Returning the Smoking Pipe


    They were the only guests at the private restaurant hosting dinner that night.


    Emeris brought both Sivir and Seraphina along. When they arrived, Ramona and Orion had in


    there as well.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    had just gotten


    It wasn''t a formal gathering, so Seraphina opted for a sky-blue dress. She radiated an air of elegance but also had a hint of yful warmth.


    Emeris and Ramona exchanged polite pleasantries, leaving out all the private affairs. The two were talking primarily about business and their cooperation betweenpanies. Despite the peaceful atmosphere.. there was an undeniable awkwardness hanging in the air. Sitting there. Seraphina could feel a particr gaze from across the tablending on her every so often.


    It was irritating.


    When she felt that stare once again, Seraphina couldn''t stand it any longer.


    She abruptly lifted her head and red back.


    Orion froze for a moment before offering her a gentle smile.


    Seraphina gritted her teeth and looked away. Pretending to be nice in front of the elders, huh?


    She hadn''t nned oning to this dinner, but after Emeris mentioned how Orion had saved her life. she felt it would be rude to refuse. So, she reluctantly agreed to stay for a while before making her exit. Noticing it was about time, Emeris gave Seraphina a subtle nod.


    "Actually, we''re very grateful for your family stepping in to save my sister, Sivir began, signaling towards. Seraphina. Aside from our business coboration, my sister has prepared a special gift for Mr. Ramona." Seraphina smiled gently and reached into her bag to retrieve a box, which she then handed over.


    "Mr. Ramona, I heard you often visit the museum to see the smoking pipe. Knowing how much you treasure it, I thought this would make a perfect gift."


    Ramona''s lips twitched slightly. She knew about his frequent visits to check on the smoking pipe at the


    museum?


    It almost sounded like she was mocking him.


    Furthermore, the smoking pipe served as a symbolic representation of Drosses. Could it bepared with any other pipe?


    When Ramona opened the box, his expression froze and his eyes narrowed in surprise.


    If he wasn''t mistaken, the smoking pipe before him was the very one from the museum.


    He recognized it, down to the tiny scratches and imperfections on the bottom-this wasn''t a replica; it was the real thing!


    Returning the Smoking Pipe


    Who would''ve thought that Seraphina had managed to retrieve it from the museum?


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    Ramona leaned in closer to examine it, his hands trembling, but he hesitated to touch it, afraid that the sweat from his palms might damage the priceless treasure. Then his expression darkened.


    The Crosses returning this object was a gesture of repayment for Orion saving Seraphina''s life.


    They didn''t mention anything about a marriage alliance.


    Giving back this pipe was a clear indication that Emeris didn''t care about money, nor was he going to use this connection to force his daughter into a marriage she didn''t want.


    In an instant, Ramona sharply saw right through Emeris''s intentions.


    He nced at Orion with a knowing smile, and it seemed that Orion had also understood Emeris''st message.


    Orion''s expression darkened. A cold aura enveloped him as his gaze locked onto Seraphina.


    Throughout the meal. Seraphina kept her head down, quietly eating her food, showing no interest in their conversation.


    Ramona chuckled softly and said, "We''ve certainly wronged Seraphina before. If given the chance, we would love to make it up to her."


    Emeris waved a hand dismissively. He said, "Children can be insensible, and it''s all in the past. Seraphina has moved on, and so should we. Let''s maintain normal rtions from here." Insensible..."


    Orion quietly echoed the words. His dark eyes shed briefly before a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Yes, moving forward we''ll interact properly," he said.


    Orion lifted his eyes and looked at Seraphina, his smile carrying a deeper meaning.


    Feeling the intense gaze on her, Seraphina instinctively nced up. She saw Orion staring at her, and his eyes filled with an unexpected tenderness.