Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks novel Chapter 5

"Hey, Boss!" Crow's voice burst through the phone, so full of energy that it could power a city. "You've been off the radar for ages. Don't tell me you've ditched your favorite wingman." The words spilled out in a rapid-fire stream.

Cherise felt a throb behind her eyes and rubbed her temples.

"Boss, are you there?" Crow continued to chatter away without any intention of pausing.

"Crow, you're speaking too quickly for me to get a word in. Slow down, or I'll have to hang up," she warned, her tone chilling the line.

Abruptly, Crow's voice ceased, leaving an expectant silence for her to speak.

"Alright, I need you to dig into something for me," Cherise began. "Investigate who Claire Garcia was communicating with before her death 15 years ago. Additionally, confirm the truth about her supposed death from a stray bullet in a warzone."

With a sense of urgency, she emphasized, "I need this done promptly."

"Understood," Crow responded succinctly, and with that, Cherise ended the call.

After the call, Cherise's gaze landed on a massive wooden chest in the corner. She moved closer, drawn to its intricate carvings, and opened it to see a collection of identical, beautifully crafted wooden boxes.

Lifting one, she felt its weight and opened it to find shiny diamonds and a note that read: "Cherise, happy 18th birthday! Grandma's been saving for your wedding. In the best of times, diamonds are a girl's best friend; in the worst, they're a safety net."

Another box held more diamonds with another note that read: "Cherise, today marks your coming-of-age, and it's more diamonds for your wedding. I'm all about practicality. When you turn 20, I've got a big surprise for you."

Cherise chuckled, tears brimming in her eyes, as a mix of warmth and profound yearning filled her chest. 'So, Grandma had intended for me to receive this precious wedding gift on my 20th birthday,' she mused.

Gently, she replaced the boxes, shut the chest, and secured it with a lock. With more wealth than she could ever use, the diamonds held no practical value for her.

This treasure was a testament to her grandmother's love, and she couldn't bring herself to convert it into currency. It would remain untouched in the chest, just as her grandmother's affection had remained eternal and unchanging.