That second felt as long as a lifetime.
"What will it take for you to let her go?"
Tristan's gaze was so cold it seemed to frost over.
"Prescott, that depends on how much your true heart is worth for her."
"What do you want?"
Curtis's voice was deep and low.
He knew, at this point, talking about affection was already meaningless.
Tristan would never be swayed by weakness; all he cared about was the price.
"That sapphire you bid on at the auction six months ago. Deep sea grade Kashmir blue, only two like it in the world. Use it as ransom for her life."
Curtis's heart tightened.
That gemstone—oceanic blue, pure and luminous.
It was Vivian's favorite color.
He'd once stood in front of the display case, staring at it for ten full minutes.
He'd already imagined fastening it around her neck on her birthday, telling her, "Eve, this color—it's like your eyes."
But now…
He looked at Elara's pale, trembling face.
After a moment, he gritted his teeth, jaw stiffening.
