Chapter 188 Bring Back a Gift
"Mr. Lancaster, what should we do now?"
The driver looked a bit anxious. I quickly calmed down. Nancy wasn't a child anymore—even if she was upset, she wouldn't do anything reckless.
Still, after thinking it over, I decided to call Miguel.
"Atlas! What made you think of calling me?"
Miguel's cheerful voice came through the phone.
I licked my lips nervously and said, "Mr. Armstrong, Nancy just got mad at me and jumped out of the car. I can't reach her now, and I'm a bit worried. Could you try contacting her?"
Hearing this, Miguel immediately sounded tense. "Okay, I'll go find her right now."
"Thanks. Let me know once you find her."
After giving these instructions, I hung up.
"Mr. Lancaster, where to now?"
Hearing the driver's voice, I rubbed the bridge of my nose helplessly. Remembering the gift I'd brought back for Helena, I said, "To the Lockwood Group."
"Yes, sir!"
The driver responded and stepped on the gas, heading toward the Lockwood Group.
We soon arrived at the Lockwood Group. I called Helena and learned she was upstairs. I had security deliver the crown to the Lockwood Group, and after giving instructions, I took the elevator up.
As I stepped out of the elevator and was about to head to Helena's office, I suddenly noticed that employees in the company were glancing at me, intentionally or not.
Normally, I paid no attention to such looks, but today these glances carried an inexplicable excitement that put me on alert.
Just as I reached Helena's office door, I suddenly spotted a familiar figure staring intently at me.
I looked up—it was Ivan. I then remembered he was now an employee of the Lockwood Group.
With this in mind, I walked toward Ivan. As I got closer, many employees around us craned their necks.
Their eyes gleamed with strange excitement. I faintly heard someone whisper, "He's here, he's here! Mr. Lancaster is coming to confront Ivan!"
Of course, I had no idea these people had imagined Ivan and I were romantic rivals.
"Long time no see."
I looked him over and said, "I heard you closed a big deal. Congratulations."
Ivan stared at me coldly, frowning. "I didn't expect such a small matter to catch Mr. Lancaster's attention. Mr. Lancaster is so busy, yet you still keep track of such trivial things."
Hearing the mockery in his words, I wasn't sure if he had a problem with me or with my relationship with Helena.
But either way, since he was part of the Lockwood family and we hadn't had a falling out, I needed to maintain proper courtesy.
"Regardless, it's something worth celebrating."
I patted his shoulder and turned toward Helena's office.
"Mr. Lancaster!"
After just a few steps, Ivan's voice called out from behind me.
I stopped and looked back at him. Ivan's lips moved as if to speak, but then I heard Helena's voice.
"Atlas, what are you doing here?"
Hearing her voice, I turned around to see Helena walking toward me with a delighted expression.
Her tone carried a lightness as she said, "Didn't you say you couldn't make it today? What changed?"
"I missed you, and I had the gift I prepared for you delivered over."
I quickly walked up to her, pulled her into my arms, kissed her forehead, and said affectionately, "Did you miss me?"
"Stop it, it's work hours."
Helena laughed and pushed me away. I immediately heard a collective gasp. When I turned to look, many people were staring at Ivan with excitement and sympathy.
Seeing this, I was confused, but Helena didn't give me a chance to ask questions. She took my hand and led me back to her office.
The moment the office door closed, Helena finally spoke. "Those people outside all think Ivan is pursuing me. Some even say Ivan is my sugar baby."
"How did the rumors get so ridiculous?"
I was shocked.
Helena smiled. "This has already reached Yvonne and Amy's ears. Yesterday when they came, besides talking about Zane, they also brought up Ivan."
Seeing Helena's aggrieved expression when mentioning Yvonne, I immediately felt sorry for her.
Helena hadn't even married into our family yet, and she was already dealing with this kind of treatment. I could imagine that if Henry and Maria found out, they might directly oppose Helena and me continuing our relationship.
After all, Helena was their treasure.
If Yvonne intended to sabotage my relationship with Helena, I wouldn't let her get away with it!
But where were the people delivering the crown? Once they arrived, I could properly comfort Helena.
Just then, someone knocked on the office door. "Is this Ms. Lockwood's office?"
Helena opened the door, and two men in black suits carrying a black bag walked in.
"You're here to deliver something, right?"
Hearing me speak, one of the men said, "Yes."
He took out a small safe from the bag. The box could only be opened with my fingerprint. I took it and opened it in front of them. I glanced inside—yes, it was the crown I'd bid on.
I nodded to them. "Thank you."
"The item has been delivered, Mr. Lancaster. We'll take our leave now."
After the two men left one after another, I carefully took out the crown and presented it to Helena.
"Look, this is a collectible I specially bid on for you. It's a crown from a Lysander queen. I hope you'll wear it on our wedding day."
After speaking, I stared intently at Helena, watching for her reaction.
Helena's eyes lit up as she looked at it. "This is absolutely beautiful."
The golden crown reflected dazzling light in the sun, with sixteen gemstones arranged neatly, sparkling brilliantly.
This crown was expensive not just because of its craftsmanship and decorations, but more importantly because after countless years, it could still shine with such dazzling brilliance.
I gently placed the crown on Helena's head and led her to the mirror. "It looks wonderful."
Helena's face flushed as she removed the crown and turned to me. "It must have been expensive. It's so valuable that I don't dare accept it easily. Otherwise, who knows how the Lancaster family will hold you accountable."
"If you feel bad for me, then accept it quickly. Otherwise, you'd be letting down my heartfelt gesture from so far away."
I tapped her nose and pulled her toward the safe. "Put it away. This is the first gift I'm giving you, and there will be many more to come. You'd better get used to it."
Hearing this, Helena smiled playfully. "How is this the first time? Did you forget about that top horse?"
"Right."
I tapped my forehead and laughed softly. "That horse is practically our token of love. We should go see it together sometime."
"Okay."
Helena nodded emphatically, then looked at the crown in her hands with a more serious expression. "Are you sure you want to give me something this valuable?"