Chapter 39
Just then, the low rumble of an engine echoed from the far end of the mountain road.
A Rolls-Royce glided through the estate gates, the small Spirit of Ecstasy ornament on the hood instantly recognizable to everyone present.
The top-of-the-line custom Rolls-Royce—the car alone cost enough to buy a mansion in Starlight City.
But that wasn't the most shocking part.
When the car came to a stop, the rear door opened, and a middle-aged man in a charcoal gray suit stepped out.
His hair was impeccably groomed, his leather shoes gleaming. In his hands, he carried a deep blue velvet gift box embossed with a gold insignia—Ethereal Jewel Studio.
"Oh my God, it's someone from Amy's Ethereal Jewel Studio!"
Hazel was the first to cry out, eyes wide as saucers. "I recognize that box! That's the highest-tier custom gift box from Ethereal Jewel Studio!"
The observation deck erupted.
"Ethereal Jewel Studio! The place where everything's limited edition and money can't even buy you in!"
"Look at that man—it's Brian Scott, the head of Ethereal Jewel Studio! I saw him at an auction once. When he personally delivers, it's always to royalty!"
"Who would be important enough to have Brian hand-deliver something...?"
Immediately, every gaze turned to Dahlia, filled with undisguised envy and awe.
In Starlight City, only a handful of people had connections to Ethereal Jewel Studio. And who else but the Douglas family could have Brian himself make a personal delivery?
Hazel grabbed Dahlia's arm, her voice pitching up. "Dahlia! It's for you, isn't it? It has to be! Oh my God, the Douglas family spoils you so much—sending jewelry from Ethereal Jewel Studio even when you're just out having fun!"
"Dahlia, you're too modest! You didn't even tell us about this!"
"As expected of the only daughter of the Douglas family. This kind of prestige—you won't find a second person in all of Starlight City!"
Dahlia held her champagne flute, unable to suppress the smile curving her lips.
She had mentioned to her mother this morning that she'd be at La Perle Blanche. Her mother had reminded her not to stay out too late.
So her mother had prepared a surprise for her—specially arranged for jewelry to be delivered.
She knew it. Her parents still cared about her.
So what if Lucinda had come back?
She was the daughter who'd spent twenty years with them. That bond couldn't be replaced by blood.
She straightened her spine, her face wearing a reserved smile, though her tone carried barely concealed pride. "It's nothing, really. Just a little gesture from home. Mother spoils me too much—even when I'm out, she's still thinking of me."
"She spoils you so much!" Hazel was almost in tears of envy. "Dahlia, quick—let us see what jewelry it is!"
Dahlia set down her champagne glass, smoothed out her skirt, and was just about to walk over—
But the Rolls-Royce didn't stop at the observation deck.
It continued along the main road, drove past the fountain, wound through the bamboo grove, and disappeared in front of the most secluded private courtyard deep within the estate.
That courtyard was the highest-tier venue in all of La Perle Blanche. It was never open to the public—only reserved for the most elite guests.
The number of people in all of Starlight City who could dine there could be counted on one hand.
The observation deck fell deathly silent.
Dahlia's smile froze on her face. Her hand, holding the glass, hung suspended in midair—like someone had pressed pause on her.
Hazel's mouth hung open. She looked toward where the car had disappeared, then back at Dahlia, her expression shifting from envy to awkwardness to utter confusion.
"Um... Dahlia." Hazel's voice was dry. "That car... it wasn't coming for you?"
The atmosphere on the observation deck stalled for a few seconds before quickly being drowned out by fresh waves of chatter.
"The premier venue is actually open!" A girl in a red dress gasped, eyes round as saucers. "I heard just the reservation fee alone is eight figures, and it's not something money can buy—you need the owner of La Perle Blanche to personally approve it."
"What kind of day is this? Ethereal Jewel Studio making a delivery, the premier venue opening—what kind of big shot is coming today?"
Hazel was the first to recover. She looped her arm through Dahlia's again, her tone even more enthusiastic than before. "Dahlia, you're amazing! If you hadn't brought us here, how would we ever get to see something like this? The premier venue! Most people never even hear about it in their whole lives!"
"Exactly." Another girl quickly chimed in. "Dahlia, you have so much influence. You brought us to witness this kind of occasion. When you become the wife of the world's richest man, we'll have to stick close to you."
Dahlia held her champagne glass, her smile returning.
The jewelry wasn't for her—that did sting a little.
But then again, the premier venue was where only the absolute elite belonged.
Just being able to witness this scene today was incredibly lucky.
If she could take advantage of the moment to connect with whoever reserved the premier venue—even just exchange a few words—her future path would be much smoother.
Her gaze settled on the direction of that private courtyard, barely able to hide the eagerness in her eyes.
Anyone who could book the premier venue was either extraordinarily wealthy or powerful—possibly the head of some top-tier family.
She, Dahlia, had spent twenty years cultivating connections in elite circles. She knew plenty of people, but she hadn't yet broken into the very top tier.
Today might just be her chance.
"Keep your voices down," she said quietly, her tone carrying a hint of propriety. "Don't disturb our distinguished guest."
The group quickly covered their mouths, though their gazes still drifted over there.
Brian stepped out of the car, adjusted his suit, and glanced up at the courtyard in front of him. His brow furrowed slightly.
He muttered to himself, "Didn't the boss say this premier venue was reserved for personal use? Why is it open today?"
Brian withdrew his gaze, held the gift box carefully, and strode into the courtyard.
Back on the observation deck, Dahlia was about to say something when the crowd exploded again.
"Look at that car!"
A Maybach came up the mountain road, its sleek lines sharp and commanding. The license plate had five zeros—unmistakably special.
In all of Starlight City, only one person used that plate.
"It's the Lancaster family's car!"
Someone shrieked. "It's the Lancaster family's car!"
Dahlia's heart skipped a beat.