Chapter 48
was a biitle
Cynthia was a little surprised. Her birthday was two days away
it.” Suddenly, Jonathan pulled out a gift bag. Here’s your birthday gilt. See if you lik
Cynthia accepted the bag and pulled out an exquisite red velvergift box. Opening it, she found a diamond necklace inside.
The design was unique, with black diamonds encircling a radiant yellow diamond. The contrast between solemn black and dazzling yellow combined with the intricate design created a stunning visual impact,
However, what struck her most was the centerpiece—a five–caruatural yellow diamond. It was rare and incredibly valuable.
was
th
Cynthia was dumbfounded. It wasn’t just because the gift was expensive. It was because the necklace was designed by her
From the front seat, Claude continued his duty. “During our trip, we made time and went to the Kastron International Jewelry Exhibition to pick this gift for you, Ms. Jones.”
“Stop talking too much!” Jonathan spoke again.
Claude was speechless.
Jonathan then asked, “How is it? Do you like it?”
Cynthia’s emotions were complex. This was one of her recent designs, which she had submitted to Simon not long ago. She hadn’t expected it to be completed so soon, and it was even bought by Jonathan
Just a few days ago, Simon had called to tell her the piece was priced at 16 million dollars.
Closing the box, she handed it back to Jonathan. “It’s too expensive. I can’t accept it.”
Jonathan replied, “Can it be more expensive than my feelings?”
He took the necklace out of the box and continued. For some reason, I thought of you when I saw this necklace. I had a feeling you’d like it.”
Cynthia laughed. Of course, it was her creation after all. She had designed so many pieces for Queen Jewelry, yet she never owned one herself.
The feeling of seeing her work come to life was different from designing it. It was a touching feeling.
Jonathan added, “What I also love is its name. It’s called Turning Darkness Into Light.”
Cynthia almost burst into laughter. She had named it that. The inspiration for the design had come to her on the night she moved out from the Yates residence where Jonathan had said to her, “Celebrate your turning from darkness to light.”
She wondered if Jonathan would be shocked if he knew the piece of jewelry was designed for him. At that moment, it felt like the necklace had formed a closed loop with their fate, creating a coincidence that made one marvel.
“The name’s interesting, but this is too expensive. I really can’t accept it,” Cynthia insisted. The price of 16 million dollars was
not a small amount.
Jonathan spoke casually. “If you don’t like it, I’ll just throw it away. Then, he pretended to roll down the car window.
Cynthia panicked. She hurriedly reached out to stop him and snatched the box back. Although she knew it was on purpose, she still couldn’t help but marvel at Jonathan’s audacity.
Chapter 18
If she hadn’t stopped him, there was a real chance he might have tossed it out. There was no way she would let such an expensive piece of jewelry be thrown away, let alone allow her creation to end up on the street.
“I like it. Thank you,” said Cynthia,
In the back of her mind, she thought that she could return the favor by gifting him something of equal value for his birthday. Though she had money, sending a 16 million dollar gif still made her heart ache a little.
Seeing Cynthia accepted the gift, Jonathan smiled. “How do you want to spend your birthday?”
Cynthia was caught off guard by how much he cared. She never told him the date of her birthday.
“I’m going back to the Jones residence to spend it with Shirley,” she said.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Jonathan’s face. “Since when did you become close with her?”
Cynthia chuckled. “I’ve no choice. I gave her my word. She held Jonathan’s hand soothingly and continued. “But I’ll try to come back early, and we can have cake together.”
Jonathan didn’t continue anymore. He knew about the awkward situation between Cynthia and the Jones family and that she had her obligations.
That night, Cynthia truly experienced the meaning of absence better than marriage. Exhausted, the two fell asleep in each
other’s arms,
Cynthia suddenly realized that Jonathan’s faint, cool scent had a calming, almost sleep–inducing effect. That night, she slept better than she had had in a long time.
However, when she woke up in the morning, Jonathan had already gone to work.
The Paradise Resort project had officially begun, and the results of the bidding were expected soon.
The bidding process was being conducted publicly by the government, which would shortlist three construction companies. Jonathan would then choose one from those finalists. At the end of the day, the final decisions lay in Jonathan’s hands.
Cynthia didn’t know whether Yates Construction had made it to the top three.
Meanwhile, at BJ Building, Claude placed three folders on Jonathan’s table. “Mr. Bennett, these are the construction companies selected by the government. Please have a look”
Jonathan opened the file. “Evergreen Construction, Sterling Construction, and Yates Construction…”
His fingers paused at Yates Construction’s file as he continued, Let’s go with Yates Construction. We’ll announce it in three days.”
Claude said, “Yates Construction’s bid wasn’t the lowest. In terms of reputation and strength, they can’t be compared to Evergreen Construction from Betrico. In terms of cost–effectiveness, Sterling Construction is better. Are you sure about that?”
“From what I know, the projects undertaken by Yates Construction are of good quality. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have lost money.” Jonathan replied.
Claude nodded. “Yates Construction is indeed known for its coinmitment to quality, but that was under the leadership of Mr. Henry Yates. Now that he has stepped back, and although he still holds the title as the company’s chairman, all the operations are handled by his son, Filip. We don’t know about how Mr. Filip Yates manages things,”
Jonathan raised his eyebrows. “That would be even more interesting.”
Understanding that Jonathan had made up his mind, Claude didn’t push further. “All right. I’ll arrange for a press conference
Chapter 481
in three days
While they were talking, a sudden knock interrupted them.
Jonathan valued quiet and rarely had anyone knock on his office door unannounced. Generally, only Claude was allowed to come and go to the CEO’s office as he pleased.
Claude went to open the door and found Shirley standing outside. Frowning, he asked, “Ms. Jones, do you need something?”
Shirley was a little disappointed when she saw Claude. “Mr. Gaston, I’m not here for you. I’m looking for Mr. Bennett.”
Claude’s frown deepened. He didn’t know who had recruited Shirley into the secretarial department. The latter was not proactive in her work and often botched simple tasks.
She even tried to look for Jonathan a few times but was always stopped by Claude. He was seriously considering firing her
- 100.
However, Shirley didn’t know what Claude was thinking. She spent a lot of mo
