Chapter 427

"Oh, I see. Don't worry. Everything will be fine."

After ending the call, Evelyn Carter stared anxiously at the massive wooden crate in front of her. She had no idea how the security guard had managed to haul it up here. The box was so large that she could barely wrap her arms around it.

Alexander Kensington had instructed her to have it moved to a more spacious area—but who was she supposed to ask for help?

Just as Evelyn was stressing over the dilemma, Sophia Grant, standing beside her, lit up with excitement. Sophia had already finished breakfast and tidied up before coming over. Noticing Evelyn's hesitation, she approached and asked, "Why haven't you opened it yet?"

"I'm afraid it might be some kind of prank." Evelyn turned to Sophia helplessly. "Besides, how am I supposed to dismantle this thing?"

"It shouldn't be too hard. You'll need pliers and a screwdriver!" Sophia sounded confident, as if she had experience with this sort of thing.

"Then you do it!" Evelyn seized the opportunity to pass the task to her.

Sophia rolled up her sleeves, ready to tackle the crate—then abruptly paused and grinned. "Actually, I only know the theory. I’ve never done this before. Maybe we should call a professional."

That wasn’t a bad idea.

In the end, Evelyn hired a handyman who arrived with a toolkit. After inspecting the crate, he declared, "Piece of cake!"

With a few swift movements, he pried open the wooden box. Everyone in the room held their breath, anticipation thick in the air. No one knew what was inside—curiosity and apprehension warred within them.

But when the lid finally came off, a collective gasp filled the room.

It wasn’t a prank.

Inside was an exquisitely carved wooden crane, its wings outstretched in mid-flight. The sculpture stood on one leg, the other gracefully tucked, as if poised to take off at any moment.

The natural grain of the wood had been preserved, its rich tones enhancing the lifelike details. Every curve and contour was masterfully executed, giving the crane an almost ethereal presence. Even at a glance, it was clear—this was the work of a true artisan.

"Wow, what is this?" Victoria Sterling, who had just arrived for a meeting, froze in the doorway, stunned by the sight of the massive sculpture.

"Vicky!" Sophia hurried over, beaming. "Someone sent this to Evelyn as a gift! Isn’t it stunning?"

"A gift?" Victoria circled the crane twice, her eyes wide. "This isn’t just a gift—it’s a masterpiece."

Then, remembering Dominic Reeves’ grand balloon confession stunt, she smirked. "Did he send this?"

Evelyn flinched at the directness and shook her head.

Though initially shocked, she had quickly realized who the sender was. No name, no note—but she didn’t need one.

The wood, the craftsmanship—there was only one person who could have created this.

He didn’t disappear after all. Maybe he never left the country. Maybe he’s still nearby. Otherwise, how could he have arranged for this to be delivered?

Evelyn had mentioned wanting a meaningful sculpture for her grandfather’s birthday, but she hadn’t known what it would look like. Fragrances? She could design those in her sleep. But sculptures? Her mind went blank.

She’d had only a vague idea of what she wanted—certainly nothing as breathtaking as this.

Her original plan had been to collaborate with the young carver, refining the design as he worked. But he had vanished before they could begin.

Yet here it was—finished, flawless, and far beyond anything she had imagined.

He had taken her request seriously.

More seriously than she ever expected.