Chapter 76 Generosity
Rachel lifted her gaze and, from about thirty feet away, she could see Heather instinctively furrow her brows, though her pale face still looked gentle and kind.
Putting her phone away, Rachel flashed a small smile. "I was gonna text Steven to see if he's coming over for dinner tonight, but I realized I left my phone upstairs, so I went back to your room to grab my bag."
Heather's eyes lingered on Rachel's bag for a moment before she nodded with a smile. "Is Steven coming for dinner?"
"He hasn't replied yet. I figured he might be driving, so I didn't call him."
As Rachel spoke, she descended the stairs and nodded at Gavin. "Hey, Dad."
Gavin nodded back, though his expression remained somewhat displeased.
It seemed he had had some unpleasant encounter with Maeve over at the main house.
Seeing Heather's smiling eyes and cheerful demeanor, Rachel could guess what had happened.
Rachel lowered her eyes, not asking further, and sent Steven a message while making small talk with Heather.
About ten minutes later, it was completely dark outside, and the power came back on.
Once the meal was ready, Heather asked Rachel, "Is Steven coming for dinner?"
Rachel was about to reply, but before she could, Steven walked through the front door. "Hey, Dad. Hey, Mom."
"You got here just in time. I was just asking Rachel if you had replied. Come on, let's eat."
After checking on Heather's health, Steven instinctively looked at Rachel, a gentle smile spreading across his face. He walked over to her and placed an insulated bag on the table.
"I went to the north side of town this afternoon for a meeting, and since it was close to Dawnlight University, I picked up some of your favorite snacks. I know you haven't had much of an appetite lately."
As he spoke, he pulled out a few items from the bag.
Hot dogs, pizza, ribs, cookies, and fries.
They were all still warm.
Rachel was momentarily stunned, her eyes showing a hint of surprise.
A wave of mixed feelings washed over her—warm at first, but quickly cooling. She couldn't help but recall the last time he brought her these snacks; it was when he had also brought some for Nancy.
A surge of rejection and disgust rose within her.
Under Heather and Gavin's watchful eyes, she dared not show her true feelings. Instead, she pushed the food towards them with an awkward smile.
"Dad, Mom, you should try some too."
Heather smiled warmly, chiding gently, "Steven bought these specifically to help with your appetite. Don't worry about us. Besides, these are the kinds of things you young people enjoy. We're too old for them."
She turned to Gavin, adding, "Rachel's been experiencing discomfort in early pregnancy, making it hard for her to eat."
"Pregnant?" Gavin was surprised, then smiled. "That's wonderful news! When did this happen, and why keep it a secret from me?"
Heather explained, "I only found out a few days ago myself."
Gavin nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, the 4,000-square-foot house in the western suburbs and the two shops on Youthful Lane will go to the baby."
Rachel's eyes darkened.
When Peter's wife announced her pregnancy, Gavin had only given them a house. Now, he was giving their baby two shops as well.
The difference in importance was clear.
Heather's smile grew even wider, but she didn't bring up any superstitions. "Why rush? We can wait until the baby is born. After all, they're all Martinez grandchildren; it won't change. Rachel deserves recognition too."
"True enough. We'll do it your way," Gavin agreed, looking at Rachel. "When the time comes, regardless of the baby's gender, I'll transfer eight percent of Martinez Group's headquarters shares to the baby."
Rachel was stunned.
The Martinez Group headquarters dealt in international finance, and apart from the forty percent held by major shareholders, the remaining shares were in the hands of Gavin, Maeve, David, and Peter.
Heather and Steven had none.
Even David's children didn't get this treatment—houses, shops, and now shares.
No wonder Maeve always claimed Gavin favored Steven.
Heather and Steven were equally surprised and delighted.
Heather said, "Steven, did you hear that? Your dad values the baby so much. You need to take good care of Rachel."
Steven nodded with a smile. "I know. Thanks, Dad."
Rachel unconsciously pressed her fingers lightly against her abdomen. If it weren't for Steven's infidelity and the Radiant Beauty Spa's illegal dealings, she might have been happy.
But now, she felt a mix of melancholy and anxiety.
Especially with the fake ledger she had photographed today.
The evidence of the Radiant Beauty Spa's illegal activities needed to be secured.
Otherwise, it would be impossible to fake it in the late stages of pregnancy.
With many thoughts swirling in her mind, she maintained a calm expression and thanked everyone.
Dinner was a warm, joyous affair. Heather seemed in much better spirits and talked with Rachel for a long time afterward, giving her plenty of advice and urging her to stay happy.
She was equally insistent with Steven.
By 8:30, Rachel and Steven said their goodbyes.
Since their argument, they had been sleeping in separate rooms, but Heather's "illness" had somewhat eased the tension between them.
Steven tried to make conversation on the way home, and Rachel responded occasionally.
Halfway home, Steven's phone, which was in the center console, rang with a melodious piano tune.
It was "La La Land."
Rachel glanced at the screen. There was no name, just a number. She had only seen the first few digits when Steven quickly declined the call.
She looked up at him. "Why didn't you answer?"
"It's not convenient while driving."
Before he could finish, the phone rang again with the same number.
They were at a red light, so Steven picked up the phone, lowering the volume significantly.
Nancy's voice came through, tinged with joy and a hint of grievance. "You finally answered. Why haven't you been responding? Did I do something wrong?"
Steven frowned, his voice indifferent. "I'm driving. I'll check my emails and get back to you."
Nancy paused, taken aback.
Emails?
Rachel must be with him.
Her heart filled with bitterness and defiance. "You have to call me back. I'll be waiting."
Steven replied, "Got it," and hung up.
He turned to Rachel to explain. "It was someone from the company's secretarial office."
Rachel hadn't heard the voice on the other end, but she had a good guess.
It could only be Nancy.
Back home, Steven told her to go ahead and get ready for bed. "I'll finish up in the study and then bring you some warm milk."
"Okay."
They parted ways at the staircase. Rachel entered the master bedroom, and her phone buzzed with a text message.
[Steven is calling Nancy from the study. He hasn't been in touch with her these days. She's going to use the excuse of missing her period this month to lure Steven to Scenic Bay Estates.]