Chapter 47

"Let's head upstairs and look at the jewelry." Claire kept a close watch on Gianna, noticing how bravely she forced a smile. The sight tugged at her heart.

With a quiet nod, Gianna said,-"Sure."

They wandered through the fourth floor, led by Eliana,yet it was clear neither girl had any real interest in the displays around them.

Every so often, Gianna's gaze drifted upward toward the fifth floor, her fingers twisting nervously at the hem of her blouse.

Jealousy simmered beneath the surface. She couldn't help but wonder just how many treasures Julia was buying for Grace this timne.

Picking up on Gianna's distracted mood, Claire leaned close and whispered, "Why don't we sneak a peek upstairs? It's not like the fifth floor is completely off-limits."

A flicker of worry crossed Gianna's face. "But those membership rules are really strict..."

Claire's grin widened with mischief. "We'll just say we're with Aunt Julia. Are they really going to throw us

They quickly found a reason to send Eliana off and slipped into the elevator, determined to reach the fifth floor undetected.

Stepping out, they barely took two steps before a security guard appeared in front of them. "May I see your membership cards, ladies?"

Chin lifted in defiance, Claire answered, "We're with Mrs. Julia Holden. She's our aunt."

The guard answered with practiced politeness,"Seraphic Jewelry only allows members bring one guest. Mrs. Holden already has her daughter with her."

Meanwhile, the fifth floor gleamed with new collections. Julia admired a glittering display. "Grace,come here. What do you think of this bracelet?"

She chose the newest and most expensive diamond bracelet and slipped it onto Grace's wrist.

Julia had Grace try it on.It hugged her wrist as if it belonged there, the stones throwing sparks under the showroom lights and making her skin look impossibly delicate.

The store manager exclaimed, "Mrs. Holden, this piece couldn't suit her better. It's as if it was crafted just for her."

Julia beamed, completely pleased. "Nothing could look finer on Grace."

Grace's lips curved into a smile as she responded,"Mom, I really don't need anything."

"You're such a silly girl. Why wouldn't you want it?Gianna begged me for a bracelet just last year,swearing it would bring her good fortune. You're my precious child. How could I let you have less than anyone else?"

Without waiting for Grace to reply, Julia turned to the salesperson and asked her to wrap up the bracelet.

A knowing look appeared on the salesperson's face as she offered flattery. "Mrs. Holden, your taste is impeccable. This bracelet is unique, just like your daughter. She's as lovely as you, and when she wears this, it's as if she's the perfect ambassador for our store."

Glowing with pride, Julia decided one bracelet wasn't enough. She added another, plus a dazzling ring.

Before long, the running total shot past ten million dollars.

Seeing the number, Grace's brow furrowed. She discreetly texted Patrick, asking him to apply a discount before they paid. Letting her mother overspend on her account just didn't sit right with her.

Patrick, on the receiving end, immediately set things in motion to make it happen.

Boredom had led Grace to open this store a few years back, and it had quickly turned into a booming business.

When Julia reached for her card to pay, the store manager hurried over, all respect and smiles. "Mrs.Holden, as an Ultra VIyou automatically receive a special discount today."

Julia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I was sure this place never gave out discounts."

With a polished smile, the manager explained,"You've been with us a long time, Mrs. Holden. Our system automatically promoted you to Ultimate VIP. Today, you receive thirty percent off."

Grace slipped her arm through her mother's and teased gently, "Mom, it looks like you shop here often enough for the store to reward you."

Delighted, Julia squeezed her daughter's hand."See?You really are my lucky star. This is quite a savings."

The two left the boutique feeling cheerful after the unexpected discount.

At the entrance, they came face-to-face with Claire and Gianna.

Julia stopped and asked, "What brings you girls up here?"

Claire hesitated, searching for the right words. "Aunt Julia, we were looking for you. It's almost lunchtime,and my mother thought we should all have a meal together." Thinking fast, Claire spun a reason on the spot.

After being denied entry, frustration lingered, and confessing the real reason for their visit would have only made things worse.

Julia accepted the explanation without question."Alright then. Let's go."

Lunch had been the plan anyway.

Rejoining Eliana, the group gathered and made their way toward the restaurant.

Catching sight of the elegant jewelry bags in Grace's hands, Gianna felt envy prick at her like a thorn.What was Julia thinking, spoiling Grace with so much jewelry? That jewelry had to be worth a fortune-easily more than ten million. Jealousy gnawed at her,impossible to ignore.

With a sly glance at Grace, Claire piped up with a sudden idea to eat somewhere extravagant.

She suspected Grace wouldn't know the first thing about fine dining-surely, she would trip over every bit of etiquette and embarrass herself.

Both Claire and Gianna longed for a moment to vent their irritation, hoping to catch Grace out of her depth.

A knowing look passed between them, and Gianna was quick to play along. "There's a really fancy place nearby. Let's give it a shot."

Eliana chimed in enthusiastically, "Sounds good!"

Neither Julia nor Grace objected, so they went along with the idea.

Together, the group set off toward the popular upscale restaurant, anticipation buzzing in the air.