Chapter 47 Employee Roster of the Illegal Industry
Rachel stepped out of the bathroom and saw Steven sprawled on the couch, fully engrossed in whatever was on his laptop.
She wandered over and peeked at the screen, noticing he was deep into researching pregnancy.
As she got closer, she saw a string of tabs all about pregnancy.
"All done with your shower?" he asked, looking up.
"Yeah," Rachel nodded. "What are you looking at?"
"It's my first time being a dad, and there's so much I don't know. Just doing some research."
Steven closed his laptop and stood up, heading to grab the hairdryer. "Sit down, I'll dry your hair for you."
Rachel didn't argue. She sat at the vanity, watching him in the mirror as he gently lifted her hair. The warm air from the dryer brushed her scalp, making her relax.
Once her hair was dry, he applied some hair oil to the ends and combed through it.
He had done this countless times over the past six years and knew the routine by heart.
"When's your next prenatal check-up?" he asked.
"On the 8th of next month."
"Alright, I'll go with you."
"Okay."
"I wonder if it's a boy or a girl."
Rachel followed his lead, "Which would you prefer, a boy or a girl?"
"I'll be happy with either," Steven smiled. "If it's a girl, she'll be beautiful like you, and I'll spoil her like a little princess. If it's a boy, I'll teach him to read, write, and be a good kid. He'll have a smooth life without any worries."
His voice was gentle, filled with hope and dreams for the future.
Rachel had envisioned these moments too, once upon a time.
But ever since the day he betrayed her, those dreams were shattered.
"It's still early to think about that. There's a long time before the baby grows up."
"True," Steven agreed. "Your hair's all dry now. I'm going to take a shower. If you're tired, go ahead and sleep. Don't wait up for me."
"Okay."
Rachel walked to the bed and saw her phone light up. She intended to check the time but noticed a message that had come in half an hour ago from an unknown number.
She frowned slightly and tapped on it, reading the lengthy text.
[The employee roster for Radiant Beauty Spa's illegal operations is in the second drawer of Heather's office. It's locked, and the key is inside the white ornament on the desk. Despite being ordered to close, the illegal business is still running, and two new clients have been introduced by old customers.]
An employee roster?
Ordered to close for twenty days, yet still operating?
It made sense. The illegal business was too profitable to shut down, and the clients would definitely be upset.
Her frown deepened as she pondered.
Radiant Beauty Spa should be reopening soon.
The next morning, after getting ready, she put on casual clothes and flat shoes before heading downstairs.
Steven had already prepared breakfast. Seeing her, he smiled, "You're up. I was just about to call you. I made your favorite oatmeal."
Rachel sat down and took a sip of the oatmeal, nodding in satisfaction. "Isn't Radiant Beauty Spa supposed to reopen soon? I haven't called Mom to check."
"Today, actually."
"Today? That's sudden."
Steven chuckled, "We originally planned to reopen on the 12th, but Gemstone Beauty Parlor started their anniversary event a couple of days ago, and Mom couldn't sit still."
He paused, then asked, "You probably don't know, but the owner of Gemstone Beauty Parlor is Benjamin's aunt."
Rachel replied calmly, "I know."
"You do?"
"Yeah, Mom mentioned it last time."
Steven recalled the driver telling him about the fender bender involving Benjamin just ten minutes ago.
He nodded, his voice gentle, "The Wright family is the first century-old family in Dawnlight City. Their status is unmatched by many other wealthy families here. I advised Mom not to keep clashing with Gemstone Beauty Parlor. This tax investigation and closure were likely a warning from the Wright family."