Chapter 271: The Professional Shield

At that moment, Jason stepped forward with a smile. "Why do you both hesitate? The good owner has spoken—go on, try it!"

Emily's eyes shone with unbridled excitement, never imagining she would truly have the chance to adorn that gem. Yet, upon touching its lustrous surface, she found herself reluctant to mar its sublime symbolism.

She deferred to Susan, but Susan, too, wavered before declining, for no jewel, regardless of beauty, could outshine the treasures bestowed by Jason's own hand.

Though this sapphire seemed vaguely familiar, evoking recollections of the one her uncle's family had cruelly deceived her of—the very gem that was subsequently stolen, its whereabouts now unknown—she swiftly dismissed the thought, for it could not possibly be the same stone here before her.

Despite the owner's generous offer to claim any jewel, no matter its price, Susan refrained from selecting any for herself. Instead, she chose an emerald bracelet as a gift for Emily.

For in Susan's eyes, only the