Sophia Sullivan lowered her gaze, meeting the young man's eyes.
"I already have a necklace."
Ryan Lawrence's words were straightforward yet fervent.
His clear, bright eyes were like deep pools that invited one to drown in them.
Ignoring the odd looks from others, the young man knelt on one knee in a posture of surrender.
"Who said a jade pendant must be worn around the neck?" Ryan produced the lotus pendant. "Wrapping it around your wrist would be just as beautiful—perfect for your bare wrist."
Before he could finish speaking, he felt a piercing cold stare.
Without turning, he knew Ethan Sullivan's gaze was sharp enough to impale him.
The corner of Ryan's lips curled higher.
"Sophia, consider it a welcome gift, alright?" He blinked, his tone laced with playful pleading. "I promise I'll sit quietly later and won't disturb you."
Sophia remained silent.
If not for the setting, she would have scolded this young man properly.
What should have been a piece worth a few million had been driven to an exorbitant price by him.
She should have known Ryan's temperament by now. At The Decagon, he was just as clingy, yet decisive when executing missions.
"Fine."
Sophia reached for the pendant.
"Remember your promise—behave later."
Ryan's chatter was what annoyed her most. If a pendant could buy his silence, it was a fair trade.
The young man's eyes curved into crescents.
"Deal."
But Ryan didn't hand the pendant to her.
Instead, he carefully wound the chain around her wrist himself.
"Let me."
His fingertips occasionally brushed her skin, each touch measured to perfection.
Sophia looked down, watching his long lashes cast shadows under his eyes.
In this moment, his usual boldness was replaced with quiet focus.
The surrounding noise seemed to fade away.
He was like an artist serving his muse with reverence.
"Done."
A fleeting moment that felt like eternity.
Ryan looked up, flashing his canine teeth.
"It suits you."
His joy was unmistakable, spilling from the corners of his eyes.
Sophia gazed at his soft black hair, suddenly tempted to ruffle it.
"Thank you for the gift. I'll return the favor another time."
As she withdrew her hand, Ryan pressed a kiss to her fingertips.
Light as a dragonfly's touch.
"Your happiness is the best gift."
The warmth lingered only briefly.
A gesture that seemed casual, yet carried the devotion of a worshipper's surrender.