The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 238

Judith nodded approvingly. "Good. If you want to make your wife happy, you have to put in real effort like that."

"Once the display case is ready, I want to arrange all the family heirlooms inside. I'm planning to surprise Lavinia with it for her birthday," he said smoothly.

Judith gave him a long, meaningful look. "Is that truly your plan?"

"Of course. Isn't that what you instructed me to do?" he countered.

She held his gaze for a moment before nodding, as if suddenly remembering. "Yes. Oh, my memory is failing me. If you have it all planned out, then do whatever you think is best."

***

A soft knock echoed through the CEO's office. Garnett looked up.

His chief secretary, Corinne, walked in carrying a pristine crystal box, a bright smile on her face.

"Mr. Harper, the custom Swarovski display prototype just arrived. Please take a look."

She carefully placed the box on his desk.

The craftsmanship of an international luxury brand was immediately obvious. The clarity and light refraction were flawless.

Even under the standard office fluorescents, it gleamed beautifully. He could only imagine how dazzling it would look under proper display lighting.

Garnett studied it for a moment before speaking without looking up. "There's an emerald bracelet in the safe—it was part of my grandmother's dowry. Take it out and place it inside the case so I can see the full effect."

Corinne stepped out, returning moments later holding a velvet jewelry box with both hands.

Garnett took the box and opened it, revealing an emerald bracelet with a deep, flawless emerald hue.

It was Judith's dowry piece, the very one she had gifted to Lavinia. It was supposed to be kept at the Arden Estate, but since they didn't have a high-security safe at the house, he had brought it to the office for safekeeping.

He carefully lifted the bracelet and placed it inside the crystal display.

The visual effect was breathtaking.

"It's absolutely gorgeous," Corinne remarked from the side.

Garnett took a step back, crossing one arm over his chest and stroking his chin with his other hand, quietly admiring the setup.

He stared at it for a long while without saying a word.

Sigrid admired the emerald against her skin, completely brushing off the warning. "Oh, come on, Corinne. Just let me borrow it for a couple of days. I'll tell Garnett myself, so you won't get in trouble."

She blinked innocently. "Garnett mentioned that you're looking to transition to a director role in operations to build your resume?"

Corinne froze. She hadn't realized Garnett discussed confidential HR matters with Sigrid.

It was true—Corinne desperately wanted a real management position. Being a secretary looked weak on a resume and severely limited her upward mobility. Plus, after years of walking on eggshells around the CEO, she was thoroughly burnt out.

By bringing it up, Sigrid was making a blatant implication: she could ensure Corinne got that promotion.

The power of pillow talk was undeniable.

Corinne forced a smile. "Go ahead and wear it, Ms. Sloan."

Sigrid beamed triumphantly.

She admired the emerald on her wrist as she strolled out of the office.

Corinne watched her leave, her face dropping into a cold, tight grimace.