Chapter 20
Celestina paced anxiously in her study, her fingers trembling as she clutched her phone. The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, but she felt none of its warmth. Her father’s words from the previous evening echoed in her mind: “This ring carries our family’s legacy, Celestina. Keep it safe.”
Her hand moved instinctively to her bare finger, her stomach twisting with dread.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed the number for the ball’s organizer. The phone rang twice before a calm, professional voice answered.
“This is Madame LaFleur, organizer of last night’s masquerade ball. How may I help you?”
“Madame LaFleur,” Celestina began, trying to keep her voice steady. “This is Celestina Alvada. I attended the ball last night, and I… I seem to have lost something of great value.”
“Oh no,” Madame LaFleur replied, her tone instantly concerned. “What have you lost, my lady?”
“A diamond ring,” Celestina said, her throat tightening. “It’s an heirloom, very distinctive—a large diamond set in a silver band with intricate etching.”
“Of course. I will alert the staff and guests immediately,” Madame LaFleur assured her.
“Please let them know there’s a substantial reward for its return,” Celestina added.
“I’ll handle it personally,” Madame LaFleur promised.
Next, Celestina called the hotel directly. The staff assured her they would begin a thorough search of the ballroom, hallways, and all rooms used during the event.
Back at the Grand Larmont Hotel, Kael stirred awake. His head pounded faintly, a side effect of the champagne, but the emptiness of the bed beside him was what truly drew his attention.
He sat up, blinking at the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The events of the previous night rushed back—her laughter, the sharp wit behind her mask, and the stolen moments they’d shared.
But she was gone.
“Damn it,” he muttered, running a hand through his tousled hair. He glanced around the room, hoping for a clue, but it was as if she’d vanished into thin air.
Frustration bubbled in his chest as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. His bare feet touched the soft carpet, and that’s when he saw it: something gleaming on the nightstand.
A diamond ring.
Kael’s eyes widened as he picked it up. The gem was massive, perfectly cut, and encased in a silver band with intricate etchings. He turned it over in his hand, disbelief flooding him.
“This must be hers,” he said under his breath.
The realization brought a mixture of relief and frustration. Why would she leave this behind? Did she forget it?
He dressed quickly, slipping the ring into his pocket before leaving the suite. As he walked down the hallway toward the lobby, two maids passed by, their conversation catching his attention.
“They’re offering a reward for that diamond ring,” one maid said excitedly.
“Really?” the other replied. “Do you know who’s offering it?”
“No idea. The manager said they only left a phone number to call.”
Kael’s ears pricked up, and he turned to approach the maids. “Excuse me,” he said, his tone commanding.
The maids froze, startled. “Y-yes, sir?”
“You said someone left a number about the ring?” Kael asked, his eyes narrowing.
The maids nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. We don’t know who, but the manager has the number.”
“Where’s the manager now?”
“Just over there by the concierge desk,” one of them replied, pointing.
“Thank you,” Kael said curtly, already striding toward the desk.
The manager was a tall, thin man who looked up as Kael approached. “Good morning, sir. How can I assist you?”
“I heard you have a contact number for someone looking for a diamond ring,” Kael said.
The manager hesitated before nodding. “Yes, sir. May I ask why—”
“Just give me the number,” Kael interrupted.
The manager handed over a small slip of paper with a phone number scribbled on it. Kael snatched it, muttering a quick “thanks” before dialing on his phone.
The line rang twice before a familiar voice answered. “Hello?”
Kael’s breath caught in his throat. No way.
“Celestina?”
There was a sharp inhale on the other end of the line. “Kael?!”
Kael’s heart raced, his mind spinning. He hadn’t expected this—not in a million years. “You’re the one looking for the ring?”
“Yes,” she said quickly, her voice tense. “How do you know that?”
Kael ran a hand through his hair, leaning against the wall. “Because I have it.”
