Chapter 114 Engagement Ring


    A cold aura radiated from Finn.


    Nadine shivered without meaning to.


    She rubbed her bare arms and nced outside at the wind, telling herself it was just because it waste.


    Still, she tried to keep her spirits up, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Finn. “Could you give me a ride home?”


    Above her, his breathing stayed slow and steady. He didn’t answer right away.


    Nadine’s heart fluttered for no reason, but she kept pushing. “My friend gave me a ride here but left early. It’s hard to find a cab now.”


    A silence hung between them. Finally, Finn nodded. “I’ll have Zane drive you home.”


    But if Zane is driving me home, what about Finn?


    Nadine reached out, fingers almost touching his coat sleeve, but she stopped herself.


    She looked carefully at his cold, stern face and held back.


    Finn didn’t move or react, for the first time ignoring Nadine’s usual charm.


    A deep difort settled in Nadine’s chest. After thinking it over, she figured his coldness was because he’d seen Tess close to someone else.


    That thought lifted her earlier gloom and reced it with a hint of smug satisfaction.


    “Finn, what Tess did wasn’t right, but don’t get too mad. You’ve been apart for over a year; maybe it’s understandable… Getting upset isn’t good for you. I’d worry.”


    Concern shone in Nadine’s eyes.


    Finn looked down, meeting the gentle warmth in her gaze. For the first time, a strange thought crossed his mind. Why isn’t Tess the one showing me this kindness? Why don’t Tess’s eyes hold this tenderness?


    The idea shocked him. His pupils flickered before he pushed it away quickly.


    Have I lost my mind? Why am I even thinking that?


    Pressing his hand to the throbbing vein on his wrist, Finn nced again at the dark, empty road ahead.


    Abel and Tess had long gone, leaving the path empty.


    Thest bidders lingered until the auction ended, but now only he and Nadine were left, with the cold wind asionally rustling around them.


    He rubbed his temples in frustration, a deep helplessness stirring inside him for the first time. “It’ste. You should go.”


    His voice was short but carried a clear edge ofmand. <fne474> For original chapters go to find{n}ovel</fne474>


    He didn’t want to stay in this awkward moment any longer.


    Nadine’s heart pounded, a strange panic creeping up her spine.


    This time, her worry was real.


    What’s wrong with Finn?


    Zane stepped forward, breaking Nadine’s gaze. “Ms. Ember, please get in the car.”


    He stretched out his arms, signaling the way.


    Biting her lip, Nadine knew she couldn’t stay.


    She lowered her head and got ready to leave quietly.


    As she turned, her hand reached for the velvet gift box Zane held carefully.


    The soft velvet stirred a small spark of joy inside her, easing some of her gloom.


    Even if I didn’t make any progress, at least I have the pearl ne now.


    Finn spent 100 million on a gift for me-that alone shows how much he cares.


    He’s probably only upset now because of Tess.


    Thinking this, Nadine felt her heart ease.


    But the velvet box slipped from her fingers the next moment.


    She looked up, stunned, as Zane pulled the gift away.


    “What…”


    She started to ask but stopped when Zane nced at Finn.


    Nadine immediately knew-it was Finn’s decision. She turned to look at him.


    His handsome profile was shrouded in shadow, making his expression unreadable, but the cold aura around him was clear.


    Nadine’s chest tightened, but she forced herself to speak. “Finn, what’s going on?”


    Finn’sshes flickered. His eyes slowly moved to the gift box in Zane’s hands.


    He lifted his gaze with cold distance. “It’s not for you.”


    “What?”


    Nadine’s voice rose sharply, then quickly softened. “Didn’t you buy this because I liked it? It’s my Grandma’s heirloom. If not for


    me, then who else?”


    Her tone was soft, with a hint of yful pleading.


    Finn seemed to ignore her. He motioned to Zane again with a cold hand. “Drive her home.”


    His long fingers hovered in the air, a dark silver ring catching the light with a sharp sh.


    Nadine froze the moment she saw it. Her eyes drifted slowly up to Finn’s face,


    That ring-she knew it well. It was the first engagement ring between him and Tess.


    Back then, Finn hadn’t been happy about their engagement, so even the ring had been chosen carelessly, far below what you’d expect from the richest man in Aetheris.


    Nadine’s lips parted slightly as a sudden wave of fear rushed through her body.