Chapter 204

Christina's POV Daniel showed up at the studio looking like death warmed over. Dark circles under bloodshot eyes, wrinkled collar, and hair that clearly hadn't seen shampoo in days. "You look terrible," I said as he dragged himself through the door. Daniel flashed a weak grin at Priya before perking up when he saw me. "Morning, Christina." Priya rushed up the stairs, practically bouncing with excitement. "Christina! Got an invitation this morning. Some gemstone forum thing. Want to go?" She shoved her phone between Daniel and me, the screen showing a blocky logo with tiny stars against that generic corporate blue background every event seemed to use. "Constellation Gem & Jade Forum," I read aloud. "It's in Sunset City this year. Not far." Despite the fancy name, it wasn't exactly the Met Gala of gemstones. But scanning the guest list, I spotted Professor Veldman, the only university advisor I'd ever respected. "They're offering you five minutes on stage," Priya explained. "To talk abou