After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 268

Shirley watched the scene unfold, her thoughts mirroring her mother’s. No matter what the Gates family brought out, even if it wasn’t anything impressive, Catherine had to accept it with a smile.

Catherine looked genuinely surprised. She blushed and said, “Mom, you should keep it.”

Lawrence grinned at her. “Catherine, it’s from Mom. Just accept it.”

Adelina opened the box with careful hands. Inside, on a bed of dark blue velvet, lay a necklace. The centerpiece was a flawless oval emerald, sparkling brilliantly in the light. Around it, delicate gold leaves and flowers framed the stone. The chain was gold as well, set with eight smooth green jade cabochons. The whole piece looked regal and timeless, the kind of jewelry that carried stories from another era.

Even Nestor and Alice, who had seen their share of luxury, couldn’t hide their surprise. Nestor sucked in a breath. Shirley just stared, wide-eyed. This necklace was on a whole other level.

Catherine blinked, glancing from Lawrence to Adelina in disbelief. “Mom, this is way too precious. You should keep it.”

Adelina smiled and took her hand, gently pressing the box into her palm. “Catherine, it belongs to you now.”

Catherine turned to Lawrence, hoping he’d step in and help her refuse. The gift was just too extravagant.

Lawrence smiled softly. “I think this necklace will look perfect with your grandmother’s bracelet. Take it, really.”

Catherine felt completely at a loss. She had counted on him to help her out, but now she was stuck.

Nestor cleared his throat. “Catherine, since Adelina is giving it to you, you should accept it and take good care of it.”

Adelina smiled. “My father bought it for my mother at an auction years ago. I don’t remember the price anymore.”

Alice almost laughed. Nice cover. If something like this really was on the market, only an auction would explain it. She had to admit, Adelina’s story sounded convincing.

“Well, Catherine is really lucky,” Alice said, sitting back down with a smile.

Shirley was puzzled. Why wasn’t her mother jealous? In fact, she seemed almost cheerful.

Maybe there was something going on that she didn’t know about.