Vera Xavier’s thoughts immediately flew to the piece of Emperor Green jade. ’Has Nathaniel figured something out?’

She lowered her gaze, hesitating. ’But whether it’s my rebirth or my X-ray vision, I can’t tell anyone about them. They’re just too outlandish.’

’She had to admit, her relationship with Nathaniel was worlds better than in her past life. But they were still far from the point where she could tell him absolutely everything.’

Vera hid her thoughts, leaning lightly against his chest. "Okay, I understand."

His chest was firm and powerful; leaning against it made her feel incredibly safe.

Nathaniel sensed her reliance on him. He wrapped his arms gently around her, resting his chin on the crown of her head. Whenever they were together, he was always worried she would disappear or run away. Only holding her in his arms could put him at ease.

After a long moment, Lana Cheney came upstairs and knocked on the door. "Young Master, Master Nathan is asking you and Vera to come down for dinner."

She had braced herself to come upstairs when Master Nathan sent her. Having been a housekeeper for the Nathan Family for years, she knew exactly what kind of temper Nathaniel had. If she interrupted him at a bad time, she would likely face his wrath later.

’And Master Nathan, too! Instead of coming himself, he just had to send her. The pressure was immense.’

Nathaniel’s voice was deep as he replied, "Understood."

Lana Cheney breathed a sigh of relief and scurried back downstairs.

Nathaniel released Vera, gesturing to the jade. "What do you plan to do with this?"

"Could you sell it for me?" Vera replied.

’On her own, selling such a large piece of Emperor Green would attract too much unwanted attention.’

"Aren’t you afraid I’ll just keep your jade?" The thought that she was still hiding things from him made a fresh wave of irritation rise in Nathaniel, and his tone turned sharp.

Vera shrugged. "Well, in that case... you already gave me a betrothal gift, right? So, we can just call this my dowry. It’s all yours!"

Even someone as unflappable as Nathaniel almost choked on his own spit when he heard that. ’Dowry? The nerve of her to say that!’

He asked her, "Do you have any idea how much this jade is worth?" 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Vera decided she would coax him all the way today. "No matter how much it’s worth, it’s still just a piece of jade. Is it more valuable than what we have?"

Her words sent a ripple through Nathaniel’s gaze. A moment ago, he had been annoyed that she was hiding something from him. Now, her simple question made his heart leap with joy.

He reached out, tilting her chin up to look her in the eyes. "You’d better remember those words for the rest of your life."

Vera reached out and tilted his chin up. "Your turn, big shot. Give a girl a smile!"

Nathaniel froze for a second, but she just raised an eyebrow and grinned. "If the big shot won’t smile for the girl, then the girl will just have to smile for the big shot!"

The corner of Nathaniel’s mouth twitched. He had never expected her to have such a mischievous side. But when she acted this way, it was as if her entire personality came alive.

He reached out and tapped her on the nose. "I’ll let you off the hook this time. But if you dare lie to me again, I’ll strip you bare, throw you on my bed, and fuck you until you cry."

Vera: "..."

’Young Master Nathan, you’ll never find a wife if you’re this aggressive!’

Nathaniel paid no mind to her silent protestation. He said, "This jade is too valuable. Not many people in Crestfall can afford the whole thing. We’ll probably have to cut it into a few pieces to sell. Aaron Cheney wants to buy an offcut to have a pair of earrings made for his grandmother. Are you willing to part with a small piece for him?"

Vera answered generously, "He did me a huge favor before, and I hate being indebted to people. When the time comes, if there are any spare pieces, just give one to him as a gift."

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