Chapter 163 He Came to Apologize

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    Mathilda smiled as she gently patted the back of Sloane’s hand, her voice full of warmth and approval. “Larry’s such a thoughtful boy–he came all this way just to celebrate with you. Sloane, you should really thank him.”

    But Sloane only grew more suspicious. She barely knew Larry; why would he go out of his way to congratte her? And his attitude–wasn’t it a little itoo /ienthusiastic?

    As if sensing her doubt, Larry smiled and exined, “Actually, I came today because of what happened at thest banquet. Whitney jumped to conclusions without knowing the full story and unfairly suspected Ms. Rivers. I’ve already scolded her. I’m here today to apologize on her behalf.”

    Sloane nodded at his exnation, but the wariness in her chest didn’t go away. “If she realizes she was wrong, then she should apologize in person.”

    “You’re right, Ms. Rivers.” Larry didn’t take offense; his smile remained gentle. “But Whitney is currently recovering at home after being punished under the family rules. She’s not well enough toe, so I’m here to apologize for her.”

    He bowed slightly. “Ms. Rivers, as her brother, it’s my responsibility to apologize on her behalf. I hope this won’t cause you to misunderstand the Houston family.”

    Sloane stared at him, her brows drawing together.

    “Oh my!” Mathilda quickly stepped in to help Larry straighten up. “Larry, you take things so seriously.” She chuckled and patted his arm, her tone half–scolding, half–amused. “Sloane’s not the kind of person to hold grudges. What’s done is done–let’s just let it go.”

    Larry stood upright, the same gentle smile on his face. “Madam Mathilda, Whitney really was in the wrong here. No matter how you look at it, our Houston family was at fault first. If Ms. Rivers is willing to forgive her, that would be wonderful. If not, I’ll respect her decision.”

    Sloane had no intention of forgiving Whitney. Whatever Mathilda said or did had nothing to do with her.

    It was Larry who felt off, he was humble in every word, yet everything he did came across as overly calcted. It made it hard to like him.

    Larry signaled to the assistant standing nearby, who immediately stepped forward holding a delicate gift box.

    Taking the box in both hands, Larry offered it to Sloane with a gentle, sincere tone. “Ms.

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    Chapter 163 He Came to Apologize

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    Rivers, this is a small token from me, an apology on Whitney’s behalf. I hope you’ll ept it.”

    Inside the box was a ne crafted from rare deep–sea pink diamonds, each stone meticulously cut to catch the light perfectly. The centerpiece diamond was the size of a dove egg, surrounded by a halo of fine blue diamonds, like stars encircling a full moon, dazzling and brilliant. ulli/li/ul

    Sloane looked at the gift box and frowned slightly. She didn’t reach out to take it. Instead, she spoke politely, “This is far too extravagant. I can’t ept it.”

    Mathilda leaned in curiously for a closer look. When she realized what it was, she gasped. “Oh my, that’s the ‘Tears of the Stars‘! It sold for over 8 million at thest international auction! So you were the one who bought it.”

    The moment Sloane heard the price, there was no way she was epting it. She pushed the box back. “Mr. Larry, you should take this back.”

    “You can rest assured,” she added calmly, though her tone was firm, “this is between me and Ms. Whitney. I won’t take it out on the Houston family.”

    She had turned him down again and again–Sloane figured Larry would be angry by now.

    But instead, he quietly took the gift box back and handed it to his assistant. There wasn’t the slightest trace of irritation on his face. His voice remained warm, and he even gave a faint, regretful smile. “It seems this ne and Ms. Rivers just weren’t meant to be.