The touch was like hitting a nerve. Eleanor instinctively raised her hand to block him. "I told you, no—”


    Her hand struckn''s, the one holding the gift box. With a sharp smack, the box tumbled to the floor.


    The lid popped open, and a snowke-shaped ne studded with pink diamonds spilled out—so breathtakingly beautiful it almost hurt to look at.


    Anyone could tell it was a one-of-a-kind, a global limited edition.


    For a moment,n''s face went rigid. Eleanor froze as well, but didn''t linger. She turned and strode toward the elevator.


    Eleanor''s initials.


    Clutching the box, he returned to the couch on the twenty-seventh floor and pressed his fingers to his brow. Just then, his phone rang. Gavin''s name lit up the


    screen.


    "Mr. Goodwin, the Vice President of Starnova Group is here. When will you being in?"


    "I''ll be right there,"n replied, still gripping the phone.


    He opened a drawer, ced the ne carefully inside, and headed out.


    At ten-thirty, Serena finished packing two suitcases and set out for Cloudcrest Manor.


    The moment she opened the door, she saw the ce was fully furnished, with everything she could possibly need-though the decor was definitely on the masculine side. She made a mental note to have someonee in and give it a makeover.


    Serena pulled open the coffee table drawer, looking for a spot to stash some things—and there, unexpectedly, was a gift box.


    She opened it, and her jaw dropped.


    "Isn''t this-the Cartier Winter Limited Edition? Only ten in the world!" She couldn''t believe that just rummaging through her brother''s house, she''d stumble upon a globally limited-edition ne.


    "Who was he nning to give this to? Don''t tell me it''s for Vanessa!" The thought seemed obvious to Serena, and since she just happened to have lunch ns with Vanessa, she decided she''d deliver the ne onn''s behalf.


    If her brother asked about itter, she''d just tell him what she''d done.


    That afternoon, Serena and Vanessa met for lunch at one of the city''s upscale bistros. As soon as they sat down, Serena pulled the ne out of her purse.


    "Vanessa, look what my brother got you! Talk about a surprise. It''s a global limited edition!"


    Vanessa''s eyes widened in disbelief. But then she remembered just a few days ago, she had casually mentioned wanting a gift fromn. Could this be it?


    "Are you sure it''s for me?" Vanessa asked, unable to hide the surge of delight as she gazed at the ne.


    She loved jewelry-especially pink diamond pieces.


    "Of course it''s for you. Who else would he be buying for? Just take it! And when my brother asks, I''ll let him know I delivered it." Serena grinned. Honestly, her brother was hopeless-always buying jewelry, but never around to give it himself. Vanessa turned the ne over in her hands, already picturing herself wearing it at the mayor''s wife''s charity g on Saturday. It would be the perfect match for her evening gown. With all the city''s elite attending, this ne would make sure she stood out andmanded respect.


    "Then I''ll dly ept it," Vanessa said, slipping the box into her purse.