Chapter 5

Patrick made his way to Christy's home, a sense of unease growing in his chest.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was drifting away, though he struggled to pinpoint what it was.

His thoughts kept circling back to Lora's earlier demeanor, sensing a change but unable to articulate it.

As he reached Christy's residence, the unsettling sensation intensified.

Christy remained upset, her anger still evident.

In the past, Patrick had found her passionate nature appealing and vibrant, attracted to her youthful spirit.

Now, however, an unfamiliar annoyance began to surface within him.

Unlike previous encounters, he offered no consolation, simply handing her the box without comment.

Christy's face lit up as she opened it, a grin spreading across her features.

"You're the greatest, uncle! I'll put it on and show you!"

For the first time, Patrick perceived the young woman before him as excessively materialistic, despite his previous willingness to indulge her. The luxurious apartment she now occupied was just one of many gifts he had bestowed upon her.

Yet, her reaction to the premium yellow diamond necklace earlier had left him profoundly disturbed.

At eighteen, Christy struggled to conceal her true feelings.

Her genuine excitement seemed reserved only for costly presents, though she attempted to feign delight for more modest offerings.

Lora, however, was different.

While Lora appreciated the expensive gifts he gave her, she truly valued the small, meaningful gestures he made.

Abruptly, Patrick realized that Christy's professed love for him might not be as deep as she claimed.

Christy hurried excitedly to the bedroom, clutching the jewelry box.

"Uncle, please wait! I'll go try on the new nightgown to match!"

Patrick's frustration peaked, and he nearly departed to seek out Lora.

Just as he was about to leave, Christy quickly emerged, her breathless excitement halting him.

She wore a flowing purple maxi dress, the delicate silk elegantly outlining her form. It was clearly of high quality. As she moved, the fabric swayed gracefully, enhancing her youthful allure.

Patrick felt a rush of heat to his head.

What should have been a simple set of sleepwear with a subtle charm now appeared entirely different. On an 18-year-old girl with a fresh-faced aura, it created a striking juxtaposition.

Every fiber of his being seemed to ignite, and before he could control himself, he carried her to the bed in the bedroom.

Moments earlier, he had fastened the yellow diamond necklace around her slender neck. In the next instant, thoughts of Lora vanished completely from his mind.

Two hours later, Patrick sat up from the bed, feeling a lingering emptiness wash over him.

He dressed hastily, preparing to depart. But as he moved, Christy grasped his wrist, refusing to release him.

"Uncle, you promised to stay with me tonight. You can't go back on your word."

Patrick was determined this time. He couldn't explain why, but he felt compelled to return home.

Thoughts of Lora resurfaced—the surprise she had mentioned at the auction's end. He felt an urgent desire to discover what it was.