Chapter 301 Lillian Finds Fault Again
Chapter 301 Lillian Finds Fault Again
Grace frowned and walked over to take Alexander's arm. "Honey, let's go!"
She didn't like other women staring at her man!
Alexander looked somewhat surprised.
After all, she rarely called him "honey." Could it be that seeing someone else staring at him made her jealous?
Alexander couldn't help but smile, naturally wrapping his arm around her waist and leaning down to kiss her forehead.
Everyone was caught off guard by this sudden display of affection!
Although they weren't unused to seeing public displays of affection, when such a gorgeous couple showed their love like this, it was both pleasing to the eye and enviable!
Grace left the boutique with Alexander on her arm. She checked the time - fifteen minutes left until lunch break ended, and the drive back would take exactly fifteen minutes. It looked like she was going to be late!
She sighed.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
Grace said, "I'm going to be late getting back from lunch."
Alexander asked, "What happens if you're late?"
Grace looked up. "Being late means a deduction from my bonus!"
Alexander chuckled and pinched her pouty cheeks. "Since you're going to be late anyway, let's browse a little longer."
They passed by a Cartier boutique.
Alexander suddenly stopped, tugging her hand as he looked down at her bare fingers, lost in thought.
Grace looked at him puzzled. "What is it?"
Alexander turned toward the Cartier boutique.
He wanted to buy her jewelry.
Such beautiful hands would look even more stunning with a diamond ring!
Alexander led her toward the counter.
Grace realized he wanted to buy her a diamond ring and felt somewhat surprised.
The sales associate greeted them warmly: "Sir, ma'am, are you looking for diamond rings today?"
Alexander hummed in acknowledgment and began examining the selections carefully.
He looked through each style one by one.
Grace found herself drawn to the elegant price tags.
$29,888...
$39,888...
Cartier was one of the world's most renowned luxury jewelry brands. Even their entry-level, plain diamond rings carried hefty price tags!
A $17,988 TRINITY style was just a platinum band with two tiny diamonds.
The brand markup was truly outrageous.
Having lived frugally for so long, she always looked at prices first when shopping.
If it were up to her, she would never splurge on something like this.
But for Alexander, these prices probably meant nothing!
Alexander's gaze finally settled on a Reflection de Cartier series diamond ring. "This one."
The sales associate smiled and put on black velvet gloves, carefully retrieving it. "Ma'am, let me have you try it on!"
Grace glanced at the price tag out of the corner of her eye.
This one must be very expensive!
Grace extended her hand. The associate first measured her ring finger and found the size was perfect, then carefully slipped the ring onto her ring finger.
The entire ring was set with 36 round brilliant-cut diamonds and 18 baguette-cut diamonds, weighing 1.58 carats and totaling 2 carats respectively.
At first glance, the diamonds' fire sparkled brilliantly under the lights.
Her fingers were slender and fair, making the diamond ring look particularly stunning.
The sales associate said, "Sir, you have excellent taste. This ring is absolutely perfect for her!"
Grace asked, "How much is this one?"
Seeing the Reflection de Cartier series ring being displayed, the store manager immediately approached with a beaming smile. "Hello ma'am, this ring is priced at $460,000. I can see this ring suits you perfectly. Is this your husband?"
Grace nodded.
The manager asked further, "Is this for an engagement?"
Grace looked toward Alexander.
Alexander said, "No."
If he were proposing, he wouldn't use this type of ring.
Cartier rings were beautiful for everyday wear, but if he proposed, he would definitely have a designer create a unique, one-of-a-kind pair.
Alexander looked at Grace and asked gently, "Do you like it?"
Grace said, "I... like it very much."
She blushed, looking at the diamond ring on her ring finger.
This was the first diamond ring Alexander had ever given her, and especially since it was one he had personally chosen, she loved it even more.
Alexander handed his card to the manager. "We'll take this one."
The manager smiled and was about to remove the ring from Grace's hand to package it.
Alexander raised his hand, stopping her. "No need, she can wear it out."
The manager inwardly marveled at the man's wealth while maintaining a face full of smiles. "Then let me just remove the price tag."
---
Crest Corporation Building.
Grace returned to the office, already thirty minutes late.
As soon as she sat down at her desk, Lillian across from her seemed to have finally found something to criticize her for, launching into an accusation: "Where did you go for lunch? Why are you just getting back now? Do you know what business hours are? Ignoring company policies, leaving without authorization - you haven't even been made permanent yet and you're already showing up late!"
Grace was in a good mood and didn't want to argue with her. "I know, I was late. I apologize."
She knew Lillian was nitpicking.
Going out during lunch break was an employee's freedom; she had simply returned late. It didn't warrant such an overreaction.
But when someone wants to find fault, any excuse will do.
She couldn't be bothered to engage with Lillian.
Lillian snorted coldly. "I've already reported to the supervisor that you were late today. Your perfect attendance and bonus will be docked."
Grace simply said, "Okay."
Lillian, seeing no reaction on her face, suddenly had her attention completely captured by a brilliant sparkle on Grace's finger!
There was now a diamond ring on her ring finger!
Lillian had been observing her all day, so she knew exactly what Grace wore around her neck and on her fingers. When Grace arrived at the office that morning, her hands were bare, but after lunch break, she had returned with a diamond ring!
Anna also noticed the new diamond ring on Grace's hand and couldn't help exclaiming, "Grace, that diamond ring on your hand is gorgeous! What brand is it?"
Grace replied, "Cartier."
Anna said, "Cartier diamond rings are all super expensive, right? Did your boyfriend give it to you?"
Lillian recognized it too - this was a Cartier Reflection de Cartier series diamond ring. The last time she went shopping, she had passed by the boutique and asked about the price - around $460,000!
Her boyfriend gave her an engagement ring?
Lillian narrowed her eyes and said sourly, "So that's why you were gone so long at lunch and came back late - you were on a date with your boyfriend during work hours?"
Grace looked up. Seeing that Lillian wouldn't let this go, she grew somewhat impatient. "I was late, which was my mistake, but didn't you already report it to the supervisor and have both my perfect attendance and bonus docked? I've already been punished."