Chapter 24

She settled onto a comfortable sofa as an attendant served tea. Soon, a coordinator arrived, laden with velvet boxes of all sizes. One by one, he opened them, waking the top-grade diamonds and assorted gems sleeping within. The jewels erupted in a brilliant, dazzling light that was almost overwhelming to behold. From classic pearl sets to diamond earrings and sapphire necklaces cut into teardrops, Johanna calmly made her selections. When she had chosen twenty pieces, she thought she must be done, but Leonid gave no sign for her to stop. How many more was she supposed to pick? Was it truly acceptable to buy so much? Having lived her life as a commoner, her heart hammered against her ribs.