Chapter 472 Preparation
She thought, 'Since Jackson thinks I'm throwing a tantrum, so be it..
'At least this way, he wouldn't overthink.'
Lillian sneered, pushed Jackson away, and sat up.
"Mr. Frane, if you're not genuinely interested in the performance, you don't have to come."
Jackson's irritation softened a bit at her words. He lowered his voice, trying to sound more conciliatory. "How can you say I'm not sincere? I left because Star had a sudden finger injury."
Lillian cut him off with a cold laugh. "It's amazing how timely her injury was."
"Lillian!"
Jackson's voice took on a harsh tone, his brows furrowing deeply. "How can you be so harsh right now?"
Jackson had seen the bloodied, broken finger—an injury not easily faked.
Lillian shivered at his sudden severity, her face going pale, lips quivering.
Jackson's recent attentiveness and kindness had almost made her believe in the warmth he was showing, but she'd forgotten he was never truly a warm man.
She continued, her voice dripping with disdain, "I'm just a bitter, selfish person. It's only now that you're seeing that, Mr. Frane.
"What? Have you grown tired of playing the romantic hero because you've realized I'm not 'adorable' anymore? If so, stop pretending; I'm exhausted just watching you."
A wry smile touched her lips, but there was a hint of pain beneath the surface as if the ice surrounding her heart was being chipped away.
Jackson's jaw tightened, his eyes burning with resentment. He looked at Lillian as though he wanted to consume her with his gaze.
Lillian met his stare defiantly, her eyes reddening.
After a long pause, Jackson finally spoke, his voice icy, "Mrs. Frane, this really isn't pleasant to hear!"
He turned away, running a hand over his forehead in frustration. He was at a loss for how to handle her.
He couldn't hit her, couldn't scold her; even a slight bit of sternness seemed to push her to the brink.
Lillian turned her gaze to the window, the tension in the car palpable. A moment later, she felt a cool sensation on her neck.
She looked down to find a diamond necklace hanging from her pale neck—a vivid, dreamlike purple-pink teardrop diamond, at least seven or eight carats, set in a simple yet classic style. The diamond glistened as it nestled at her collarbone.
"Bought this at yesterday's auction. It's a gift for your performance. Congratulations on a successful show," Jackson said quietly.
He was fastening the necklace behind her neck, his warm breath brushing against her skin.
Lillian sat frozen, realizing now that his trip to the auction was for this.
Her voice caught in her throat. "You always do this."
"Do what?" Jackson asked, confused.
She thought, 'Never quite understanding what I truly want.'
Lillian shook her head slightly, not wanting to argue any further.
She allowed Jackson to fasten the necklace and then let him hold her close.
Upon returning to the Peace Mansion, Evelyn rushed forward with a smile. "Mrs. Frane, you're back! Congratulations! Mr. Frane had me prepare something special for you…"
Before she could finish, Lillian brushed past her quickly. "I'm heading up to shower. I'm exhausted."
Evelyn stood stunned, watching Lillian hurry upstairs, then glanced at Jackson. "Mr. Frane, what's wrong with Mrs. Frane?"
Jackson had asked her to prepare a cake and a candlelight dinner, but now the atmosphere was awkward. Evelyn felt lost.
Jackson's expression was frosty as he turned to the dining room and said, "Take it all away."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
