Chapter 67 You Are the Most Important
Parker Manor was located halfway up Sunrise Peak, with the winding mountain road illuminated by the afternoon sunlight filtering through the clouds. Snow on the branches began to melt, the intermittent sound of dripping water creating a melodic symphony.
Rachel always marveled at the scenery whenever she visited. Each season brought its unique charm to the mountain landscape.
She pressed her lips together, her fists clenched on her lap, fingers slightly pale, her expression calm as she watched the car enter the estate.
Melissa heard the commotion at the gate, quickly set down her teacup, and hurried to the villa entrance to look out.
Soon, a black SUV approached from the distance, and as Rachel stepped out, Melissa descended a few steps. "Rachel, what brings you here at this hour? Is everything okay?"
"I'm fine, Aunt Melissa." Rachel smiled warmly, taking her hand. "Why are you waiting out here? It's freezing."
"It's not that cold. You haven't been here for a while. Anna was just asking about you when she came home for break a few days ago."
They chatted as they walked inside.
Melissa had someone prepare a hot cup of coffee for Rachel. At this time of day, only she was home; Michael and Andrew were at the office, and Anna Parker was a sophomore in college.
After some small talk, Rachel got to the point.
"Aunt Melissa, is the commercial building at 164 Dreamland Avenue under your name?"
Melissa paused, thinking carefully. She owned over twenty shops and three residential buildings, which brought in over a million dollars in rent annually. She usually had trusted people manage them and only reviewed the accounts every six months, so she didn't remember the exact locations of each property.
After a while, she nodded. "I think there's a five-story building there. The location is good, right across from Radiance Mall."
"Is that property currently rented out?"
"It was rented out for a beauty salon, a three-year lease that expires this month. They decided not to renew, so it'll be vacant next month." Melissa looked at her, puzzled. "Rachel, why are you asking about this? Are you interested in the property?"
"My mother-in-law's salon wants to open a branch here."
"Did she ask you to inquire about it?" Melissa thought for a moment. "Once the previous tenants move out, she can come and see the place. I'll give her a discount on the rent since we're family. It's no big deal."
"Aunt Melissa, I came today to tell you that the property can't be rented to her."
Melissa was taken aback. "What do you mean?"
Rachel pressed her lips together. If she wanted the Parker family to be cautious of Heather, she couldn't hide this.
She took a deep breath and lowered her voice. "Radiant Beauty Spa is secretly involved in illegal activities. They run a gigolo training program for the wealthy women of Dawnlight City."
Melissa was shocked, quickly dismissing the servants and sitting down in front of Rachel. "How did you find out?"
Rachel made up a story. "Radiant Beauty Spa was shut down recently for tax evasion, but I saw several wealthy women still visiting the salon. I happened to witness it. I'm worried that if they open a branch here, it will involve you and Uncle Michael."
"How dare Heather! Such disgusting, lowly business, and she doesn't find it revolting. I never imagined she was like this!"
Melissa cursed a few times, then took a deep breath to calm down. "Rachel, she's your mother-in-law, but this is serious. You mustn't alert her. Don't be reckless until we understand the situation fully."
Rachel nodded. "I understand, Aunt Melissa."
"Does Steven know about this?"
"I've hinted at it, but he doesn't seem to know."
Melissa relaxed slightly. "It's good he doesn't know; it won't implicate you both. But don't tell Steven. After all, she's his mother. Let's discuss this with Michael tonight."
Rachel bit her lip, her eyes reflecting ambiguous emotions. She couldn't let them know about Steven's affair. It would only add to their worries and might provoke Michael and Andrew to confront Steven.
She nodded lightly.
By the time she got home, it was past seven, the evening rush hour turning a forty-minute drive into an hour and a half.
The snow in the yard had mostly melted, leaving the stone path damp. The chilly wind made Rachel shiver as she pulled her coat tighter.
That night, Steven called her on video as usual. He hadn't secured the land but made up an excuse to stay a few more days.
Rachel sensed something amiss, her heart racing.
A text arrived!
[Steven will return to Dawnlight City at 4:50 PM tomorrow and meet Nancy in room 1408 at Sunbeam Hotel. He bought matching bracelets for Nancy and you.]
Seeing the text, her heart suddenly calmed but felt cold.
So it was true. He had reconciled with Nancy.
Even though he suspected Nancy might harm their unborn child, he forgave her so easily.
"Sweetheart? What's wrong?" Steven saw her eyes redden through the video, his gentle voice tinged with concern. "Don't cry. Do you miss me?"
He knew pregnant women were often emotional.
Rachel didn't shy away, staring at him through the screen. Every time she was hurt or something happened, he seemed genuinely worried and concerned.
But each time, the outcome was only disappointment.
As if gambling, she spoke softly, her voice fragile. "Yes, I miss you. Can't you come back sooner?"
Steven's heart sank. He forgot all about his plans with Nancy and promised Rachel, "Alright, sweetheart, I'll come back tomorrow afternoon, okay? Don't cry."
"Really? You're not lying?"
"Really." Steven smiled helplessly. "My wife is so sensitive; I have to cancel work to be with you. You're always the most important."
His words felt like sharp knives, cutting deep into her.
To him, she was indeed important. But there always seemed to be other choices.
Suppressing her tears, she tried to sound cheerful. "Okay, I'll wait for you. I want your cream of mushroom soup."