Chapter 70 Advancing by Retreating
At lunchtime, Nancy decided to call Steven about the bracelet.
Steven sighed, trying to calm her down. "It's my bad. I didn't put it away, and Rachel saw it. Just pick out another bracelet on your phone, and I'll send you the money."
Nancy pouted, "Come on, Steven. Hestia's your cousin, and it's just a bracelet. If she likes it, it means I have good taste. I don't need that bracelet. It's not like I'm gonna make a big deal out of something so small. All I want is for you to care. As long as you care about me, I'm happy."
"I don't need any compensation. I'm with you because I like you, not your money. Just treat me right, and that's enough."
Steven chuckled softly, "You're so understanding. I'll definitely treat you even better from now on."
Nancy playfully warned, "I'll hold you to that. No lying to me."
"Of course."
Nancy smiled, "Are you free tonight? How about we go out for a nice dinner?"
Steven thought for a moment, "Just dinner?"
"You just got back yesterday, so you can't come to our place, right?"
She always called Room 1408 at the Sunbeam Hotel "our place." It made things feel more real between them.
It also made Steven feel guilty, thinking he was neglecting her.
Because of this, he had considered renting out Room 1408 permanently.
Steven smiled, "Alright, you pick the restaurant. I get off work at six-thirty."
As they finalized their plans, Rachel received a text from an unknown number in her office.
[Nancy is playing it cool. She's meeting Steven for dinner tonight at Sea Symphony Seafood Restaurant at seven.]
Rachel paused. Steven had gone straight home last night instead of the Sunbeam Hotel, and Nancy must have been quite upset, especially after the bracelet incident this morning.
She must be really angry.
Rachel had expected Nancy to throw a fit with Steven, but she didn't expect her to stay so calm.
Playing it cool.
It was a good strategy.
After all, Steven fell for it every time.
Nancy clearly knew how to keep Steven wrapped around her finger, understanding what made him soft.
Rachel felt a strange mix of pain and itchiness in her heart.
It wasn't a pleasant feeling.
She bit her lip and thought for a moment before calling Steven, softening her voice, "Are you busy tonight? Do you need to work late?"
Steven hesitated, then asked gently, "What's up, honey?"
"I saw a new movie came out yesterday, 'Far Distance.' If you have time, can we see it together? We missed our anniversary movie, and it feels like ages since we went out."
Hearing her mention their anniversary, Steven felt a pang of guilt.
He had indeed let her down.
He had always spent their anniversaries with her, but this year he hadn't, even missing the movie they planned.
But then he remembered his promise to Nancy just minutes ago. He frowned, weighing his options.
Rachel waited for a while, but he didn't respond.
She sighed softly, "If you don't have time, we can go on the weekend or another day."
"I do have time." Steven hesitated a few more seconds before smiling, "Book the tickets. I have a meeting this afternoon, but I should be done by six-thirty."
Rachel felt a bit relieved when he agreed.
"Alright, I'll book the tickets."
"Okay."
After hanging up, Rachel booked two movie tickets when an unexpected call came in.
It was Benjamin.
She had known Benjamin for over a month, but he had never called her before. They rarely chatted on WhatsApp, except when she sent him evidence.
She answered, and Benjamin's deep voice came through, "Are you free tomorrow night?"
"Why?"
Rachel was puzzled.
Benjamin was brief, "Asher wants to treat you to dinner. For the evidence, for Hestia."
Rachel quickly responded, "I had my own motives for those things. There's no need for him to thank me. I appreciate the gesture, but dinner isn't necessary."
"I appreciate that, but this is a separate matter. You deserve this dinner."
Before she could respond, someone seemed to take Benjamin's phone. A new voice came through.
"Rachel, Benjamin is right. My mom wanted to personally thank you with gifts, but Benjamin told me to keep this confidential, so I stopped her."
Rachel was startled by the sudden voice.
She hadn't met Asher, but it was clear this was him.
She felt a bit nervous hearing about his mom wanting to bring gifts.
If Steven or Heather found out, her discovery of Steven's affair and the Radiant Beauty Spa's underground operations would be exposed.
Thankfully, it was stopped.
Asher, not hearing her response, sincerely invited, "Rachel, you must come to this dinner."
Rachel paused for a moment.
She would likely have more dealings with Asher because of Hestia, so it was good to meet him.
"Alright. Which restaurant?"
As she agreed, someone stopped outside her office.
The door was slightly ajar, and Nancy heard Rachel's voice.
"Gardenia Restaurant, as you suggested."
"Okay."
"What time tomorrow, Mr. Wright?"
"Seven? Alright, see you tomorrow night."
Nancy's eyes flashed with anger.
So Rachel was planning to have dinner with Benjamin tomorrow?
Didn't she say she wasn't close to him?
Just then, the office door opened.
Rachel saw Nancy and frowned, "What are you doing here?"
Nancy smiled naturally, "Came from the back street. Why are you still in the office? Didn't you have lunch? I should've brought you something."
"Just about to go."
Rachel smiled and walked out, closing the door behind her.
Nancy watched her leave, eyes flashing with malice. She turned and called Steven again.