Chapter 65. Peacemaker

“Yeah. This morning.”

“This morning?” He frowned, a faint crease appearing between his brows as a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes.

He had spent the entire morning lingering outside Serena’s apartment complex, waiting—hoping—to catch her, to speak with her. The timing didn’t sit right. A strange unease stirred in his chest, slow and prickling.

Could it be…?

“Grandpa!” he probed quickly, lifting his head. “Are you talking about the stone auction in Vernon this morning?”

The old man looked up at him, genuinely surprised. “How do you know about the stone auction?” His brows rose slightly as he studied Christan. “You’re so busy you barely come home, but you’re keeping up with stone auctions now?”

“I…” Christan hesitated for a fraction of a second, then forced a casual tone. “I just happened to overhear someone mention it. Since I know you’re into gemstones, I paid a little extra attention.”

“Hm.” Grandpa nodded, clearly unconcerned, the matter already