The old lady smiled warmly and nodded. "Try them on!"
"But... this is far too valuable!"
Inside the rosewood box nestled a pair of earrings so green and lustrous they looked like morning dew captured in gemstone. Each teardrop-shaped piece was roughly 30 by 15 millimeters, crafted from flawless chrysoprase-a rare and radiant apple-green stone often mistaken for jade in older eras.
Set in antique gold with fine milgrain detailing, they shimmered with the elegance of old-world luxury. In today's market, the pair would be worth several million at auction.
Serena knew the value didn't lie just in the stones-but in the craftsmanship, the era, the sentiment. And to receive something so precious from someone she'd only met twice? It felt far too extravagant.
But the old lady didn't blink. She picked up the earrings and approached Serena, who instinctively leaned down as the woman fastened them with gentle precision.
Serena usually avoided jewelry, finding most pieces fussy and cold. Her ears were accustomed only to minimal diamond studs.
But seeing the old lady's eyes light up in delight, she removed her own earrings and allowed the vintage ones to be clipped in place.
The gown she wore had a delicate bateau neckline embroidered with gold vines and capped sleeves of sheer silk. No necklace was needed-the look was perfect, understated yet unforgettable.
The old lady stepped back and whispered like one speaking in a cathedral. "Oh my... absolutely divine."
Serena turned to the mirror.
The transformation was undeniable. Crimson lips, porcelain skin, soft dark waves cascading over one shoulder. And those vivid green earrings glowing against her graceful neck.
Granny had called her a rare beauty-but for once, Serena didn't doubt it. She saw what others might see: poise, warmth, and a touch of old-world glamour that felt entirely her own.
Still, she turned to the old woman, uncertain. "Granny, this is too much. Your kindness is already more than I deserve-I can't possibly accept these."
The old lady suddenly straightened, eyes sharp and bright. "If you refuse, you insult me."
"But..."
"Gemstones carry spirit, child. They choose their wearer. And the way these look on you? You were meant for them. Just accept them-and if it weighs on you, then pay me back by visiting this lonely old shop a little more often. Let this place enjoy a bit of your fairy-like charm."
Serena swallowed the refusal rising in her throat. Her eyes stung, but she smiled through it.
"All right. I'll accept them-with deep gratitude. And I'll come visit, as often as I can."
"Good, good!"
They chatted a little longer, warm and easy. And when Serena finally left, she kept glancing back at the shopfront-as though leaving something precious behind.
Dusk fell gently across the city.
At home, Serena sat before her vanity, the soft light casting golden shadows across the room. She opened a small velvet box and took out a vintage bracelet-translucent green chrysoprase to match the earrings, set in delicate filigree. She slipped it onto her left wrist, where it gleamed like soft fire against her skin.
After finishing her makeup, she studied her reflection.
She tilted her head, lips curving into a faint, elegant smile.
"This should show my respect... Hopefully I won't embarrass myself in front of Grandpa Bryan."
She gathered her clutch and headed out. With a soft hum from the engine, her cherry-red MINI Cooper pulled onto the road. She tapped the address Grandpa Bryan had sent into her GPS and followed its guiding voice.
Forty minutes later, she arrived at her destination.
The car stopped in front of a refined Nordic-style villa-clean lines, white stone, and deep-green ivy climbing up the outer walls. Serena checked the address again.
"This is the place. But... it doesn't look like a restaurant."
It felt more like a private residence-quiet, dignified.
She hesitated, debating whether to call Grandpa Bryan for confirmation-when the front door opened.
An elderly gentleman stepped out, his silver hair gleaming under the porch lantern.
Serena peered through the windshield. Her expression softened.
It was Grandpa Bryan.
She quickly exited the car and walked toward him, her heels clicking gently against the stone driveway.
"Grandpa Bryan," she greeted warmly, "I'm not late, am I?"
He didn't respond immediately. For a moment, he simply stared at her, caught in stunned silence.
Serena touched her carefully styled hair. "Is something wrong? Did my hair come undone?"
Grandpa Bryan blinked, then laughed-a deep, warm laugh. "No, no! Forgive me, Miss Knowles. You look so radiant tonight... I was momentarily speechless."
Serena's lips curved. "Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa."
He stepped aside and gestured toward the door. "Please, come in."
Serena walked gracefully into the villa. Just inside the entry, a quiet man in white gloves and a black vest stood waiting.
As they passed, Grandpa Bryan gave a subtle nod. The servant understood at once, slipped aside, and made a discreet call.
...
At that moment, Christan had just finished a media interview.
After bidding farewell to the host, director, and crew, he walked out of the studio, exhausted.
His assistant hesitated before speaking up. "Boss, we just got a call from your grandpa, he asked the staff to urge you-he said the guest has already arrived."
Christan rubbed his temples impatiently. "I already told them I'm busy and can't go! Why are they still calling?"
The assistant looked troubled. "It seems your grandpa is really fond of this guest. Maybe he wants you to meet her because he thinks highly of her."
"Tch!" Christan sneered. "Thinks highly of her? I think Grandpa's just getting old and confused-trying to play matchmaker now!"
"Mr. Bryan has always been reserved. I don't think he'd do that..."
"Hmph! I wouldn't think so either, but this time, he's acting totally out of character. He's had me dine with his friends before, sure-but he's never pressured me if I was busy. But this time, he's urged me multiple times like I absolutely have to go."
"And apparently... the guest is a woman. So you can't blame me for jumping to conclusions."
Hearing that, the assistant's curiosity spiked. "A woman?! Mr. Bryan has never introduced a woman to you before! Who could she be to earn such high praise?"
"Ugh, who knows! Probably just some plain-looking gemstone appraiser with a bit of skill."
"Plain-looking?!"
"Yeah!" Christan nodded confidently. "Has to be plain! Think about it-what kind of attractive woman would choose to work with rocks all day instead of doing something normal?"
"True..." the assistant nodded along, then frowned. "But if she's not good-looking, why would Mr. Bryan insist you meet her? He knows how busy you are-why waste your time?"
"Exactly! That's why I'm annoyed. But since Grandpa is being so persistent, I'll go. I'll show my face and leave quickly-just to keep him happy."
***