Jacklyn’s eyes were sharp. “Is that so?”
She trusted Sammy more than she trusted Eugene. If the necklace really had been taken, then what she was looking at now…
“This necklace’s gems are truly one of a kind…” she murmured as she slowly walked toward the gemstone necklace.
The moment she moved, Eugene’s heart leaped into his throat. He couldn’t let her find out the truth.
“Wait,” he called out to her.
He quickly pushed the door open and shouted out to the hallway, “Stop eating and come in to thank Mrs. Lloyd properly!”
As soon as the words left his mouth, laughter came from the hallway. In the next second, a group of employees flooded into the office.
“Thank you for the afternoon tea, Mrs. Lloyd! We’re so honored!”
Just as Jacklyn’s hand was about to touch the necklace, someone suddenly squeezed in, blocking her. Surrounded, she was bombarded with chatter and flattery.
Jacklyn responded to each one. After a while, they finally dispersed.
A suspicious glance flickered again as she looked toward the necklace.
“I’ve got the afternoon free. Why don’t I go with you to yoga?” Eugene asked, picking up his jacket.
“Gene, I didn’t plan to go today.”
But Eugene had already grabbed her hand. “Jackie, I just want to spend more time with you.”
Before she could protest, he had already led her out.
In the car, Eugene turned on the GPS and headed straight to the yoga studio.
As Jacklyn thought back on everything that had just happened, she sensed something was off. She pulled out her phone and texted Sammy.
“When did the necklace get returned to the office?”
The reply came quickly. The necklace was returned this morning.
But if the necklace had really ended up in Penelope’s hands, with her personality, there was no way she would
return it.
Then, what was in the office?
After a moment’s thought, an idea struck Jacklyn. She pulled out her phone again.
“Send me a photo of the necklace.”
A few minutes later, Sammy sent one.
Jacklyn opened the photo and zoomed in, carefully examining every detail. Her eyes narrowed as she found out
the truth.
Chapter 37
+25 BONUS
“Jackie, we’re here,” Eugene said.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Jacklyn got out of the car with him and headed to the yoga studio.
During a break, she casually pulled out her phone and scrolled through a few images, then handed it to Eugene.‘ Gene, which of these dresses do you like best?”
Eugene took it, feeling a bit flattered.
Jacklyn had been distant with him lately. He thought she was still mad. But now, it seemed like she had forgiven him.
A smile spread across his face. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he said warmly, “Any of them would look amazing on you, Jackie. If you like them, get them all. Your happiness is all that matters.”
He took her hand again, then gazed at her with devotion.
Jacklyn nodded, then added, “Okay. These dresses would go perfectly with the necklace in your office.”
She put down her phone and looked straight at Eugene. “I’m invited to Fashion Week. I’ll wear that necklace then.”
“No!” Eugene stood up abruptly.
The necklace in his office was a high–quality replica, made to fool her. If she wore it to Fashion Week, he would be exposed immediately.
Seeing how strongly he reacted, Jacklyn hid the sneer in her eyes. When she looked up again, her gaze was full of disappointment. “Gene, didn’t you once say you’d give me everything?”
Afraid she might get upset, Eugene quickly explained, “Jackie, that necklace is for good luck. I can’t just move it around. If I mess up the geomancy, it could bring bad luck.”
He was sweating.
Jacklyn’s expression dropped. She looked hurt. “Gene, do you not love me anymore?”
“Of course I do! Jackie, you’re the one I love most!”
“Then, the necklace…”
Eugene hesitated. He had only just managed to patch things up with Jacklyn. He couldn’t risk upsetting her again.
Gritting his teeth, he said, “I’ll give it to you before Fashion Week, alright?”
Only then did Jacklyn’s expression soften slightly.
Eugene sighed with relief and leaned in closer. “I’ll do anything to make you happy, Jackie.”
He gently caressed her hair. Seeing her crimson lips, he instinctively leaned closer to her.
Jacklyn immediately tilted her head to the side and pressed her hand to turn away. With a smooth yoga move, she effortlessly dodged Eugene.
After an hour of yoga, the two returned to Lloyd Manor.
As soon as they walked in, Eugene looked at Jacklyn apologetically. “Sorry, Jackie. I need to head back to the office.
