Chapter 236
Gemma looked curiously at Alicia. "What do you mean by that?"
"Your skin tone is quite fair, so this necklace doesn't really suit you. It makes your complexion appear a bit dull."
Gemma's expression froze momentarily before she forced a polite smile. "Thank you for your opinion, but I think it looks lovely."
With that, she dismissed Alicia entirely.
Confused but convinced she was right, Alicia pressed on, "Mrs. Murphy, I'm absolutely not targeting you with my comment. I genuinely think it doesn't complement you well."
Adeline wanted to facepalm.
How could someone be so completely tone-deaf?
Alicia continued chattering, "I brought you a gift too—a pair of antique bracelets that would look absolutely stunning on you."
Gemma's smile had faded to almost nothing. "Thank you. Please leave the gift with the housekeeper."
The message was clear—when people received gifts they truly appreciated, they opened them on the spot. Asking for it to be handed to the housekeeper spoke volumes.
Even Alicia caught on this time.
"Mrs. Murphy, do you have some issue with me? I sincerely wished you a happy birthday."
Why would Gemma accept Adeline's gift so eagerly—even wearing it immediately—while she wouldn't even look at hers?
Randy arrived just in time to witness this awkward exchange. He quickly pulled Alicia aside and addressed Gemma, "Mrs. Murphy, please don't be upset. My sister has always been rather sheltered and speaks without thinking. I hope you'll forgive any offense."
"Don't worry, I'm not petty enough to hold grudges against younger folks."
Gemma considered herself above such pettiness, though extending genuine warmth toward Alicia was now out of the question.
When Randy pulled Alicia aside to reprimand her, she remained indignant. She simply couldn't understand why her gift and Adeline's received such dramatically different responses despite being equally expensive.
"What did I do wrong?"
"You have the nerve to ask?" Randy couldn't believe Alicia could be this clueless. "That's a one-of-a-kind necklace designed by Mrs. Murphy's favorite designer, and it holds special meaning for her. Her appreciation has nothing to do with its monetary value. You just walked up and criticized it—of course, she's upset!"
"But it genuinely doesn't look good."
What special meaning could it possibly have? When women wore jewelry, shouldn't looking good be the priority?
Randy took a deep breath. "Just stay put and don't cause any more trouble."
Alicia reluctantly agreed.
Meanwhile, Gemma's good mood had been thoroughly ruined, which left Preston anxious. He desperately wanted to cheer her up, but, being rather unromantic by nature, had little experience in such matters.
Adeline observed his awkward attempts with amusement.
Who would have thought that Preston, for all his business acumen, was such a devoted romantic at heart?
She spotted Gemma on the balcony, gazing at the necklace in her hand, lost in thought. Adeline suddenly realized that perhaps Gemma's attachment to the necklace wasn't as straightforward as they'd assumed.
"The necklace is beautiful."
Gemma turned to see Adeline and smiled faintly. "Actually, I know it's not particularly attractive."
"But you love it anyway."
Sometimes, affection was enough to override all other considerations.
"Yes, I do love it."
The designer hadn't been particularly skilled but had insisted on creating this piece despite their limitations. Though imperfect, Gemma treasured it all the same.
Adeline fell silent, unsure how to offer comfort.
But Gemma quickly brightened. "Look at me, at my age, still getting emotional over such things. Now I've got a young woman like you consoling me."
"I'm just glad you're feeling better."
In the end, it was Adeline who personally helped Gemma put on the necklace.
The piece itself wasn't particularly striking. Despite coming from a renowned designer, its style was oddly ordinary, distinguished only by its expensive materials.
Yet Gemma cherished it so deeply—clear evidence that its sentimental value far outweighed its aesthetic appeal.
Preston had ordered a cake nearly half as tall as a person, topped with countless candles—one hundred in total, symbolizing longevity, in his uniquely romantic fashion.
When it came time to blow out the candles, the lights dimmed, plunging the room into darkness.
Adeline felt someone take her hand. Knowing it was Edward, her fingertips trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away.
After the candle-blowing, everyone received cake. Adeline held a small slice topped with strawberries and blueberries—Edward had cut it specially for her.
As she took delicate bites, the lights suddenly dimmed again.
Then, dreamlike blue and purple lights illuminated the room, creating an intimate atmosphere. Within moments, couples had filled the dance floor, swaying together.
Gemma appeared beside Adeline. "I saw it."
Adeline started. "Saw what?"
"He's wearing a ring."
Everyone knew about the matching blue and pink diamond rings—a couple's set.
Gemma had certainly heard about them.
Adeline remained silent. Gemma wasn't expecting an answer anyway, merely noting, "You should be wearing yours too."
True love shouldn't be wasted.
Adeline felt compelled to explain, "It's not that I don't want to wear it. I left it on my nightstand that day, and then..."
"You lost it?"
"Yes."
Adeline had searched her bedside table thoroughly without success. She'd asked the staff and Lily, but no one had seen it. She hadn't mentioned it to Edward, partly to avoid letting him know she'd lost it, and partly out of embarrassment.
Such an expensive gift, and she'd misplaced it after just one day.
"That's truly a shame."
Gemma sighed, but a deep voice spoke from behind them.
"Not at all."
Edward approached, produced the ring from his pocket, and knelt on one knee to solemnly place it back on Adeline's finger.
"How did you get this?"
Adeline had considered many possibilities, but never imagined Edward had it.
Why had he taken it without telling her?
"I thought..."
Edward paused, then smiled. "Never mind, it doesn't matter. The important thing is the ring wasn't lost—it's back where it belongs."
Gemma, not wanting to intrude on the couple, prepared to leave, but not before giving Adeline her gift.
She presented Adeline with a necklace.
"I'm quite fond of you. This necklace is for you—please come visit me often."
Strangely enough, Adeline felt equally drawn to Gemma. "As long as you don't find me bothersome."
"How could I? I can't get enough of your company."
Gemma didn't stay much longer, as Preston came to invite her to dance. Watching them, Adeline smiled softly. "They make such a perfect couple."
"We make a perfect couple too."
Edward extended his hand toward her. "Ms. Brown, may I have the honor of this dance?"
Adeline casually picked up a glass of wine, took a sip, and ignored him.
He remained in place, hand outstretched.
Finally, Adeline relented. "How am I supposed to dance in my condition?"
Though she could walk for longer periods each day, dancing seemed beyond her capabilities.
"With me by your side, what is there to fear?"
He would always be there to support her, no matter what.
Adeline slowly placed her hand in his palm and, with Edward's help, gradually stood. Perhaps from nervousness, her already unsteady legs seemed even more rigid.
Edward watched her patiently.
From across the room, Alicia witnessed this scene, her expression darkening.
Adeline could walk now?