Chapter 55

The scene brought a grin to Julia's face. Of course,she wasn't oblivious-she saw straight through Gianna's petty little games.

All those years spent under Ethel's influence, and Gianna still hadn't learned better.

Thankfully,Grace wasn't so easily bullied.

The crowd finally quieted, the commotion fading.

The seller stared,awestruck, at the brilliant gemstone,rubbing his hands eagerly. "Name your price, young lady. Highest bidder takes it."

He didn't dare name a figure himself-not after someone had just offered fifty million.

Grace remained calm, her voice even. "I'm not selling.I'm keeping this piece for custom jewelry. It's for my mom."

She turned to Julia with a soft smile. "Hope you'll like it."

Julia's eyes lit up in surprise. "For me?"

"Of course."

A bright, heartfelt smile bloomed across Julia's face.

"A gift from my baby girl? I love it already."

That warm, genuine moment didn't go unnoticed.

Colton and Ryan just so happened to arrive across the exhibition hall in time to see the conversation.

Ryan's jaw dropped. "Wait a second... isn't that the girl who treated you? The one with those insane medical skills?"

He hadn't expected to run into her again. This girl never failed to surprise him. His curiosity kicked in instantly.

Colton shot him a sidelong look, voice flat. "Quit staring like that. You look like a creep."

Ryan scoffed, entirely unbothered. "Creep? That's what we call admiration,buddy."

Colton ignored him, but his eyes were drawn back to Grace.

She stood by a gemstone artisan, calmly discussing design ideas. The soft lighting outlined her profile-elegant, composed, and quietly radiant.

Ryan let out a low whistle. "Damn... beauty, brains,

and now she's maste about gemstones too? I'm officially intrigued. Who is she,really?"

There was no way a girl like that was ordinary.

Colton finally looked away, his voice cool. "Who she is... has nothing to do with you."

Ryan smirked. "Oho... now that sounded personal."

The glare Colton shot him could've frozen fire.Ryan quickly zipped his lips, but the sparkle in his eyes didn't fade.

Just then, as if sensing the attention, Grace looked up -and her gaze met Colton's. She paused, then offered a polite nod.

Ryan grabbed Colton's arm with a burst of energy."She saw me! Bro, be honest-how's my hair? Did I mess it up?"

Disgusted, Colton pushed his hand away. "Pathetic."

Meanwhile, Grace finalized her design with the gemstone artisan.

Julia watched as her daughter skillfully discussed intricate details, a swell of pride rising in her chest. In that moment, she realized-she didn't truly know everything about Grace.

Grace was full of surprises. She felt lucky to be her mom.

Unable to hold back her curiosity, she asked, "When did you learn all this?"

Grace paused a beat, then answered lighty,"Picked up a few things from a master craftsman."

What she didn't mention was that the so-called "master" was a reclusive legend in the gemstone world-and she had been his only student.

Her phone chimed at that moment. A call from Ethel.

Julia sighed. "Looks like Gianna made it home."

After losing the bet, Gianna had stormed off in a fury.

Grace handed the completed sketch to the artisan and gently wrapped an arm around her mother. "Come on,Mom. Let's go back."

As they passed by, Grace slowed just a little as they neared Colton and Ryan.

Ryan jumped at the chance, flashing a wide grin."Fancy running into you here, Miss Miller."

Grace returned a polite smile and greeted them.

Colton gave Julia a subtle nod of greeting.

Ryan leaned in, tone light but sincere. "You've got a real gift for picking jade, Miss Miller. Maybe you could help me out next time?"

He was dying to know more. The way Colton looked at her... it wasn't normal.

The infamous Colton Pearson-cold, distant,untouchable.Women never got close. People had even started speculating about his preferences... But now Ryan had ammunition to put those rumors to rest.

Without a word, Colton stepped forward, subtly positioning himself between Grace and Ryan.

"If there's time," Grace said evenly. Her eyes lifted-and locked with Colton's. There was something in his gaze. A quiet intensity that made her heart skip, just for a moment.

"Grace, let's go," Julia called gently.

Grace turned away, the moment sipping by, and disappeared into the crowd with her mother. Ryan rubbed his chin, grinning widely. "Colton...something's definitely going on with you."

Colton's expression remained unreadable. "We're leaving."

His recovery had been far quicker than anyone

expected. But most people still thought he was dying -especially his uncle Harry. And judging by Harry's recent moves... he was getting bold. Maybe it was time to surprise him.

Ryan trailed after Colton. "Hey, weren't we checking out those new stones?"

Colton didn't break stride. "You seem restless.Maybe I'll send you to that remote project nobody wants."

Ryan froze and zipped his mouth shut, miming surrender.

Meanwhile, at the Holden estate, Gianna knelt before Ethel, tears glistening in her eyes. "Grace humiliated me in front of everyone...she forced me to-"

Ethel's face darkened, her cane slamming hard against the marble. "Outrageous! How dare she?"