Now that the worries had subsided, a tinge of irony and bitterness lingered.
...
After lunch, Jade felt a wave of fatigue.
She bade Adrian a reluctant farewell and headed upstairs for a short nap, planning to leave later.
Mila took the young ones downstairs, where the car was already waiting at the hotel entrance. Before parting, she offered a few last words of caution.
"That golden locket, if you can't wear it, make sure you keep it safe. It's a token from your Great Aunt."
"Got it, Mom," Adrian replied with a yawn. After having spent a long, chatty afternoon with his Great Aunt, he was feeling sleepy. His response was more of a casual brush-off.
Seeing his lack of interest in continuing the conversation, Mila fell silent, ready to see him to the car. But her hand was quickly shaken off.
"I can get to the car myself, Mom. Goodbye."
Adrian called over his shoulder as he dashed towards the car. After a few steps, he paused and turned back to shout, "Mom, I'll be home after a few more days of fun. Make sure you cook something delicious for me!"
He had been staying with Giselle for the past few days, not realizing that his mother hadn't been home either. Today, he was nervous that she might ask about his recent whereabouts, but she hadn't, presumably because his father had already explained.
Now that they'd reconciled, Adrian figured it was best to assure her he'd be home soon, to avoid any nosy phone calls. If she discovered he was at Giselle's place, she'd get upset again.
Mila was unaware of the little schemes running through her son's mind. She merely wondered if Adrian hadn't been home recently. Perhaps he was off on another adventure.
Adrian often disappeared without a word, leaving her at home in a state of worry, frantically calling around. Only when she was on the brink of panic would Adrian finally answer, calmly explaining his whereabouts, always with a few bodyguards in tow.
After all, as the cherished grandson of the Montgomery family, his safety was never in question. Why bother explaining to a mother who held no power or influence, one who had no standing in the family?
Mila didn't dwell on it further. She watched Adrian climb into the back seat of the car, catching a glimpse of another figure inside.
"Yeah, want to see it?" Adrian offered, taking it off and handing it over.
Under the warm glow of the car's interior, Giselle examined the piece closely. The craftsmanship seemed familiar and, upon closer inspection, she noticed faint engravings within the jade.
No wonder it was so exquisite—it was crafted by the renowned St. Clair Family's artisans.
A locket like this, made from rare jade and crafted with such skill, would fetch a fortune at auction. And the St. Clair Family didn't take just any commission.
Who exactly was this Great Aunt, and how was she connected to someone with Mila's modest background?
However, Giselle saw an opportunity.
Her eyes sparkled with a gentle, inviting smile as she spoke. "Adrian, you already have an emerald necklace. It's a shame for this locket to go unworn. Why not gift it to me? I could offer you something else in return."
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