Chapter 69 The Gift Chosen by Nancy
Rachel's eyes were clouded with confusion and a touch of skepticism.
Steven tried to push down the nervousness bubbling inside.
With a calm demeanor, he walked over, his eyes twinkling, and said softly, "Hestia's been in Dawnlight City for a few days now. You gave her that watch the other day. As her cousin, I couldn't be left out. I found this bracelet and thought it was nice, so I got one for you and Hestia. Do you like it?"
He always had a lie ready at his fingertips.
The gift was clearly meant for Nancy, but he always found a way to lie so smoothly.
Alice, his sister, never really got along with him and even held some resentment.
Hestia was his only cousin, and he sent her a gift every year for her birthday.
So, buying her a gift now seemed perfectly reasonable.
Rachel felt a whirlwind of emotions.
And a subtle ache.
She spoke softly, "I like it. Hestia will definitely like it too. She's working at Stargaze Gallery now, right? I'll take it to her tomorrow morning and make sure she knows it's from you."
Steven nodded, "That works. Then I won't have to make a special trip."
"Alright."
Rachel took out the bracelet, admiring it. Seeing this, Steven's smile grew wider, "You really like it, huh?"
"Of course, it's beautiful." Rachel raised her eyebrows, "I'll wear it tomorrow."
"Okay. Go freshen up. I'll handle the suitcase."
Rachel nodded and left the walk-in closet for the bathroom. When she came out after freshening up, Steven had already warmed a cup of milk for her.
The bruises on her legs were healing, and every night she applied the scar ointment Benjamin had given her.
Steven recognized the small bottle in her hand immediately.
It was a niche cosmetic product from abroad, renowned for its excellent scar-removal effects. Although it was a small jar, it was very expensive and limited in quantity.
And it was impossible to buy it domestically, as the company didn't accept orders.
"Here, let me help you. Don't press on your stomach." Steven sat on the edge of the bed, took the scar ointment from her hand, and applied a little to her knee, asking casually, "Who gave you this?"
Rachel paused at his question.
She had looked up the scar ointment out of curiosity before and knew how valuable it was.
But she had gotten these injuries saving Benjamin, so accepting it as a thank-you gift from him felt justified.
So, there was no need to hide it.
She said directly, "Mr. Wright gave it to me."
Steven's hand stopped, and he looked up in surprise, "He gave it to you?"
"Yes."
Rachel didn't elaborate further.
Steven pressed his lips together, frowning slightly, a trace of displeasure flashing in his eyes. He wanted to say something but swallowed the words back.
After all, this was beneficial for Rachel, and he couldn't deny her its use.
The next day, Dawnlight City was still gloomy. After breakfast, Rachel made sure to wear the diamond bracelet Steven had given her.
When she arrived at Stargaze Gallery, she bumped into Nancy coming to work.
Nancy's eyes were a bit puffy. Not only had she not seen Steven yesterday, but she hadn't even received a message from him.
She was so upset that she had insomnia and only fell asleep in the middle of the night.
Seeing Rachel, Nancy could barely contain her anger but forced a smile. "Morning, Rachel."
"Morning, Nancy." Rachel smiled gently, her expression soft as she raised her bracelet-adorned hand to press the elevator button. "Didn't sleep well last night? Your eyes are so puffy."
Nancy's gaze zeroed in on the bracelet.
She knew Steven would buy one for Rachel, so she wasn't surprised. She pursed her lips, her eyes showing disdain and even a hint of mockery.
Though she was embarrassed, her tone was full of pride. "It's because of my boyfriend. He came back from a business trip and kept me up all night."
She said this while observing Rachel's reaction.
Rachel naturally picked up on the hint, her expression remaining calm. She clicked her tongue. "Showing off your love to me?"
"No, just complaining."
Rachel chuckled lightly and asked, "Where did your boyfriend go on his business trip?"
"Brighton Harbor."
Rachel looked at her meaningfully. "What a coincidence. Steven was also on a business trip to Brighton Harbor a few days ago and came back just yesterday afternoon."
Nancy raised her eyebrows calmly. "Really? That is a coincidence."
Just then, a familiar gentle voice came over. "Rachel, Nancy, what are you two talking about? You seem to be having a good time."
The two women turned around to see Hestia approaching.
"Morning, Hestia." Nancy changed the subject. "That hair clip looks nice today."
"Nancy, do you like it? I'll bring you one in a few days."
"Sure."
Hestia had been at Stargaze Gallery for several days now and was assigned to the A group for curating. Knowing Nancy and Rachel's relationship, she had grown closer to Nancy.
Nancy, aware of Hestia's background, naturally tried to win her over, taking her along for bathroom breaks and meals.
Thanks to Nancy, Hestia had integrated well into Stargaze Gallery and quickly got the hang of her job.
Rachel watched from the side and smiled. She took a small jewelry box from her bag and handed it to Hestia. "Steven brought this back from his trip and asked me to give it to you."
Hestia, surprised, quickly took the box. Seeing the bracelet inside, she noticed it matched Rachel's.
She was both surprised and delighted. "Steven is too kind. It's enough that he got one for you. Why did he get one for me too?"
"What are you talking about? You're his cousin. It's only natural for him to think of you."
Hestia laughed. "Rachel, thank him for me when you get home."
"Sure."
Hestia, excited, took out the bracelet, ready to wear it and take a photo with Rachel to post online.
Meanwhile, Nancy's face grew increasingly sour.
From the moment Hestia opened the box, Nancy's face had turned pale. Upon hearing Rachel's words, her expression darkened further.
The bracelet Hestia held was originally meant for her.
She had personally picked it out.
How did it end up with Hestia?
She recalled a previous shopping trip with Steven, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
Rachel stepped into the elevator, glancing at the frozen Nancy. A faint smile played on her lips, her eyes gleaming with a hint of satisfaction. "Nancy, what are you spacing out for? Come on."
Nancy clenched her fists, biting her back teeth hard, quickly suppressing the hatred in her eyes, and stiffly replied, "Okay, I'm coming."