Arianne's chest swelled with confidence.
She knew, without a shadow of doubt, that Grandma Josefina would adore this gift. It was elegant, it looked expensive, and it carried the kind of sophistication that would surely impress everyone present.
All around the table, the guests leaned closer, anticipation shimmering in their eyes. They had witnessed Amari's overwhelming gesture earlier; now they were curious what Louissa had prepared. And with Arianne so certain, it seemed this gift would shine.
Slowly, delicately, Arianne untied the ribbon and lifted the lid of the box.
The room stilled.
Inside were six pairs of jade bracelets, gleaming under the golden lights of the banquet hall.
For a brief moment, silence reigned. Then, all at once, the expressions of the Clavel family shifted drastically.
Most especially Grandma Josefina.
