Chapter 90 Reporting
Nancy came out of Rachel's office. When she reached the office area, her steps faltered, but none of her colleagues showed any concern.
Even those who usually got along well with her didn't even bother to stand up.
She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.
She couldn't quite describe what she was feeling—disappointment? Sadness? Resentment?
All of it.
But she couldn't put it into words.
These feelings twisted together repeatedly, forming a huge cage that pressed down on her until she could barely breathe.
Friendships maintained by mutual interests are the most fragile.
She took a breath, forced a smile at the corner of her lips, didn't even collect her personal items from her desk, and under all those watching eyes, stepped into the elevator and left Stargaze Gallery.
She first went back to Scenic Bay Estates, but stopped mid-motion while preparing to change clothes.
About the photos—rather than investigating herself, it would be better to have Steven help her look into it.
This way she wouldn't have to worry about him discovering those photos, and she could explain things clearly and prove her innocence.
Whether it was showing her miserable state to gain sympathy or whatever.
Having made up her mind, she decisively called Steven on WhatsApp video.
But as soon as it started ringing, Steven hung up.
Nancy froze, staring blankly at their chat window, her expression darkening as she clicked her tongue in frustration.
These past few days, for some reason, she always felt Steven was hot and cold with her. Now that he'd hung up on her, the sense of disappointment grew even stronger.
Everything that happened today made her extremely irritable and angry.
Not a single thing went right!
She forced herself to resist the urge to throw her phone, gritted her teeth, and made another video call.
The ringtone went on for about half a minute before the video was answered.
But she didn't see that familiar face. Instead, Steven's warm, pleasant voice reached her ears.
"What is it?"
"Honey, it hurts so much."
Nancy didn't bother asking why he hadn't answered the video just now. With a crying voice, she spoke softly and weakly.
Hearing this, Steven on the other end straightened his phone. When he saw the face on the video screen covered with several scratch marks, a flash of surprise quickly crossed his eyes, soon covered by a hint of gloom.
His brows furrowed tightly, his tone carrying some concern, "What happened? Who hit you? Are you at home now?"
"Yes, at home. I was just about to change and go to the hospital."
Nancy didn't mention the photos or the fight.
Because this had to be said in person to Steven, so he could see her innocence and how wronged she was—only then would he believe her.
Sympathy through a screen was superficial. What she wanted was something substantial.
Her eyes reddened as she nodded gently, her eyes misty with faint tears, her soft voice full of pitifulness and worry.
"I'm going to the hospital. Can you come with me? What if—what if the doctor says the scars on my face won't heal? Honey, I'm so scared."
Hearing her sobbing, something inside Steven began to collapse bit by bit. Without hesitation, his tone became even softer than before.
"Don't cry. Change your clothes first, I'll come pick you up."
Nancy heard the change in his tone, and her heart suddenly eased.
The tension in her spine and nerves completely relaxed in that moment.
Steven still felt pity and tenderness for her, so all those ups and downs and disappointments didn't matter anymore.
She'd been suspended now, and honestly had no idea when she could return to Stargaze Gallery. What she could do now was firmly grasp Steven, this lifeline.
Only he could guarantee her quality of life.
As for the person who sent her those photos—
She suppressed the surging malice and viciousness in her heart, nodded obediently, and said with a happy smile, "Really? Then I'll wait for you. Come quickly."
Rachel had quite a good appetite at lunch. Whether it was because she'd driven Nancy out of Stargaze Gallery, or because the meal Quinn brought today was delicious, she wasn't sure.
Just as she was eating happily, her phone on the desk buzzed.
It was a text from that unknown number.
[After Nancy returned to Scenic Bay Estates, she called Steven. Steven has already taken her to the hospital.
Heather sent those composite nude photos of Nancy to Thornfield.]
Her movements froze, the light in her eyes instantly solidifying.
She'd already anticipated that Nancy would call Steven to complain, play innocent, and act pitiful.
After all, Nancy had mastered this trick long ago.
But what surprised her a bit was Heather's two-pronged approach.
Turns out she didn't just send them to Stargaze Gallery—she also sent a copy to Thornfield.
Having known Nancy for so many years, Rachel knew Nancy's family situation inside and out.
Thornfield was located in the south, about 1,800 miles from Dawnlight City.
Nancy's family background was ordinary, but not too bad. She had a younger brother. Her father was a middle school teacher, her mother an elementary school teacher. The family atmosphere was strict and somewhat oppressive.
Nancy had complained to Rachel more than once before, saying she felt like she wasn't her parents' daughter, but a student boarding at their house.
She couldn't feel their love—they only cared about grades.
Looking at it now, Nancy really was an ungrateful creature.
If her parents didn't love her, they wouldn't have bothered with her at all. If not for their strictness, she wouldn't have gotten into the University of Dawnlight.
If they found out that Nancy, whom they'd raised with such difficulty, was a homewrecker who destroyed someone else's marriage, how devastated would her parents be?
And once this news spread at the schools where they taught, could they continue being teachers?
Heather wasn't just trying to destroy Nancy—she wanted to destroy her parents too.
Did she feel sympathy?
Rachel asked herself this.
Perhaps she did feel some sympathy, but it was for Nancy's parents.
In a few more years, they'd reach retirement age, but now they'd have their reputation ruined in their final years because of Nancy.
How tragic.
But she felt more sympathy for herself—for all the genuine feelings she'd given over the years, all gone to waste.
So that trace of melancholy only circled her heart once before disappearing.
Around three in the afternoon, Rachel received a call from Steven saying he needed to go on a business trip to a neighboring city.
Rachel thought he was calling to tell her he'd be working late or had a dinner engagement that evening. She didn't expect it to be a business trip.
She'd already guessed what his so-called business trip was really about.
He was planning to stay by Nancy's side and comfort her properly for a few days.
She remembered how just two days ago, when Steven saw that juice test report, he'd been just like this—gentle and tender, constantly caring for and comforting her. He'd even personally delivered lunch to Stargaze Gallery at noon.
In the evening, he'd personally cooked and made soup for her.
Thoughtful and attentive, caring for her every need.
But that was just two days ago, and now he was going to accompany the culprit who wanted to harm her and their child.
How ironic.
She laughed softly, suddenly feeling that this winter's weather was somewhat unpredictable, and all that biting ice, snow, wind and rain seemed to be pouring into that wound in her heart.
It didn't seem to hurt as much anymore. Mostly, it was just cold.
So cold she couldn't help but shiver.
A thin layer of frost floated in Rachel's eyes. She didn't ask anything, just said "okay" and hung up.
Outside the window, a light drizzle had started at some point. She gazed at the curtain of rain, her thoughts drifting far away. After a long while, she gathered her thoughts back, a mocking smile crossing her eyes.
Nancy had planned so well—shouldn't she let Heather know about it?
Near six in the evening, she stepped through the rain with a light and cheerful rhythm, arriving at The Martinez Manor.
Holding an umbrella through the courtyard, she'd just closed her umbrella under the covered walkway when a graceful figure walked out from the main building's entrance.
It was Alice.
Their eyes met. Rachel showed a gentle, serene smile. "Long time no see, Alice. When did you get back?"
Alice paused. Out of habit, her face first showed an expression of annoyance and disdain, but then, as if remembering something, her expression faltered slightly and softened a bit.
But that innate proud streak couldn't be contained. Lifting her chin, she pursed her lips and said, "Came back for dinner this afternoon."
"Heading back to school now?"
"Yes."
Rachel's smile didn't change. "Have a safe trip then."
Just as she was about to turn away, Alice called out urgently.
She'd never acknowledged Steven as her brother, so she hadn't been very respectful toward Rachel either.
Rachel turned back, seeing her conflicted expression, and understood what she was thinking. She just smiled. "What is it?"
Alice awkwardly scratched her chin, finding it a bit hard to speak, moving her mouth without daring to make eye contact with Rachel.
"That art exhibition."
Rachel watched her awkward, fidgety movements, the amusement in her eyes deepening.
Alice was really cute.
Her voice was like the rain under the eaves—soft and without aggression. "The joint exhibition by Autumn and Leo won't start ticket sales on the platform until next week. The exhibition will run for 14 days, and both of them will be there on opening day. If you're interested, just go that day."
Alice's face immediately lit up with joy and excitement, unable to contain it even if she wanted to.
Rachel covered her lips and laughed softly. From the first time she met her, she knew Maeve had raised her very innocently, without a trace of malice.
Her dislike and aversion were simply because of Heather and Steven.
Rachel had never held it against her. She reminded her, "Have the driver go slowly and be safe."
With that, she didn't linger, turning toward the side building.
When she arrived, Heather happened to be eating dinner. Seeing her was a surprise. "Rachel? What brings you here? Have you eaten?"
"Not yet! I didn't want to eat alone, so I thought I'd come mooch a meal off you."
A servant brought her utensils. Heather smiled. "Well, your timing is perfect. This fish today—your dad had it flown in from abroad. Try it quickly."
Rachel picked up her utensils and tried a couple bites. "It's good. Where's Dad?"
"On a business trip abroad. He'll be back in a couple days."
Heather gestured for someone to serve her a bowl of soup, then caught on to her earlier phrase about "not wanting to eat alone."
"Where's Steven? Is he working late?"
"He's on a business trip too. Left today." Rachel looked up, helplessly saying, "I was afraid I'd overthink things eating alone, so I came to find you."