Chapter 211 The Gift She Prepared
"What did she tell you? What did you find out?"
Daniel and Emily walked back, their hands naturally intertwined.
Even though it was just an act.
Emily, surprisingly, seemed more at ease, as if she'd gotten used to the charade.
Once they returned, Daniel still felt uneasy and gave Emily a once-over before asking.
Emily repeated everything Raina had told her.
"There was some powder under her nails. It turned a strange pink when exposed to air. If I hadn't compared it to her other nails, I might not have noticed. This powder isn't poisonous, but it's rarely used, even in medicine. As far as I know, Raina doesn't have any medical experience, right?"
Someone without medical experience shouldn't have access to such powder.
Unless she's hiding her knowledge of medicine, or someone she knows is familiar with it.
Daniel's expression grew more serious.
"Since we're not sure yet, she offered to help prepare a gift for you to please me. I'll wait and see what the gift is and if there's any issue with it."
Emily's eyes flashed coldly.
"Alright, I'll cooperate with you."
Daniel nodded.
Afterward, Daniel went back to his room, giving Raina another chance to approach Emily.
Emily wasn't surprised when Raina showed up.
However, she did notice one thing.
Could Raina have installed hidden cameras in the house, or perhaps some of the servants were her spies? How else could she always show up at the perfect time?
"Good thing Daniel isn't here; otherwise, we would've bumped into him!"
Raina looked around the room as she entered, seemingly ensuring Daniel wasn't around before patting her chest in relief.
Emily smiled, "This is my room. Why would you think Daniel would be here?"
"Well, you know, couples... Don't think I don't understand!"
Raina winked at Emily with a suggestive look, her face blushing naturally.
If someone could act this well, including the blushing, Emily would indeed be impressed.
"Don't say that. We're just friends..." Emily lowered her head, pretending to be shy, then added, "Let's not talk about that. I'm curious, what gift did you prepare that would make Daniel happy?"
Emily looked genuinely curious.
Raina mysteriously pulled out a box. "Open it and see!"
Under Raina's watchful eyes, Emily opened the box.
It was a sandalwood bracelet.
Emily was puzzled. "Will Daniel like this?"
Raina explained, "Don't underestimate this bracelet. Look at the carvings and the faint sandalwood scent. You might not know, but Daniel's mother passed away early due to complications from his birth.
Before she passed, she loved playing with bracelets like this, with similar carvings. There was a time when Daniel had frequent headaches, and these bracelets helped calm him. But one day, the bracelet broke, and Daniel became even more distant and cold."
Raina believed she didn't need to say more. Emily could understand the implication.
This bracelet was a source of comfort for Daniel.
Emily nodded, looking grateful. "Thank you. This means a lot. But isn't this story well-known? Wouldn't many people try to use this to get close to Daniel?"
Dialogue Optimization
Raina admired Emily's thoughtfulness. "You're right, but this bracelet is rare. The sandalwood is hard to find, and the carvings were done by a master who rarely takes commissions. I got it because I helped the master with something."
Emily looked touched. "You could've used this to gain favor yourself, but you gave it to me. If I win Daniel's heart, I'll remember your kindness."
She felt her acting skills were improving. Her sincerity was so convincing that it was hard to believe she was pretending.
Raina assured Emily not to feel burdened. She genuinely wanted to help Emily, which was why she gave her the bracelet.
They chatted for a while longer, with Raina sharing more about Daniel's past and preferences. Emily listened attentively, like a curious child.
When Raina noticed the time, she bid farewell and discreetly left. Emily suspected Raina might still be secretly monitoring her.
So, after a while, Emily "carefully prepared" herself and went to Daniel's room with the box.
Emily handed the box to Daniel but cautioned, "This bracelet has been soaked in some herbs. They're not poisonous and can be beneficial, but only if they don't come into contact with another specific herb. So it's better to keep it in the box and not take it out."
Even if the bracelet held the significance Raina claimed, Emily doubted Daniel would remain unaffected.
"Don't worry. It might have helped me in the past, but I've moved beyond that."
Despite the cold aura he exuded, Daniel was still somewhat affected. But he tried to control his emotions in front of Emily.
Emily thought for a moment. "Yes, it's just an object, holding false sentiment. It's best not to keep it. If I get the chance, I'll find you a new one."
"Alright."
Daniel's deep eyes reflected Emily's delicate face, emotions swirling within him.
"Of course, this could be a test from Raina, so we need to keep acting as if we know nothing."
Emily added.
Daniel agreed, and they reached a consensus.
When Emily left Daniel's room, she looked shy and flustered. Raina saw this and smiled, satisfied. It seemed the gift was a success. Daniel must have shown his appreciation, explaining Emily's reaction.
To be sure, Raina sent Emily a message.
Raina: [How did it go? Did you give the gift to Daniel? How did he react? Was he happy and moved? Did he confess his feelings to you?]
Emily saw Raina's eager message. She deliberately waited a bit before replying.
Emily: [You were right. The gift meant a lot. Daniel liked it and was very touched. Thank you. When I marry Daniel, I'll make sure to reward you.]
She felt like someone who had received candy and was already dreaming of owning a candy house.
Raina's face twisted into a mocking smile.
"Fool, sold out and still counting the money! Daniel might be cautious, but everyone has a weakness. Once they do, they're no longer invincible."
Raina felt triumphant.
She was about to call someone to share her success when her teacher called. Her project had an issue, and she needed to address it urgently.
Despite her doubts, Raina rushed to the lab, knowing her project was crucial to her achievements.