Chapter 1679: Successful Delivery

Justin Kingston’s lips curved slightly as he gently glanced at the sculpture being carried by his two subordinates. A piece of high-end red silk covered it, giving it a celestial and ceremonial feel. He then turned to Ian Shelby and spoke warmly, "Prince, my last visit to Lorelei was too rushed, and I didn’t have time to prepare a gift for you. This time, I happened to meet a famous artist on my return to Riventhal, so I asked him to custom-make this sculpture for your protection. It also carries great beauty, resembling a deity from human dreams. Just a small token of our meeting, and I hope you like it."

As Justin spoke, Ian Shelby stared right at him, their gazes meeting and Ian understanding his thoughts and intentions.

It’s Justin Kingston, after all; he doesn’t need to impress anyone—what’s with the sculpture?

This certainly isn’t an ordinary sculpture. He guessed it was hollow inside and just a decoy being carried by two people.

"Thank you, CEO Kingston, for your thoughtfulness. I really like it. Happy New Year." Ian graciously responded and then turned to the servant beside him, instructing—

"Please take CEO Kingston’s gift and place it back in my study. Be very careful not to bump it."

"Yes, Prince!"

Under Catherine’s watchful eyes, two servants carefully took over the sculpture covered in red silk from the two men.

They then headed towards the nearby elevator. They were a bit puzzled; the sculpture didn’t seem heavy, so why did it require two people to carry it?

However, they thought it might be for the sake of ceremony.

Even through the celestial-like silk, the two maids could feel the beauty of the sculpture.

Catherine was also pondering that the gift for Prince Louis was just incidental. CEO Kingston’s real intention was to give it to Taylor.

But with only two princes in the royal family and CEO Kingston not short on money, he probably wanted to keep things even to avoid gossip.

After presenting the gift, Justin Kingston didn’t linger long. "Prince, I won’t disturb you any further," he said, glancing around, "Since you enjoy plants and greenery, you must also appreciate tranquility."

Ian Shelby remained as gentle as jade, smiling at him, "I enjoy finding peace in the midst of chaos."

"Indeed, that’s quite good," Justin replied. "We’ll take our leave then, please continue with your work."

"Alright, Mr. Kingston, do come by for tea when you have some time." In Catherine’s presence, Ian extended an invitation to Justin. "I’ve recently got a new batch of tea, and I think you’re someone who truly understands the art of tea; I’d like to discuss it with you."

"Sure, another day," Justin nodded, then looked at Catherine.

Though Catherine appeared calm, she thought to herself, Louis, oh Louis, don’t think you can win over Justin Kingston!

Then, smiling, she said affectionately, "Shall we, CEO Kingston? You’ve had a long flight and must be tired, let’s deliver Taylor’s gift and go for tea."

Justin glanced at Ian, then turned and headed towards the door.

Catherine’s intentions were as clear as a mirror in Justin’s heart.

This woman’s subtle gaze swept across Ian’s face and then she followed closely behind, deliberately staying near Justin.

She wanted to use this gesture to tell Louis that Justin Kingston was on her side, and he should abandon his wishful thinking.

Watching their departing backs, Ian’s lips curved slightly, yet the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

After they left, he turned and went upstairs.

Returning to the study, he locked the door behind him and approached the sculpture, reaching out to remove the red silk covering it.

The sculpture was indeed beautiful, resembling both a human and a god, with particularly elegant forms that brought a sense of joy.

But it didn’t pique Ian’s interest too much. His long fingers ran over the sculpture, searching for a mechanism.

He then carefully examined the sculpture for any cracks.

After a thorough inspection, he discovered that the sculpture’s head could be twisted, so he gently removed it.

Sure enough, Ian saw a small box inside.