She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 243

Lucian happened to be lifting a slice of perfectly cooked beef from the fondue pot, holding it to Loyce's lips. "Try this."

Loyce opened her mouth and took the bite, nodding in approval. "This broth is incredible."

Lucian chuckled softly. "Go sit at the table. I'll bring it over."

Seeing the two of them sharing a cozy meal, with Lucian even doing the cooking, was a sight Cyrilla had never witnessed. The tall, handsome man had always maintained a stern, paternal distance with her, never showing such warmth. It was as if he were a completely different person.

Cyrilla took a step back, inadvertently bumping a vase on a nearby stool. She scrambled to steady it, but the clatter was enough to make the two sharp-eared people in the kitchen turn in her direction.

"Who's there?" Lucian called out.

Looking down at her thin nightgown, Cyrilla flushed. She wouldn't have minded Lucian seeing her like this, but with Loyce present, she felt a surge of mortification. Covering her chest, she stammered, "It's me, Cyrilla. I was just getting some water. I'm heading back to bed, Lucian."

By the time Lucian emerged from the kitchen, all he saw was the hem of a white nightgown disappearing around the corner. He didn't think much of it and returned to his meal.

As dawn began to break, their late-night fondue came to an end.

"You should get some sleep in the guest room upstairs," Lucian suggested.

Loyce nodded, stifling a sleepy yawn before heading to the guest room.

Lucian, however, had other matters to attend to for the Shapiro Group and left the house shortly after eating.

Loyce slept until noon, waking up just in time for lunch with the Shapiro family. Zeke was also out today, leaving only Saphira, Cyrilla, and Loyce at the dining table.

Cyrilla forced a smile. "Right. I just don't understand why Lucian would say something like that to me."

Under the table, Cyrilla tugged on her mother Saphira's sleeve, giving her a pointed look to proceed with their plan. Saphira hesitated, especially when her eyes met Loyce's. A feeling told her this was a bad idea.

After a moment's indecision, Saphira sided with her daughter. She pulled a small velvet box from her pocket and handed it to Cyrilla. "Oh, that's right. Mr. Shapiro had a gift for you. He said you were asleep last night and didn't want to disturb you, so he asked me to give it to you today."

Cyrilla's face lit up with feigned delight. "Another surprise from Lucian! What is it? Let me see!"

The girl eagerly put down her fork and knife, taking the box. She opened it right in front of Loyce and let out a gasp of surprise. "Oh, my God! It's a necklace!"

Cyrilla held up a delicately crafted sun necklace. A ray of sunlight caught it, glinting into Loyce's eyes. When her vision cleared and she saw the necklace, a playful, knowing look spread across her face.