Chapter 17 Hypocrisy
Heather tugged Rachel's hand and said earnestly, "C'mon, don't talk like that. You're family now. What's mine is yours and Steven's. Who else would I give it to? If it weren't for some accounting issues, I'd give you even more."
Rachel knew Heather wouldn't back down from making her the legal face of the spa, especially after tricking her into it.
Her heart sank, and she clenched her fists tighter.
She had to find evidence and expose the true nature of the spa herself.
By the time they got back to The Martinez Manor, it was almost five o'clock. Heather went upstairs to change clothes, and a servant came in, saying, "Ms. Wilson, Mr. Gavin Martinez is back. He wants you, Mr. Steven Martinez, and Mrs. Martinez to join him for dinner in the main house."
Heather nodded, "Got it. We'll head over soon."
She deliberately waited over ten minutes before going. The main house's living room was lively, filled with people.
Steven's older brother David Martinez, second brother Peter Martinez, and their wives were there, along with David's twin children, creating a warm and happy scene.
Steven and Rachel greeted everyone as they entered.
Gavin, sitting at the head of the table, waved Heather over. She walked over with a gentle smile, placing her hand in his, letting him hold it.
Maeve, holding her granddaughter nearby, saw this and sneered.
With so many younger folks around, they couldn't wait to cozy up. Shameless!
David and Alice's faces darkened, their cold eyes fixed on Steven.
Steven sat calmly, ignoring the many hostile glances.
"Good news, Peter's wife is pregnant," Gavin announced.
Heather was momentarily stunned but then smiled warmly, "That's wonderful news. You have to be fair, though. When David's twins were born, each got a house."
Gavin laughed heartily, "Of course. Peter, you can choose any house on the east side."
Peter's eyes showed no joy, but he forced a smile, "Thanks, Dad."
Rachel quietly observed the undercurrents, sipping her water.
She couldn't understand why Heather, so gentle and graceful, could be so ruthless.
She glanced at Steven.
Heather and Steven were both great actors.
But that ruthlessness?
Did Steven inherit that from Heather?
Rachel's thoughts were chaotic, a burning sensation lingering in her heart. She looked up, meeting an unexpected gaze.
Maeve was watching her.
Rachel offered a gentle smile.
Maeve, always so superior, casually asked, "Rachel, you and Steven have been married for three or four years now, right? It's time to think about having kids. Look, Peter's been married for only two years, and they're expecting."
Rachel hesitated, but Heather interrupted, "Young couples today value their time together. They have their careers and a strong relationship. They can have kids whenever they want. I'm not in a rush to be a grandmother."
Steven nodded with a warm smile, "Mom's right. We're not ready for a baby yet. It's something that should happen naturally. When the time is right, the baby will come. Thanks for your concern, Mrs. Martinez."
Heather and Steven's coordinated response made Maeve seem intrusive.
She sneered, her eyes filled with contempt, "No need to thank me. I was just asking."
Rachel remained silent, unwilling to join their subtle battle.
The butler stepped forward, breaking the brief silence, "Mr. Martinez, dinner is ready."
Gavin nodded, rising with Heather's hand in his, "Kids should come naturally. We don't have any rules in the Martinez family about having a baby within a year or two of marriage."
"Alright. Since everyone's here, let's eat."
This was a clear jab at Maeve.
Maeve sneered, sarcastically saying, "I just asked Rachel about having kids, and you're so biased. Heather farts, and it's fragrant to you, isn't it?"
Gavin's face darkened, but Maeve didn't stay to see his reaction. She stood up gracefully, touching her temple, speaking leisurely, "I'm not feeling well. I won't join you for dinner. Don't want to be suffocated by your farts."
With that, she walked away.
If it weren't for the entangled interests between the two families, she would have divorced long ago.
Because of the Murphy family, she was trapped in the grave of marriage for most of her life, compromising, only to find that retreating made Gavin more arrogant.
She knew Gavin wouldn't divorce her, partly for the Martinez family's reputation and partly for profit.
Heather called out anxiously, "Maeve," but Maeve coldly warned, "Our relationship isn't that good. Call me Mrs. Martinez. If you dare call me Maeve again, I'll tear your mouth apart."
Heather looked pitiful, "I didn't mean it."
Maeve didn't bother to watch her act, turning and disappearing from the living room.
"Gavin, Mrs. Martinez misunderstood me. I really didn't mean it."
At 51, she was still quite skilled at being fake.
Gavin nodded, patting her hand reassuringly, "I know."
David and the others looked on with disgust and disdain.
Gavin told the butler, "Since Maeve isn't feeling well, have the kitchen save her dinner. Send it to her when she's ready to eat."
This was a gesture of respect, also putting an end to the matter.
He and Heather led the way to the dining room.
Rachel watched Gavin, then glanced at Steven, finding the one common trait between them.
Affectionate.
She smirked to herself. Life in the Martinez family was never dull—there was always a new drama.
With so many people, the dining room had a huge round table. Gavin sat at the head, Heather to his left.
David and his siblings harbored some resentment towards Gavin's favoritism towards Heather but didn't dare show it openly.
They took a deep breath and followed.
Dinner was unusually quiet, only becoming lively when cutting the cake for Heather.
Steven and Rachel left around 8:30 PM.
After showering and skincare, Rachel lay in bed for a short while before Steven, freshly showered in a black silk pajama set, joined her. His collar perfectly hid the marks left from the previous night at Nancy's.
He walked over, turning off the main light, leaving the warm glow of the bedside lamp.
"Babe, ready to sleep?" He leaned in, asking softly.
His eyes held a thin layer of desire in the darkness.
Rachel felt as if a veil covered her vision, making everything blurry and unclear.
Those eyes that once captivated her now filled her with bitterness and turmoil.
"Yeah, I'm tired," she replied wearily.
Steven gently touched her face, "Alright, get some rest. I won't bother you. Goodnight, babe. I love you."
"Okay."
Rachel turned away, letting out a faint sigh.