftsmanship.


    “It has been remodeled over the generations… If it doesn’t match your taste, Ellis can have it reset—”


    Hadley frowned slightly.


    “This is far too valuable! You should keep it.”


    “Keep it for what?” July patted her hand gently.


    “I’d need a daughter to pass it on to!”


    A wistful sigh escaped her.


    “I always wished for a girl, but fate blessed me with four sons instead.”


    Her eyes softened.


    “Ellis is my youngest. From this day on, I’ll consider you the daughter I never had.”


    “But—” Hadley shook her head, still hesitant.


    “Take it,” Ellis said, firm but calm.


    “All three of my sisters-inw received simr sets.”


    “Exactly!” July chimed in.


    “This isn’t special treatment—it’s our family tradition.”


    “Keep it,” Ellis added, closing the box with finality.


    “One day, all of my mother’s treasures will belong to you and my sisters-inw anyway.”


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    Hadley gave him a pointed look before relenting.


    “Thank you, Mrs. Gomez.”


    “That’s better!” July pped her hands in delight.


    But she wasn’t done.


    From the same chair, she retrieved another identical box.


    Hadley’s eyes widened. More?


    Panic flickered through her as she nced at Ellis, subtly shaking her head.


    Yet July had already ced the box in front of her.


    “This one is a pink diamond set,” she exined.


    “For Joy.”


    “What?” Hadley blurted, startled. There was a gift for Joy as well?


    Ellis leaned close, his voice low.


    “My mother asked about your daughter herself.”


    He hadn’t questioned Hadley directly, but in his line of work, obtaining such details was second nature.


    “That’s right.” July tapped the box fondly.


    “It’s just right for her age—something to y with for now. When she’s older, I’ll give her something finer.”


    “You should ept it,” Ellis urged softly.


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