She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 423

"Why not give it a try?"

Loyce countered. "Is it because you're young and lack experience? Are you afraid of failing, disappointing me, and being looked down upon?"

Giselle hadn't expected Loyce to read her mind so perfectly. She nodded. "Yes."

"You haven't even started, so why obsess over worst-case scenarios that might never happen?" Loyce reached out, her cool but gentle palm resting on top of the girl's head.

Despite being only a couple of years older, Loyce's composed demeanor and commanding presence made her feel like a profoundly reliable adult.

"Dwelling on the negatives will only make you hesitate." Loyce smiled, pulling her hand back. "Besides, even if the sky falls, I'll be there to protect you. Just keep moving forward."

Hearing this, Giselle froze before her eyes welled up with tears. "Except for my mom, no one has ever said that to me."

Loyce: "Well, now someone has."

Giselle nodded firmly. Because of those words, she was determined to produce her absolute best designs to save Loyce's brand.

"But Loyce," the young girl asked softly. "You seem invincible to me, but you're so young too. Is there anyone who protects you the way you protect me?"

Loyce was silent for a moment before a warm, sunny smile touched her lips. "Yes. My real family. They are the only ones I trust unconditionally."

Giselle blinked. "Family? Is Mr. Shapiro your family too? My classmates were saying that now that Cyrilla is out of the picture, since you're both from prominent families, you'll definitely get married."

"Just rumors," Loyce answered without hesitation. "I don't use marriage as a bargaining chip."

Just outside the door, leaning against the hallway wall, a tall man lowered his gaze.

After spending a bit more time in the room, Loyce stepped out to take a phone call. Giselle followed shortly after and jumped when she saw the dark figure lingering in the hall. Once she realized who it was, she calmed down and approached him.

Lucian's eyes snapped up, his sharp gaze locking onto Giselle. "Likes me? You think it's love too?"

She wasn't the first person to tell him this. Forrest Lonsdale had once mentioned, 'No matter how much my sister likes you...'

Giselle felt a bit nervous under his intense stare but stood her ground firmly. "What else could it be? Why would she constantly go out of her way to save people when she has no obligation to? What she was truly worried about was you getting dragged down! She keeps getting involved in your dangerous situations because she likes you. She deserves your gratitude and care. You should have opened up about your concerns, not just pushed her away without a proper explanation!"

In Giselle's eyes, the current mess was entirely Lucian's own fault.

"I was wrong," Lucian admitted, completely moved by the young girl's logic.

He let out a soft sigh, his broad shoulders slouching slightly. "But I've never been in a relationship. Sometimes, I don't know how to express my emotions."

Giselle was stunned again by the vulnerability of this highly successful, usually icy general. Recovering quickly, she said earnestly, "You need to say this to her face. I might be young, but I know that solving problems requires attitude and sincerity. You need to coax her."