Chapter 14: Rare Treasures for a Beautiful Lady

Early the next morning, after a quick wash, Clara headed downstairs to the dining room.

Mia was nowhere to be seen. Only Mr. and Mrs. Jian were at the table, and the atmosphere felt somewhat chilly and quiet.

Clara gave a soft greeting and sat down silently to eat her breakfast.

Mrs. Jian looked at her with concern. "Clara, be careful when you go out today. Come back early."

Clara nodded with a smile, her eyes particularly bright, causing Mrs. Jian’s heart to soften instantly.

"I will, Mom."

Mr. Jian merely glanced up at her before returning his focus to the newspaper, saying nothing more.

After breakfast, Clara returned to her room and changed into a comfortable dress.

As she was tidying her hair in front of the mirror, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Alistair.

[Alistair Vance: I’ve arrived downstairs.]

Clara typed a quick reply and tossed her phone onto the bed.

[Lamb: I’m coming down now.]

She hurried downstairs and out of the house, where she saw Alistair leaning against a black luxury car. His posture was tall and straight, radiating a powerful aura.

The sunlight spilled over him, outlining his perfect silhouette. Clara blinked.

Seeing her, Alistair’s lips curled upward as he said suggestively, "Dazed by what you see?"

Clara avoided his gaze and spoke softly, "Thank you."

A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. With the sunlight hitting her face, she seemed to glow. Her long, loose hair swayed against her shoulders, as smooth as silk.

Once they were in the car, Alistair skillfully started the engine and drove toward his residence.

Along the way, they chatted casually. The relaxed atmosphere allowed Clara to gradually forget the troubles of the previous night.

The car slowly entered a high-end villa district. The surroundings were elegant and serene, shaded by lush green trees.

Looking through the window at the luxurious architecture, Clara was filled with wonder.

When the car stopped in front of a massive villa, she was completely awestruck.

The estate was vast, featuring a magnificent European-style mansion. The gardens were filled with various rare flowers, vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful.

"This is your... other place?"

Alistair nodded with a smile. "Come inside and take a look."

Stepping into the villa, Clara was once again left speechless.

In the spacious living room, crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly, and the marble floors were polished to a mirror-like shine.

Many men and women in professional attire stood in the hall. Upon seeing Alistair enter, they all bowed respectfully in greeting.

Clara felt a bit out of place and instinctively moved closer to Alistair’s side.

Sensing her nervousness, Alistair chuckled softly. "Don't be nervous. They’re all staff."

Alistair then led Clara to a specific room.

Inside was a massive wardrobe filled with all kinds of women’s clothing. The styles were diverse, the fabrics were of the highest quality, and every piece looked as though it were the work of a top-tier designer.

Beside it sat a dedicated jewelry table covered in shimmering gems—diamonds, rubies, and sapphires of every kind, radiating a captivating light.

On the other side was a shoe rack displaying an array of exquisite footwear, from high heels to flats.

"These are all prepared for your welcoming banquet in a few days. We originally had plenty of time, but since your brother ran into some issues, the schedule is tight. I’ve taken over the arrangements personally," Alistair explained.

Clara looked at everything before her and murmured, "You’ve done so much for me..."

Alistair led her to the wardrobe and began selecting gowns one by one.

His brow furrowed slightly as he carefully examined each piece, occasionally holding them up against Clara to check the fit.

"This color is too dull; it doesn't suit you."

"The style of this one is a bit too ordinary; it doesn't match your elegance."

Alistair muttered to himself as he picked through the options.

After a thorough search, he finally found a gown he was satisfied with.

It was a white, off-the-shoulder evening gown. The skirt was as light as a cloud, encrusted with tiny crystals that shimmered brilliantly under the lights.

"Try this one."

Alistair spoke tenderly. Clara took the gown and stepped into the fitting room.

A moment later, she emerged.

Alistair’s eyes lit up instantly. He stepped forward and walked a circle around her, his gaze full of admiration.

"I knew my taste wouldn't fail me. It looks as though it were tailor-made for you."

Clara lowered her head shyly. "Does it really look good?"

Alistair gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to look into his eyes. "Trust me. Your brother’s taste isn't nearly as good as mine."

Just then, Alistair noticed that Clara’s neck looked bare, which didn't quite match the grandeur of the gown.

He walked to the jewelry table and picked up a set of diamond jewelry.

The set consisted of a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a ring. The diamonds were crystal clear and perfectly cut, exuding an air of nobility.

Holding the necklace, Alistair stepped behind Clara and gently fastened it for her.

Clara felt his warm breath against her neck, and her cheeks turned burning hot.

She instinctively tried to move away, but Alistair firmly pressed his hands onto her shoulders. "Don't move. Let me put this on you."

His voice was low and magnetic, causing Clara’s heart to race uncontrollably.

After securing the necklace, Alistair took the earrings and put them on her himself.

His fingers lightly brushed against her earlobes, and Clara felt a tingle spread through her entire body.

Finally, Alistair picked up the ring, took Clara’s hand, and slid it onto her ring finger.

"Only a set like this is worthy of a beauty like you."

Meanwhile, at a golf course.

Julian was playing a frustrated round of golf. He used his club to give Silas Knight’s backside a sharp pat. "Did you call me out here just to play golf? My sister is still over at Alistair’s place!"

Silas smiled. "Alistair is famous for being indifferent to women. What are you worried about?"

At Silas's words, Julian stopped his movement and turned to face him with a frown, his face full of helplessness and irritation.

"You know as well as I do—Alistair used to be cold to everyone. But the moment he met my sister, he completely changed. How can I not be worried?"

With that, Julian swung hard. The golf ball flew a great distance, kicking up a spray of grass.

Silas shrugged with an indifferent expression, idly spinning his club.

"Stop overthinking it. We’ve known him long enough to know he’s a reliable guy. He won't do anything to Clara."

Julian snorted. "Reliable? He’s had no shortage of scandalous rumors. My sister is innocent; I’m just afraid she’ll be taken advantage of."

"Oh, come on. Those are just baseless rumors. We know exactly what kind of man Alistair is, don't we?"

As Silas spoke, he also delivered a swing. The ball carved a beautiful arc through the air and landed steadily on the distant green.

"Besides, Clara isn't a child. She has her own thoughts and judgment."

Julian tossed his club to the ground and sat down on a nearby bench. He pulled out his phone to check, but there were still no messages from Clara. He couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"As her brother, I always feel like I haven't cared for her enough. Now that she’s getting close to Alistair, I’m even more anxious."