Vanessa’s POV:

“Miss Armand, may I ask how you acquired this piece of jewelry?” The young gem appraiser leaned over the bronze crown with a magnifying glass.

I rolled my eyes.

“Of course I took it from home,” I replied, irritation lacing my tone. This was Aaron’s gift—he had no need to know.

“Thank you. I need to discuss the valuation with my colleagues. Please wait a moment.”

Another eye-roll. Tapping my fingers impatiently on the counter, I muttered, “Hurry up—I still ...