Chapter 400: A Dangerous Pretend Romance

"Auntie, this is..." Sloane Bennett stared at the deep-green emerald bracelet, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"I picked it just for you." Miriam Caldwell smiled warmly. "The moment I saw it at an international Bellwether auction last month, I knew it belonged to my future daughter-in-law."

Her fingers traced the smooth surface. "I thought I'd have to wait years before gifting it. Who knew my son would move so fast?"

Sloane's throat tightened. A museum-grade emerald of this quality had a starting bid of at least eight figures.

"It's too extravagant. I can't accept this." She hastily declined.

A fake girlfriend receiving a real betrothal gift—this charade was absurd.

"Don't be nervous." Miriam took her hand. "Consider it a welcome gift. I'm not the type of mother-in-law who forces marriage through presents."

The cool jade slid onto her wrist, accentuating her snow-white skin.

"Perfect fit." Miriam nodded approvingly.

Sloane stared at her wrist with a bitter smile—a priceless museum-grade emerald on an impostor. What a waste.

In the living room, Julian Cross lounged lazily on the sofa. "What secrets are you two whispering about?"

"Someone's jealous?" Miriam nudged Sloane forward. "Here, have her back."

"Who's jealous?" Julian scoffed, though his gaze flickered to the emerald glint on Sloane's wrist.

The afternoon spa left Sloane utterly relaxed. Sipping water by the floor-to-ceiling window, her phone suddenly vibrated.

"Who is this?"

"Miss Bennett... It's Leo Fournier." The young man's voice carried nervous hesitation.

Sloane narrowed her eyes as memories of that hotel night surfaced. A smirk curled her lips. "Of course I remember."

"You never contacted me..." His voice dipped. "I thought you forgot."

"You didn't leave your number." She swirled her water glass.

"I wrote it on a note by the bedside table..."

Recalling the empty nightstand, Sloane's smile deepened. "But we're connected now, aren't we?"

"I've been staring at my phone every day..." The boy's voice brimmed with youthful grievance. "It took all my courage to call."

"How pitiful." Her finger traced the rim of her glass. "You're breaking my heart."

"Then... can we meet?"

Before Sloane could answer, a glass slammed down behind her.

She turned and met Julian's stormy gaze. How long had he been standing there? Dark currents churned in his eyes.

"Julian, you—"

A warm arm suddenly encircled her waist. Julian leaned close, his breath brushing her ear. "Look up."

On the second-floor balcony, Miriam leaned against the railing, watching them with an amused smile.