Chapter 63 Steven and Nancy Reconciled?
Rachel didn't waste any time. "Heather's got a niece named Hestia. She's 22, really pretty, with that sweet, innocent vibe. She came to Dawnlight City two months ago after graduating. She's been in the illegal training program at Radiant Beauty Spa for two months. Asher's the target Heather picked for her. They set up this damsel-in-distress scene last night, so Asher probably remembers her now."
"Tonight, around eight, she's gonna 'accidentally' bump into Asher at Starstruck Club to make an impression. The plan is to get Asher to chase after her while she keeps control."
Rachel spoke calmly, spilling everything she knew in one go. "Heather must be betting that with Asher's fragile state of mind, Hestia is perfectly positioned to lure him into a trap."
Benjamin frowned, catching the key point. "How does Heather know Asher's schedule?"
After Asher was cleared of charges, he shut himself in his house for a month, refusing to see or talk to anyone except Benjamin and his mom.
What happened was a huge blow to him.
He was a carefree playboy for 25 years, living in luxury, then suddenly became a despised murderer.
During that time, the Holden family's reputation was in tatters, their stocks plummeted, and they couldn't show their faces in high society.
It was a disgrace for the family.
Those months in prison were the hardest and most unforgettable of his life.
Benjamin, worried about Asher's growing depression, suggested his mom hire a therapist.
Recently, Asher started leaving his room, stepping outside, and slowly facing the world again. His old friends were supportive, inviting him out.
But in just four days, Heather managed to track Asher's daily routine?
Rachel had thought of that too. She shook her head, explaining, "I don't know. I overheard Heather talking to someone and investigated."
"The Holden family is influential in Dawnlight City, with extensive business interests. Asher's current state makes him vulnerable to manipulative, goal-oriented girls, which could push him over the edge."
Benjamin rubbed his thumb thoughtfully. "Did you find any new leads on Radiant Beauty Spa's illegal operations?"
"I got the staff records for the illegal operations. I only photographed part of it, but it's enough for evidence. It seems Heather picks the targets for the girls in the training program. I don't know how they collaborate or what the terms are for those who succeed, like Dorothy and Maya, who married into wealthy families."
Benjamin pondered for a moment. "Send me the staff records you photographed. This is a good opportunity. I'll warn Asher and devise a plan. We need to make Hestia believe she has a chance to marry into the Holden family so she'll trust Asher and let her guard down."
Rachel nodded. "I'll see if I can get the rest of the plans for the illegal operations."
"How much of Radiant Beauty Spa do you own?"
"23%."
"Find a way to transfer those shares to Steven."
Rachel was taken aback.
As long as she was a shareholder of Radiant Beauty Spa, she couldn't distance herself from its illegal operations.
Every six months, her dividends were deposited into her account, even if she didn't use them.
Rachel had thought about this before. Last time, she used the spa's tax evasion scandal to offload the risky position. Now, if she wanted to divest, Heather would be suspicious of any reason.
So she had stayed put.
She asked calmly, "Does the share transfer need to be publicized?"
Benjamin reminded her, "Usually, a share transfer doesn't need to be announced. You just need to complete the transfer agreement and register the change with the state. But Heather can't know until it's done."
Rachel breathed a small sigh of relief. "Of course."
But what excuse could she use to transfer the shares to Steven?
Steven was sharp and sensitive. He'd likely overthink it as soon as she brought it up.
It would be difficult.
The water in her cup had gone cold. Unable to find a solution, Rachel stood up. "I'll leave Asher to you, Mr. Wright. Contact me if anything comes up. I won't keep you any longer."
Benjamin nodded slightly.
As Rachel walked past him, the faint scent of jasmine wafted in the air, tickling his nose.
She had changed her perfume.
Benjamin's eyes flickered. He suppressed the faint stirrings inside, walked to his desk, and picked up his phone to call Asher.
When Asher answered, Benjamin asked, "Dinner tonight?"
Asher sounded surprised, then laughed. "I'm popular now? Armando just called me to hang out at Starstruck Club tonight. Want to join?"
Starstruck Club?
Just as Rachel had said.
Benjamin's eyes narrowed.
"When did Armando call you?"
"Just now. I hung up with him and then you called."
Benjamin frowned.
Asher was going to Starstruck Club because of Armando's invite. So how did Rachel know in advance?
Asher, not hearing a response, asked, "Benjamin, you coming tonight?"
"What time?"
"Seven-thirty."
"Okay."
"You agreed? See you tonight then."
After hanging up, Benjamin pulled up Rachel's file on his computer, his eyes dark and unreadable.
Around six-thirty in the evening, Steven and Rachel returned home. Quinn had already prepared dinner.
The meal was light, low in oil and salt, with two soups.
They washed their hands and sat down to eat.
Steven peeled a shrimp for her. "Honey, I need to go to Brighton Harbor tomorrow. There's an auction for some old neighborhood land the day after. The location is pretty good, so I want to check it out."
Rachel paused, her heart inexplicably racing.
Since Steven and Nancy broke up, they hadn't contacted each other, except for that time at the hospital.
Now he suddenly said he was going on a business trip.
Was he really going on a trip, or was he using it as an excuse to see Nancy?
The suppressed bitterness deep inside started to surface again.
Rachel looked up at him, smiling slowly. "Okay. How long will you be gone?"
"If things go well, about five days. If not, three."
From his tone, it sounded like a genuine business trip.
But Rachel no longer wanted to believe him.
She couldn't tell which of his words were true and which were lies.
She sipped her soup, forcing down the bitterness in her mouth, and softly replied, "Okay."
After dinner, Rachel went upstairs to the study to handle some work. As soon as she entered, her phone chimed.
[Nancy has been trying to win Steven back these days. She'll send him seductive videos every day, and Steven won't resist. They'll reconcile. His WhatsApp password is SN0619.]