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Upon hearing her father’s advice, Joanna immediately texted Dillan.
“Dillan, I’m so jealous of how close you and Hayden are. Could you do me a little favor?”
the word.” After getting the message, Dillan replied excitedly, “Joanna, absolutely. Anything for you, just say
Joanna said, “Dillan, I heard Hayden has the Aquamarine Star. Could you convince him to part with it for me? I really want it. Just name your price. pay you back later.”
Joanna sent the message while secretly calculating. This would indeed test the relationship between Dillan and Hayden, and also determine whether she could invest in Dillan in the future.
Dillan stared blankly at the words “Aquamarine Star.” ‘What is that?‘ he wondered.
Meanwhile, Hayden was ordering all of Sylvia’s favorite dishes.
Hayden had already sensed that Sylvia was putting on a show with Dillan and even dragging him in as a supporting actor, all to gradually lure Callan into
her trap.
So, he didn’t act overly close to Sylvia in front of Dillan. Instead, while Dillan was distracted by his phone, he subtly added some food to Sylvia’s plate.
Sylvia kept a close eye on Dillan. Seeing him on his phone, she guessed he must be chatting with Joanna.
Feigning curiosity, Dillan looked up and asked, “Mr. Stone, do you happen to have the Aquamarine Star?”
Hayden gave a cold smirk. “You’re well–informed.”
With an imperceptible glance at Hayden, Sylvia smiled and asked Dillan, “So, why are you asking about this?”
Of course, Dillan wouldn’t reveal his true intention. “I’m just curious and want to have a look for myself,” he said.
the Aquamarine Star was a treasure Hayden had acquired overseas for millions. When Dillan offhandedly said he wanted to see it, Hayden’s expression instantly darkened.
Hayden thought to himself, ‘Who does he think he is?‘
Before Hayden could refuse, Sylvia cut in, “Absolutely. Mr. Stone would be happy to oblige.”
With a sly glance at Hayden, Sylvia teased, “You’ll agree, wouldn’t you, Hayden?”
Though every fiber of Hayden’s being resisted, he still played along with practiced composure.
‘Sylvia’s already spoken up. What else could I say?‘ he thought helplessly.
‘I don’t want to piss Sylvia off again. Like that time overseas when she gave me silent treatment for a whole month.‘ Hayden thought.
Seeing Hayden agree so readily, Dillan, in his excitement, pushed his luck a bit further and asked, “Mr. Stor an I take a look now?”
“It’s at my place,” Hayden Stone replied flatly.
Sylvia took a few bites, then rose gracefully with a bright smile. “Since it’s at Hayden’s place, why don’t we head over there right now?”
Dillan instinctively glanced at Hayden.
After all, Hayden was Silverton’s most prominent wealthy heir. Rumor had it that very few people ever had the privilege of setting foot in his private
mansion.
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Chapter 118
Dillan couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness.
“Fine, let’s go then,” Hayden said coolly.
Hayden rose to his feet, his expression cold and distant.
Hayden couldn’t say no to Sylvia. Besides, this was exactly what he wanted, the perfect chance to give her the Aquamarine Star.
Dillan was so thrilled. ‘Who would’ve thought the infamous “Ice King” could be this easygoing? he marveled inwardly.
Still, he wasn’t just some nobody. Online, he was hailed as Master Cameron, a major player in the investment world. So it made perfect sense that ever Hayden would show him some respect.
After finishing their meal, the group headed to Hayden’s luxurious estate.
As soon as Dillan stepped out of the car onto the estate, he was awestruck by the breathtaking sight before him
The entire estate was like a living painting. Crystal–clear streams meandered through the grounds, with rows of European–style mansions that made it feel like an earthly paradise.
Seeing Sylvia, the estate staff instantly formed two neat lines.
Sylvia was a regular here, and the staff treated her with utmost respect, never daring to show the slightest neglect for fear of Mr. Stone’s wrath.
Just as the staff were about to greet her in unison, Sylvia’s heart raced. She couldn’t let Dillan catch on that she and Hayden were setting him up. Quickly. she gestured toward Dillan and said, “This is Mr. Dillan, a close friend of Mr. Stone.”
The staff, though momentarily surprised, still bowed slightly and greeted Dillan obediently. “Good afternoon, Mr. Sheppard,” they said.
Dillan nodded smugly, one hand shoved in his pocket, and with an air of arrogance, strode through the line of waiting servants.
Sylvia followed behind with an easy smile, nodding to the staff to dismiss them.
The staff actually liked Sylvia a lot. They all knew she was good–natured. What’s more, every time she visited before, she would always bring along her cute, rosy–cheeked little girl.
The little girl was especially sweet–tongued, always greeting everyone warmly and respectfully. She was utterly adorable
They were slightly disappointed not to see the adorable little girl this time, but soon resumed their duties.
Dillan followed Hayden into the living room, where a servant promptly served them coffee.
Dillan scanned the room, thinking, ‘Even the walls are hung with masterpieces. This place is on another level.
Hayden went upstairs, fetched an ornate case, and set it on the coffee table.
Since Sylvia had spoken up, Hayden figured there was no harm in letting Dillan take a look.
Dillan opened the box. Inside, nestled gracefully, lay an exquisite pendant, the Aquamarine Star.
The perfectly cut, crystal–clear sapphire–blue gem shimmered with a dazzling radiance. It was adorned w with a pure gold chain, exuding an air of incomparable opulence.
A sharp glint flashed in Dillan’s eyes. “If Joanna wore the Aquamarine Star, she’d look absolutely stunning.”
tering diamonds around it and paired
“Mr. Stone, would you consider parting with the Aquamarine Star?” Dillan looked up eagerly, his eyes alight with excitement as he asked. Hayden Stone’s face darkened with fury, his eyes suddenly narrowed. He could hardly believe Dillan had the audacity to be so shameless.
10:37 Wed, 25 Jun
Chapter 118
With a knowing glint in her eyes, Sylvia probed casually, “Dillan, you seem quite taken with this necklace. Are you planning to gift it to someone?
Dillan admitted openly with a smile, “Yeah, I’m giving it to a friend.”
Noticing his demeanor of trying to appear cool, Sylvia instantly realized that this was for Joanna.
he shot Dillan a frosty glare. “Dillan, you want me to just hand Hayden was so infuriated he almost let out a sarcastic laugh. Crossing his legs on the sofa, this over? Do you even know who I was planning to give it to? Or how much it’s actually worth?”
Dillan’s face instantly flushed with embarrassment as he stammered, utterly speechless.
With a knowing glint in her eyes, Sylvia subtly pulled Hayden aside into the hallway and whispered, “Sell him the Aquamarine Star.”
Hayden’s brows knitted sharply. “Sylvia, what are you saying? the Aquamarine Star was meant for you. Why should I give it to him?” Sylvia looked surprised, then quickly explained in a low voice, “We’ll just let him have it for now. It’ll be a breeze to get it back from him.”
Hayden caught on immediately, a cold smirk flickering in his eyes.
True enough. Snatching it back from Dillan would be child’s play.
Hayden turned to Sylvia with resolute finality. “I’ll agree to this, but only if you accept the Aquamarine Star. If you refuse it, then Lwon’t agree to what you just asked for.”
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