He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 322

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After dinner, Scarlett remembered the magnificent library they had passed earlier. The towering bookshelves had left her itching with curiosity, so she politely asked if she could take a look.

Dominic was absolutely thrilled. In this digital age, his prized collection rarely saw a visitor. Having a kindred spirit show interest was a rare treat, and he personally escorted her to the library.

The space was massive, spanning two floors with a rustic, elegant design. The air was thick with the calming scent of sandalwood and old paper.

The moment Scarlett stepped inside, her eyes locked onto a worn, leather-bound volume on the top shelf.

Despite its frayed spine, it carried a heavy sense of history. With Julian's help, she stood on her tiptoes to retrieve it.

Three bold words on the cover made her heart skip a beat: *The Art of Garden Craft*.

Her fingers traced the cover, her breath catching. It was Gideon's masterpiece, widely hailed as a foundational text in landscape architecture.

The book detailed foundational principles of spatial design, structure, and aesthetic balance. While most copies in circulation were modern reprints, this one—with its brittle, yellowed pages and deep ink scent—was a centuries-old original, perhaps even a first edition!

"Is this..." Scarlett looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "An original print?"

Dominic beamed, clearly impressed. "You've got a great eye! I acquired this rare edition at an overseas auction years ago. Not many young people even know the title, let alone can date the print at a glance."

Scarlett carefully turned a page. A dried ginkgo leaf rested between the sheets, like a lingering trace of the artisan who had read it centuries ago. The intricate illustrations and annotations made her feel as though she could see the ancient craftsmen sweating over their designs, their reverence for nature bleeding through the parchment.

"It's breathtaking," she murmured, her fingertips lingering over the sketches of lattice windows and stone pathways. "Mr. Croft, the section on 'borrowed scenery' in here is going to be incredibly useful for the restoration of The Breeze Pagoda. I always felt the window designs there looked familiar—this is where the inspiration came from."

Lost in the pages, Scarlett completely lost track of time. Seeing her so absorbed, Dominic quietly motioned for Julian to step out and leave her in peace.