Chapter 193
Carson had spent several days at the Rose Garden but was eager to depart.
“I can’t quite get used to this big house, the life of luxury, and having others wait on me. I prefer the solitude of living on my own. Pearl, would you kindly allow me to leave?”
Carson appealed to Pearl with a tone almost like he was playfully coaxing her.
Around the dinner table, Mason and Lindsay fell silent as Carson once again expressed his desire to leave, their eyes eventually turning toward Pearl.
This time, Pearl didn’t outright reject the idea. She said, “If you’re uncomfortable staying at the Rose Garden, that’s perfectly fine. I’ve purchased a small courtyard for you, the Mystic Antiques Marketplace area. Once it’s all setup, I’ll arrange for you to move there.”
Mystic Antiques Marketplace!
The mention of it sparked a glimmer in Carson’s eyes. This had struck a chord with him, as he had been considering a move to that area himself.
“Well, alright then.”
Carson finally agreed. He added, “However, I must travel to Machodean shortly. I’ve arranged to meet an old friend I haven’t seen in quite some time. I must go and catch up with him.”
Pearl responded with a nod and instructed, “Mason, please make the necessary arrangements. Arrange for someone to accompany Carson.”
Mason was known for his efficiency, and he swiftly added the task to his to–do list. “Of course.”
Carson, feeling the situation was well in hand, fell silent for a moment, unsure of what else to say. He lowered his head and focused on his meal.
After their meal, Pearl and her group prepared to head off to work
As they were leaving, Pearl said to Carson, “Carson, if you ever find yourself bored at home, you can listen to some opera or engage in some carving. The workshop is open, and you’re welcome to use any of the materials inside.”
Just as she finished speaking, Mason handed over the smart radio he had prepared to Carson. “Carson, if you’d like to listen to a specific opera, just mention the play’s name or the artist, and it’ll start playing. Let me show you how to use it…
He patiently guided Carson through the device’s operation, and Carson’s eyes continued to widen as he nodded in understanding
“Oh… oh… oh… This little device is quite impressive. It can play anything? Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Lindsay chuckled and squatted before Carson, retrieving two design sketches from her bag. “Carson, these are two designs I’ve been working on recently. If you have some free time, could you carve them for me?”
Carson accepted the sketches and agreed with a smile. “Of course, leave it to me. I saw the key pendant you designed last time. It was excellent, very lively
Pearl, standing nearby, cleared her throat.
Carson added hastily. “Indeed, the gemstone craftsmanship is quite remarkable. No wonder she’s renowned as ‘Master Marlene‘ in the industry.”
Carson made a valiant effort to act as the master of ceremonies while Lindsay and Mason shared secret smiles. Even Pearl couldn’t help but be amused by her Carson’s antics.
All three were concerned about Carson getting bored at home, so they tried to find ways to keep him entertained.
As they were leaving. Mason noticed Pearl’s somewhat conflicted expression and whispered, “It’s likely that Carson still carries
a sense of guilt deep within him. That’s why he doesn’t want to stay at the Rose Garden and doesn’t want to witness the confrontation between you and your uncles. He’s distancing himself for now. It would be best if you understood his feelings It’s not easy for him to step out and face all of this,”
Pearl pursed her lips, comprehending the situation. From her perspective, there was little room for sympathy when her uncles had been unjust to her..
However, from Carson’s point of view, Ralph and Errol were still his sons. It wasn’t an easy choice to oppose one’s flesh and blood, and the dilemma was evident.
She also didn’t want Carson to witness her unyielding side when she confronted Ralph and Errol. She didn’t want to hurt
Carson’s heart.
Once they got into the car, Pearl instructed, “Please make sure the small courtyard is prepared as soon as possible. Additionally, find a reliable housekeeper who can assist Carson with housekeeping, cooking, and laundry.”
Mason acknowledged the instructions and retrieved a small notebook to jot down notes. When he realized he had run out of ink, he instinctively extended his hand toward Lindsay. “Lindsay, could you pass me a
a pen, please?”
“Of course, here you go.”
Lindsay swiftly retrieved a pen from her bag and handed it to Mason, who, in turn, passed the empty pen to her. She took it and placed it back in her bag.
They exchanged pens with fluidity that seemed like a well–practiced routine, highlighting their remarkable synchronicity. Pearl observed this exchange of two identical pens and noticed Lindsay’s admiring gaze as she looked at Mason’s elaborately written words. It made her feel a twinge of discomfort.
She narrowed her eyes and inquired, “Have the two of you officially embarked on a romantic relationship?”
Mason and Lindsay stiffened, their heads snapping up in unison, their expressions revealing surprise and vulnerability!
“Ive done some digging, and Carving Carson is currently residing at the Rose Garden, Lucas relayed the latest information to Marc. He took a drag from his cigarette, exhaled slowly, and said, “You know, maybe you should give this some serious thought.”
Mare had burned the midnight oil dealing with work, evident in the fatigue that showed in the circles under his eyes. He lit a cigarette to perk himself up and glanced at Lucas through the haze of smoke. His voice was hoarse as he asked, “Give what some thought?”
“Do you want to approach Carving and ask him to come out of retirement to support Males Jewelry? Can Pearl agree to that?”
Despite their differences, Lucas didn’t want to see his friend’s life take a turn for the worse, and he offered a sincere word of
caution.
“You know how fiercely protective Pearl is of you. If you go against her, she might ignore you or give you the cold shoulder. But if you mess with her biological grandfather, given her fiery temper, she might end up making your life a living hell!”
Marc managed a wry smile, a hint of resignation in his tone. “I’d rather have her try to kill me, fight me than have her treat me like a stranger.”
Lucas shook his head in silent understanding. “I’ve got to admit, Marc, you’ve hit rock bottom. This might just be the most pitiful you’ve ever been.”
Surprisingly, Marc didn’t take offense. Instead, he acknowledged, “Yeah, I can’t deny it. I feel pretty pathetic
In his entire life, he had never been this desperate,
Unfortunately, he couldn’t resist the temptation.
He couldn’t restrain himself as if under a spell, unable to comprehend the origin of these emotions.
It could have embodied that line from the poem. “Love knows not its depth until the hour of separation.”
1102 AM ₫
While observing Marc, who had changed into more formal attire and appeared composed. Lucas raised an eyebrow and inquired. “Are you planning to visit Carson at Rose Garden? Do you think they’ll even let you in?”
With a calm demeanor, Marc responded. “I have my ways. See you later.”
Lucas extended two fingers to brush across his forehead in a manner that resembled a gesture of wishing luck, saying. “Good
luck!”
Upon arriving at Rose Garden, Marc presented his visiting card, and to his surprise, Carson permitted his
entry
Not only did he gain access to Rose Garden, but he was also welcomed into the workshop. There was no effort to conceal his identity as an apprentice in gemstone carving. When Marc met him, Carson wore a genial smile.
“Are you the apprentice of Wade Miller?”
Marc nodded, and Carson chuckled. “I had plans to meet Wade soon, but his apprentice beat him to the punch. Please take a seat. I’ll finish carving this hairpin for Pearl first.”
As Carson diligently worked on the carving. Marc quietly sat by his side, observing Carson expertly etching intricate patterns into the jade with his chisel. He found himself lost in thought.
Did Pearl display the same level of concentration and precision when carving jade?
Dedicated, serious, and meticulous, as if the world consisted only of her, the chisel in her hand, and the piece of jade beneath it, isolating her from everything else.
Once the carving was completed, Carson blew away the jade dust and prepared to polish it. Suddenly, he looked Marc a curious glance.
Young man, you seem somewhat familiar. What’s your last name?”