Chapter 451 Serene's Gamble
'How is this possible? Why is Brady looking at this bracelet?!'
As Brady extended his hand to take his phone back, he noticed Serene had frozen mid-motion.
"Ms. Jerrett, are you alright?" Brady asked, waving his hand in front of her to catch her attention.
Serene bit her tongue to snap back to reality. "I'm fine, apologies. Here's your phone."
"It's okay," Brady replied, unconcerned. "You had mentioned you had a consultation with a group of doctors coming up. How's that going? Did you set a time?"
Brady had gotten to know her fairly well since their first encounter in the hospital and had a clear idea of her situation. He couldn't help but feel sympathy for this beautiful woman who seemed to be struggling with her health.
'When life challenges you, it always seems to choose your weakest spots.' Brady's heart went out to her.
Serene was pale. "Not yet. They're top specialists, so I don't have control over their schedules."
Her voice wavered, her mind preoccupied with the image of the bracelet she had just seen on Brady's phone—a bracelet she knew all too well. Because of that very bracelet, Kevin had acknowledged and welcomed her into the Jerrett family, rising to become the influential woman she was today.
She had discarded it overseas, so how could it possibly appear on Brady's phone? What was going on?
Seeing her troubled expression, Brady thought it was the upcoming consultation that had her worried.
"Don't stress too much, Ms. Jerrett. Have faith in modern medicine and in yourself—you'll be alright," he consoled her.
Serene managed a weak smile. "Yeah, that's what I believe... By the way, Mr. Miller, I couldn't help but notice the photo on your phone. That bracelet is beautiful."
Brady glanced at his phone and smiled. "Yes, it's made of quality materials and has a unique design."
He didn't mention that the bracelet was identical to his mother's heirloom. As far as he was concerned, Serene was still an outsider.
Unexpectedly, Serene seemed quite intrigued. "Did you buy it yourself? Could you send me the link? I've always had an affinity for these things and find them beautiful. I’d love one like it... if it's not too much trouble?"
She had researched the bracelet before and discovered that it wasn't available in any store. It had also been appraised as a unique, handcrafted custom-made piece—probably the only one of its kind in the world.
Serene was taking a gamble. If such bracelets were commonly sold, there'd be nothing to worry about. However, if they weren't, the situation could escalate quickly.
Brady shook his head. "I stumbled upon it in a vintage shop abroad. The owner mentioned it was consigned by someone. I have no idea if there are more out there, but I can certainly ask for you."
Serene bit her lip. She had deliberately disposed of that bracelet under a dilapidated bridge while abroad. Could it be that a homeless person found it and sold it to that vintage shop for cash?
Her heart pounded with anxiety, yet she maintained a placid exterior. "I see. It looks like a woman's bracelet. Are you planning to give it to your girlfriend?"
"Definitely not, I don't have a girlfriend yet." Brady chuckled. "I thought my sister would like it. She has always favored such items."
Alarm bells went off in Serene's head. His sister? Did he mean Sarah? If Sarah ended up with the bracelet, Kevin would surely see it. If that happened, her identity as the Jerrett heiress would be in jeopardy. She couldn't let that happen.
Serene gave a melancholic smile. "You're such a thoughtful brother. I envy girls who have one. You know, I've always been an only child, and now with everything happening, I don't even know who my father can rely on…"
Her expression turned somber, the corners of her eyes reddening as if she were on the brink of tears.
Brady felt a twinge of pity, not realizing his own display of sibling affection could affect Serene so deeply, "Ms. Jerrett, please don't talk like that. You can call me anytime you need to. We're friends, after all."
"How can I bother you like that? I've already unloaded so much on you last time; I feel a bit ashamed," Serene said, pursing her lips. "But that bracelet truly is a unique piece. I've studied jewelry design, and I've never seen such a surprising design."
Brady took it as her trying to change the subject, "Yes, the bracelet is quite special. I was surprised to come across it again, too."
'See it again?' Serene grew even more fearful. 'This is no ordinary bracelet if Brady remembers it so vividly.'
"Mr. Miller, could I ask you a favor? When you get the bracelet, could I take a look at it? I really do like it, if that's okay?"
Brady thought for a moment. It didn't seem like a big deal, so he nodded. "Sure."
"Thank you." Serene breathed a sigh of relief, but her worries lingered.
After chatting casually for a while, Brady said his goodbyes and left the hospital.
Serene watched as Brady walked out, and as soon as he was out of sight, the smile dropped from her face.
In the earlier conversation, Serene had already learned the name of the antique shop. Promptly, she located its official website and dialed the international number provided. Her objective was to uncover the bracelet's origin.
"Hello?"
"Hi, a friend of mine bought a bracelet from your store a while back. The name on the receipt was Brady Miller. Does that ring a bell?"
"Oh yes, I remember. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I'm quite interested in that bracelet, and I was wondering if you could put me in touch with the designer. I have a piece of jewelry I'd like to commission."
"I'm sorry, miss, but that bracelet wasn't created in-house. Someone else sold it to us, and we just resold it."
Panic started to settle in Serene's chest. "Could you contact the seller for me? I'm really keen on this bracelet. You must have a record, right?"
"We do keep records. Unfortunately, the owner didn't leave any contact details. The seller, being a homeless person, left quite an impression on me due to the bracelet's unique design. I apologize for not being able to offer more assistance."
As Serene listened to the shop owner's words, she became utterly convinced: the bracelet that Brady had bought abroad was the very one she had discarded all those years ago!
How could the world be so bizarrely coincidental?
She had orchestrated everything flawlessly all those years ago. Why on earth was she being confronted with this bracelet now?
She had thrown it so far away from her life.
Memories of the first time she laid eyes on the bracelet started flooding back forcefully, and she felt overwhelmed...
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