She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 837

Lucian tipped his head back against the sofa, drops of water still clinging to his collar. The agonizing spike of pain in his skull was rapidly fading, soothed by the sweet, icy mint melting on his tongue.

Sigrid crossed the room, kneeling onto the cushions beside him. She leaned over his chest, captivated by his raw, disheveled magnetism. Her fingers trailed seductively down the side of his neck. "Ignoring me?"

"Just an old business associate," Lucian said, his voice gravelly. He caught her wrist, stopping her hand. "We aren't close. I told her to get out."

A flash of deep satisfaction crossed Sigrid's eyes. She leaned in, aiming a kiss at his lips, but he turned his head sharply, letting her lips brush his cheek instead. "I'm exhausted."

Sigrid froze, her expression stiffening.

Lucian pushed her back gently and stood up, pressing the heel of his palm to his temple. "My head is killing me."

"It's probably just the lingering effects of the surgery," Sigrid reasoned. She convinced herself his rejection was just a medical side effect. She could be patient. Her voice softened. "Let me take you back to your room to rest."

"No need. You have hundreds of guests waiting for you down there," Lucian replied coldly. "Handle the networking for me."

...

Loyce had been staying in the Oceanic Federation for the past few days. Morris had been invited by a prominent duchess to host a highly exclusive private concert in the city.

He had tossed an invitation onto Loyce's lap earlier that week. "It's at the World Piano Exhibition Hall. You should swing by if you have time. They're auctioning off some incredible pieces. If you see anything you like, put it on my tab."

The exhibition hall was legendary, boasting some of the oldest antique pianos in the world, alongside mastercrafted pieces from the globe's finest builders.

It reminded Loyce of the custom grand piano she had personally built and tuned years ago. She had gotten bored with it after a few days and had someone sell it off. It was just gathering dust in a warehouse anyway.

She had barely walked through the grand entrance when a vaguely familiar figure bounded up to her.

"Ms. Lonsdale! It is so good to see you!" the woman greeted her with a deep, respectful bow.

Loyce studied her face for a moment. "Helena?"

The woman beamed, her eyes shining. "I can't believe you remember me!"

Loyce stepped closer, her gaze dragging from the polished chassis down to the keys. The ivory was slightly yellowed from age, but flawlessly leveled. She raised a hand, her fingers hovering an inch above the keys before striking a single note. It rang out crisp, pure, and endlessly resonant.

"This has been kept in pristine condition..." she murmured.

She ran through a rapid progression of chords, testing the tuning and action. She nodded in approval. "The pitch is perfect."

"You have an incredible eye, Miss," a floor manager approached, clearly eager to make a sale. "This is a one-of-a-kind limited edition crafted by the legendary Mr. X, originally commissioned for the Vienna Royal Academy of Music. It is the only one of its kind in existence."

He went on to list its staggering specifications, making even Helena swoon. "That is a masterpiece."

Loyce felt a wave of nostalgia. It was a rare toy she had built with her own two hands. Finding it here after all these years felt like fate. It would make a perfect addition to Morris's studio.

"I'll take it," Loyce said, pulling her wallet from her bag.

But before she could hand over her card, Sigrid's voice drifted over from behind them. She walked up, her arm looped tightly through Lucian's, a sickly-sweet smile on her face. "What a coincidence running into you here, Ms. Lonsdale."