Chapter 582

The staff member chuckled, “Miss, you must have a lucky star shining on you today. This pearl is a top-

notch pink pearl, perfectly suited to complement your radiant complexion if it’s set into a pendant.”

Allison gazed at the pink pearl resting in her palm. It was roughly the size of a thumbnail, and perfectly round with a soft pink hue. It was a pure and natural saltwater pearl, without any post-harvest enhancements. Its value, she surmised, would be considerable.

With a playful glance towards the man standing nearby, she teased, “Mr. Lindberg, are you presenting this to me as a gift?”

Lucian reached into his pocket, pulling out an empty wallet. “Sorry, what if I haven’t brought any money?”

Allison pouted, “Then you’ll just have to stay here and work it off.”

Lucian sighed dramatically, “Oh, how long would I have to toil away here to earn this pearl? If we both stay and work, it might go faster.” As he spoke, he caught Allison’s hand with the pink pearl still in it, gently enclosing both in his grip.

His hand was holding hers. Hers was holding the pearl. On the beach, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, they embraced.

The staff, sensing the moment, tactfully made themselves scarce, leaving the two some space.

That evening, Lucian and Allison dined at the restaurant on the third floor of a luxury cruise ship docked in the harbor. This ship was among the priciest ferries in the entire bay, boasting six decks and typically reserved for VIP clientele.

Tonight, it was just Lucian and Allison aboard.

The phonograph played a melodious tune. Crystal chandeliers cast a bright light tinged with a soft golden glow, which was warm and inviting.

The windows were open. The faintly briny sea breeze wafted in, and tossed Allison’s hair gently.

Lucian remarked, “I heard you’re planning a press conference next week.”

Allison nodded. “Yes. There’s been a misunderstanding about something I supposedly did, so I need to set the record straight.” Her eyes were resolute.

The man interrupted calmly, “No need for that. I’ve taken care of canceling it for you.”

Allison stared at him incredulously as he continued to dine. He was now cutting the steak for her. She remained silent for several minutes before asking, “Why?”

Lucian replied, “The issue you’re dealing with is nearly resolved. A press conference would only escalate the public furor, making headlines the next day. Typical societal news fades in three days;

people’s memories aren’t that long. Time is the best eraser. You just focus on your acting and leave the rest to settle itself.”

Allison bit her lip slightly. “But why should I suffer slander for something I didn’t do? The person in those photos isn’t me. Why should admit to something I didn’t commit? I have evidence to prove my innocence. Why shouldn’t I hold that press conference? Why should I accept blame for something I’ve never done?”

“Allison,” Lucian said, “you’re being stubborn. I’m doing this for your own good.”

“For my good? By making me admit to things live never done?” Allison felt hurt. Her good mood from the day had vanished. She stared at the steak being offered to her, feeling no appetite. She only felt a sense of greasiness.

“Lucian, don’t you believe me?”

He looked into her reddening eyes and faltered, “I believe you.”

“If you believe me, then why won’t you let me clear my name?”

Lucian looked at her. His expression was complex. “Let’s just let this matter go. It won’t affect you.”