Gavin Graves returned from the hospital, while home repairs were underway with workers bustling inside and out.
Broken tables and furniture could be replaced with new ones, but damaged flower beds and bullet marks on the walls required meticulous repair; the almost perfect lawn now flawed, and the blood soaked into the soil, no matter how much it was washed, could not be completely cleansed.
And yet, for a big family like theirs, this was nothing; life went on as usual.
Gavin went to the tea room to select his preferred coffee beans and started grinding and brewing.
This process was time-consuming, but he enjoyed it immensely. Methodically doing something could bring his heart to peace and offer relaxation.
The servant knocked lightly on the door and entered with respect.
âAgnes found this while cleaning; it must have been left behind by one of the female guests last night,â said the servant, placing the found earring gently in front of Gavin.
The pink diamond was clear and sparkling, with a fresh hue; such a quality pink diamond could not possibly belong to a second person.
Gavin held the earring in his palm, its coolness seeping into his skin, stirring a ripple in his heart.
âYou may leave,â he said softly.
The servant bowed and left the room.
Alone on the sofa, Gavin held the precious earring in his hand, thinking: Next time I see her, Iâll return this earring to her.
After a while, he felt inexplicably that this wasnât right.
âMaybe I could keep it,â Gavin thought, âBut after keeping it⦠whatâs the use of keeping it?â
Thinking this way, he felt the cool touch of the earring firm on his heart, chilling it through.
When Gerald came in, he saw Gavin staring blankly at the earring in his palm.
He craned his neck for a better look.
Huh, it looked familiar, it seemed like Ms. Summersâs earring.
The big pink diamond was large and lovely, unforgettable at first sight.
He was about to ask Gavin why he had Ms. Summersâs earring when Gavin looked up first.
âIs everything settled?â asked Gavin.
ââ¦Oh, itâs done,â Gerald scratched the back of his head, not daring to say he had handled it perfectly, only that it was completed.
Such a significant incident at the Graves familyâs party required dealing with the police, and the frightened guests also needed consolation.
Thus, Gavin had Lester Williams take Gerald out early in the morning to prepare gifts: servants were sent with presents for those of lesser status, calls were made to those of higher status to offer consolation, and for the most distinguished, Gavin would pay a personal visit to show sincerity.
Only thorough attention could prevent damage to the familyâs reputation.
Gerald sat down next to Gavin and fell silent for a moment.
Gavin stirred his coffee at leisure and asked, âIs there something else?â
âOh, thatâ¦â Gerald eyed his older brotherâs expression carefully, and cautiously asked, âIs Ms. Summers⦠is she alright? A few of us really want to visit her⦠just afraid it might not be convenient.â
âYes, itâs quite inconvenient,â Gavin smiled, âShowing sympathy is enough for now; you can arrange to meet her again after Ms. Summers has recovered.â
Gerald gave an âOh,â and fell silent again, scuffing his feet as if reluctant to leave.
Gavin made no attempt to hurry him, simply sipping his coffee.
After hesitating for a while, Gerald finally said, âBrother, Ms. Nelson is leaving.â
âSo soon?â Gavinâs hand clasping the coffee cup paused, slightly surprised.
Gerald nodded: âShe must have been scared by last nightâs incident.â
Gavin listened but said nothing. Compared to Clearwater, Kingsley was indeed much more peaceful, and Violet Nelson, a young woman, was understandably frightened.
âWhenever she wants to leave, go and see her off,â Gavin said casually.
ââ¦You want me to see her off?â Geraldâs face showed difficulty, clearly reluctant.
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!