When it was time for gift-giving, he took out a diamond bracelet, dazzling enough to make the crowd gasp.
“Isn’t that the bracelet Princess Diana once wore? I heard it’s worth over a hundred million!”
“The CEO really dotes on Miss Pearl. I wonder what his wife thinks…”
Their mocking gazes shifted toward Alannah, who stood quietly at the side, their eyes filled with mockery and disdain.
Quincy also glanced at her, giving her a look that brooked no refusal.
Alannah stepped forward, handing over a carefully wrapped sapphire necklace.
“Happy birthday,” she said, her voice devoid of any warmth.
Pearl accepted it, her eyes lighting up in delight. “Thank you, but…” She paused, tilting her head with a playful smile. “I actually like the one you’re wearing more. Could you give me that instead?”
Alannah froze, her hand instinctively rising to the pendant around her neck. “No. This is my—”
Before she could finish, Pearl turned toward Quincy, her tone soft and coy.
“Quincy, it’s my birthday. Shouldn’t I get what I like most?”
He chuckled faintly, brushing a hand over her hair before fixing his gaze on Alannah.
“Take it off. Give it to her,” he ordered, his voice firm and final.