CHAPTER 169: CHAPTER 170: THE FIRST DANCE

"Well... thank you." Sienna Johnson was well-acquainted with Noah Phillips, so she didn’t act overly formal with him. She took the gift box and asked, "Can I open it now?"

It was considered rude to open a gift in front of the giver. She hadn’t known this before; the first time she received a gift, she opened it on the spot and was scolded by Mother Johnson, which left a psychological scar.

Sienna was very curious about this gift and wanted to open it immediately.

"Sure."

Sienna opened the box. A dazzling light, as if from a pearl-filled oyster, momentarily blinded her.

"This is..."

"Do you like it?"

It was a heart-shaped diamond necklace. At its center, a highly transparent blue diamond was carved into a heart, surrounded by a circle of white diamonds, all sparkling brilliantly.

Sienna looked at Noah, a smile gracing her lips. "It’s beautiful."

"I remember you liked shiny things..." Noah took the necklace out of the box, stepped behind her, and fastened it around her neck.

His slightly cool hand brushed against her skin, sending a shiver through her. She tensed up and said stiffly, "It’s too valuable. I... I can’t accept it."

This gift made Sienna feel vaguely uneasy.

"It’s called ’Princess Tears.’ It’s a Tanzanite. This gemstone comes from the unique Tanzanite mine in East Goldland and is very rare. These rare gems are typically a deep blue, sometimes with a hint of purple. They exhibit a distinct pleochroism, showing purple, green, and blue hues when viewed from different angles. Their clear, profound color is exquisite, reminiscent of a princess’s eyes."

Noah’s voice was pleasant, narrating softly near her ear. His breath caressed her sensitive skin, his hand brushed against hers... Sienna felt the not-so-sturdy walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble.

After putting the necklace on her, Noah moved to stand in front of her. Looking at her, he said, "This ’Princess Tears’ was destined for you."

Sienna touched the diamond at her throat, asking in confusion, "If it’s heart-shaped, why call it ’Princess Tears’? Shouldn’t it be ’Princess Heart’?"

"Because the princess gave her heart to the prince, but the prince betrayed her love."

Sienna: ...

Somehow, Sienna felt that Noah was using the necklace to subtly reproach her for her "fickleness."

"That prince sounds awful..." she laughed awkwardly a couple of times and remarked casually.

"But the princess never regretted loving the prince..."

Noah looked deeply at Sienna, then his gaze slowly swept over the guests in the banquet hall. They were also watching him with inquisitive eyes, clearly wondering about the identity and background of this unfamiliar man.

Noah’s voice was rich and resonant as he declared, "My name is Noah Phillips, and I am the Boss of the Genesis Group in City A. I make a promise here today: whatever Sienna Johnson desires, the Genesis Group will unconditionally fulfill and support."

"The Genesis Group? That multinational conglomerate?"

Everyone was stunned, including Sienna.

If the Johnson family’s business was a small fish in a pond, the Genesis Group was a whale in the ocean. The Genesis Group was a 200-year-old family enterprise with a wide range of operations, primarily in media and finance.

Sienna had heard her father mention this major corporation before, but she never expected Noah to be the Boss of the Genesis Group.

What on earth happened back then to make the heir of the Genesis Group end up in an orphanage?

Although she didn’t know how Sienna had come to know Noah of the Genesis Group, her grandmother was very pleased with this connection.

With the support of the Genesis Group, how could the Johnson family’s business not prosper and grow?

Noah had taken time out of his busy schedule to attend Sienna’s birthday party specifically to back her up. From now on, anyone who dared to bully Sienna would have to think twice and consider the might of the Genesis Group.

"So, it’s President Phillips of the Genesis Group. A pleasure to meet you," the grandmother greeted him.

Noah bowed respectfully to the elder. "Grandmother, you’re too kind."

Grandmother gently nudged the dazed Sienna. "Sienna, what are you standing there in a daze for? It’s time to cut the cake."

"Oh." Sienna felt like she was dreaming.

Just as Sienna was about to cut the cake, Noah chuckled. "You haven’t made a wish yet."

Sienna had almost forgotten that one makes a wish on their birthday. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently made her wish.

My wish is for Noah to meet the woman he loves soon! After learning Noah’s identity, there’s no chance for us!

The candles were extinguished. A brief moment of darkness ensued, then the lights flickered back on, music swelled, and the bustling, vibrant scene returned, as unreal as a dream.

Noah gracefully bowed before her, extending his arm. "Beautiful Princess, may I have this dance?"

"Yes." Sienna placed her hand in his dry, warm palm.

Her 22nd birthday was unforgettable; Sienna knew she would cherish the memory for a lifetime because Noah had fulfilled all her birthday fantasies.

"Don’t be afraid; I’m always by your side," Noah whispered as they walked towards the lawn outside.

Sienna, who had been feeling anxious, instantly calmed down at his words. She glanced at the distinguished man beside her; with Noah Phillips, a man of such noble standing, escorting her, she suddenly felt a surge of confidence.

"Brother..."

"Hm?"

"If I accidentally step on your foot tonight, you absolutely have to bear with it. I don’t want to embarrass myself at the banquet and have Sabrina Johnson look down on me."

Noah laughed. "Alright! However, please try to go easy on my feet."

"Brother..."

"Hm?"

"Thank you! I will never forget my 22nd birthday!"

Noah raised his arm, waiting for her. Sienna’s lips curved into a smile as she hooked her arm through his. "We’ll celebrate our 23rd birthday together, our 24th birthday, and our 25th birthday..." she trailed off, her smile gentle.

She didn’t say more, only wanting to cherish this moment of being doted upon and loved. She truly felt like a princess.

As Sienna entered the dance floor arm in arm with Noah, fireworks erupted in the sky. She walked towards her glory amidst the dazzling display—the glory of being the heir to the Johnson family.

The music began; it was a waltz.

Sienna and Noah instantly became the center of attention.

Noah danced beautifully. Guided by his steps, Sienna forgot her nervousness and wholeheartedly enjoyed the pleasure of dancing.

Their dance was elegant and dignified, flowing and light. They coordinated perfectly. Their intricate and varied steps were dazzlingly beautiful, and their dance together was deeply intimate. Sienna, like a flower blooming at midnight, was so radiant that no one could look away.

A breeze stirred in the night air, and Sienna finally understood why Noah had chosen this dress for her.

Caressed by the night wind, her light, gossamer skirt billowed and danced, making her seem like a celestial fairy descending from the heavens.

Spinning, spinning, Sienna felt as if she had fallen into a fantastical world, intoxicated and unwilling to awaken.