Chapter 168
He was gone.
But Harrison's mind wasn't on Nathaniel's departure. What consumed her thoughts was his outrageous action - how could he casually discard that exquisite ruby necklace as if it were worthless trash?
That single gemstone was valued at more than a million dollars!
Even for someone of his wealth, such extravagance was unacceptable!
Without hesitation, Harrison dove for the trash bin, retrieving the velvet pouch. Relief washed over her when she found it pristine - what a tragedy it would've been if damaged!
Back in her dorm room, Harrison sat before her vanity and opened the ornate jewelry box. The ruby and diamond necklace sparkled brilliantly under the light, its breathtaking beauty leaving her momentarily speechless.
Nathaniel had always possessed impeccable taste. Born into aristocracy, the Falcon Enterprises heir had an eye for only the finest things. Anything he selected was guaranteed to be extraordinary.
Though financially comfortable herself, Harrison rarely indulged in such luxuries. This marked the first gift Nathaniel had ever given her.
She fastened the ruby necklace around her slender neck.
Her porcelain skin glowed against the gemstone's deep red hue, her swan-like neck and delicate collarbones providing the perfect canvas. The effect was both ethereal and dazzling.
Harrison quickly snapped a selfie and sent it to her best friend Gabrielle.
The immediate reply came with excited emojis. [OMG! That's absolutely stunning! I'm obsessed!]
Harrison typed back on WhatsApp. [From Mr. Falcon.]
Gabrielle's tone shifted instantly. [That arrogant bastard? Harrison, you must've pleased him exceptionally well to earn a ruby necklace as payment.]
A blush crept across Harrison's cheeks. She knew the truth - it was indeed compensation.
Nathaniel understood how to pamper his woman, how to show appreciation.
[Should I throw it away?] Harrison asked.
[Are you seriously considering that?]
[Not really.]
This necklace cost more than most people made in years!
[Then keep it.]
[Keep it?]
[The real question is - do you love it?]
Harrison studied her reflection. The ruby complemented her perfectly. [I do.]
Gabrielle responded decisively. [Then it's settled. You're Mrs. Falcon. Why refuse what's rightfully yours?] Harrison conceded. [Fine. He thinks it's in the trash anyway. He'll never know I'm wearing it.]
As Harrison set her phone down, it slipped from her grasp. In her frantic attempt to catch it, her fingers accidentally took a screenshot - and worse, sent it to the wrong contact.
Who received it?
"Hubby."
She'd just forwarded her entire conversation with Gabrielle to Nathaniel! Damn it!
Harrison immediately recalled the message. "He won't see it," she muttered, trying to calm herself.
Meanwhile at Falcon Enterprises, Nathaniel sat in his office, jaw clenched in frustration.
During his international business trip, he'd spotted the ruby in a luxury magazine and immediately envisioned it gracing Harrison's neck. He'd ordered Dominic to acquire it immediately.
Upon landing, he'd delivered it personally.
Only for her to reject it and tell him to leave her alone.
His dark mood deepened until his phone pinged with a notification.
A WhatsApp message. He opened it to find Harrison's screenshot: [Are you seriously considering that?] [Not really.] [The real question is - do you love it?] [I do.] [He thinks it's in the trash anyway. He'll never know I'm wearing it.]
The message disappeared as Harrison recalled it.
Too late.
Nathaniel's lips curved into a knowing smirk. He selected an emoji and sent his reply.
Back in her dorm, Harrison was still convincing herself he hadn't seen anything. The busy CEO couldn't possibly check messages immediately.
She could pretend this never happened.
Then her phone buzzed with a response from "Hubby."