Chapter 368

Serena's POV I sighed, finally looking up at Ryan's face. I bit my lip and nodded reluctantly. "Mr. Blackwood, I'll take the ruby with me now. My finance department will arrange the payment." I stood up and grabbed the velvet box, eager to leave his presence. The gemstone inside radiated a mesmerizing brilliance that almost hurt to look at. Yet... why did my chest ache so strangely? Frowning, I muttered a hasty goodbye and practically fled from his office. Only after I was safely in my car did my breathing return to normal. I pressed my hand against my chest, trying to calm my inexplicably racing heart. Opening the box again, I examined the ruby and finally smiled with genuine satisfaction. Whatever emotional turmoil Ryan Blackwood caused me, this gem would make our showcase piece absolutely spectacular. Back at Elegant Realm, I handed the ruby to Sally, who gasped the moment she saw it. "Serena! How did you manage this?" she exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief. "A pigeon-blood ruby th