Chapter 16 Dangerous Money
Rachel took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Mom, don't blame Steven. He's been really good to me. I've just been super busy lately, and I haven't had much of an appetite. Plus, I didn't sleep well last night."
Heather, feeling concerned, held her daughter's hand and led her inside the house while calling out to a servant. "Can you bring Rachel a bowl of the chicken soup I made?"
The servant quickly returned from the kitchen with the soup.
Rachel accepted it with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom."
"Don't mention it. It's just chicken soup. If you like it, you can take the rest home with you tonight to help you feel better."
Rachel took a few sips before handing over the gifts she brought for Heather. She smiled and wished her, "Happy birthday, Mom. This is a little something from Steven and me. May you stay youthful, always smiling, and blessed with happiness and peace."
Heather's eyes sparkled as she looked at the gifts. "You two are so thoughtful."
She turned to the servant. "Put these carnations in a nice vase."
"It's just an ordinary birthday. You really didn't have to put so much thought into it, but thank you."
Rachel laughed. "Mom, it's only right that we show our appreciation for you."
Heather beamed with pride. "Steven is so lucky to have married such a wonderful girl."
Rachel lowered her gaze, saying nothing.
If Steven was lucky to marry her, what about her?
The three of them had lunch in the side building. Suddenly, Rachel suggested, "Mom, I haven't been to Radiant Beauty Spa for ages. I have some free time today. How about we go this afternoon and relax?"
Heather agreed without hesitation. "Sounds great! I had the sixth floor renovated a few months ago and haven't had a chance to show you. Today is perfect. Steven, you can be our driver."
Steven chuckled. "It would be my pleasure."
Radiant Beauty Spa was located in Horizon Plaza downtown. The spa spanned six floors and had undergone a lavish renovation that lasted six months, finally reopening in mid-October last year.
The spa operated on a membership basis.
Halfway there, Rachel heard a text notification from her bag, but she couldn't check it because Heather was talking to her.
When they arrived at the Spa, the manager greeted them warmly.
Rachel nodded slightly and followed Heather to the elevator, heading straight to the sixth floor.
Heather turned to Steven as they exited the elevator. "You should get a massage too. We'll be here for at least an hour."
"Alright, just text me when you're ready to leave."
Rachel nodded, watching him walk away.
In the changing room, she finally checked her text message: [Radiant Beauty Spa has a basement level. Each floor has a hidden elevator leading down. There are 12 private rooms, 2 large conference rooms, 2 large dormitories, and a gold-digger training class with 16 participants. There are 12 male prostitutes involved in illicit activities.]
Her pupils dilated, and her heart nearly stopped.
After more than a year of operation, the system was this well-established.
She had suspected something was off. How could a spa recover its costs in just one year? Was the industry really that profitable?
No wonder.
Shock, disbelief, and the fear of legal responsibility overwhelmed her.
She couldn't imagine the disaster that would unfold if this ever came to light.
She couldn't let it happen. Absolutely not.
Rachel remembered that when she signed the legal responsibility contract, the spa's area only included the six floors. She had no idea about the basement level.
She needed to find those contracts and have Benjamin review them.
The masseuse's technique was excellent. Rachel's tension began to melt away as the massage progressed, easing the burden of her worries.
Rachel and Heather chatted until Rachel fell asleep.
When she woke, it was nearly four o'clock. Heather had just finished her manicure and smiled. "Awake? You fell asleep quickly. Don't overwork yourself."
Rachel smiled, touched her face, and accepted the mirror from the beautician.
Her reflection showed a beautiful face with smooth, radiant skin. She praised the beautician. "Great job."
"Thank you, Mrs. Martinez. You have wonderful skin."
Heather added, "Since Rachel complimented you, your bonus will be doubled this month."
"Thank you, Ms. Wilson. Thank you, Mrs. Martinez." The beautician bowed gratefully to both of them.
Rachel admired Heather's purple manicure. "These nails look amazing, Mom. They make your hands look even more beautiful."
Heather gently tapped Rachel's forehead. "I wanted to get your nails done too, but you fell asleep, and I was worried you wouldn't like my choice."
"Mom, I'd love anything you pick for me."
Heather's eyes twinkled. "You always know how to sweet-talk me. If we had more time, I'd pick a set for you right now."
Rachel glanced at her phone, picked up a piece of cake, and said, "It's past four. Shouldn't we head back? I'll text Steven."
"Yes, your dad is coming home for dinner. We should get back early."
As they prepared to leave, they encountered a wealthy-looking woman in a gray fur coat in the lobby. She appeared to be in her forties, with a plump figure and an air of affluence.
Heather greeted her warmly, and after some small talk, the woman's eyes fell on Rachel. "And who is this?"
"My daughter-in-law."
"Heather, you're so fortunate. Not only is your son handsome, but your daughter-in-law is beautiful too."
"Oh, you're too kind."
Heather exchanged a few more pleasantries before lightly tapping the woman's arm. "Qiana, I saved the items you requested. Go ahead and enjoy them. Next time, let's play bridge together. I heard from Kenna that you're quite the card shark."
"Sounds good. I'll look forward to it. You take care; I'll head in now."
Listening to their conversation, Rachel felt a strange unease.
Items? Enjoy?
Could they be referring to the male prostitutes in the basement?
"Rachel, next month is your semi-annual profit distribution." Heather leaned in, teasingly. "Do you know how much you'll get?"
Rachel was stunned, gripping her bag tightly and digging her nails into her palm to regain composure.
She showed just the right amount of curiosity and excitement. "How much?"
Heather held up three fingers.
Rachel's mind went blank, her heart racing uncontrollably. "That much?"
She couldn't believe it. The spa had only been open for a year. If it continued for several more years, the profits would be astronomical.
These earnings were all illegal.
Rachel felt a wave of panic and fear.
She licked her lips and tried to deflect the issue back to Heather. "Mom, you only took $3 million from me initially. That money has already been recouped. Plus, running the spa is tough. I haven't done anything to deserve such high profits. I can't accept undeserved profits, and let's cancel the legal responsibility contract."