novelxo Chapter 526
Rachael did not know why she felt so uneasy, but her first reaction upon seeing Hesper was to lower her head.
Hesper raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw Rachael. Based on what others had said, Hesper had thought that Rachael would give her a contemptuous look when she saw her. With that thought in mind, Hesper picked up a glass of champagne from the nearby table and walked straight up to Rachael.
"It's been a long time, Rachael."
Compared to Hesper's frankness, Rachael's reaction was somewhat timid. "Hessy... It's been a long time. I heard you went abroad. I thought you... wouldn't come back for a while." "You heard?" Hesper's lips curved. "It seems like you're well-informed."
The people around them knew that Hesper was the former daughter of the Lanes when they saw the atmosphere between the two of them. Although most of them had only heard of Hesper or had met her briefly, her outstanding achievements in Lane Holdings were evident to all.
Her exceptional perceptiveness and maturity, which far surpassed her peers', made them all somewhat afraid to speak.
No one doubted that the current Hesper still had the power to influence them. According to Rachael, Hesper had been gone for so long, but she still seemed to be doing well. The designer clothes Hesper wore were proof of that.
Hesper felt somewhat strange. Clearly, she was the one who should be feeling uneasy in this situation, as she had occupied three years of Rachael's life. She did not know why Rachael seemed hesitant to face her.
"I have something to do here. I heard that Grandpa is sick, so I'll go back to Emperion soon," Hesper said, deciding not to bring more stress to Rachael. It was getting awkward, as it looked as if she was bullying Rachael, which she did not want to happen.
Upon hearing Hesper bring up Auther's illness again, Rachael could not help but feel a chill run down her spine. She had thought that Hesper was struggling and destitute ever since she left without any help from the Lanes. But now, not only did Hesper look as though she was doing well, but she even knew what Rachael had done.
"Hessy, I can explain about the projects," Rachael said, trying to appease Hesper with a flattering look.
Shaking her head, Hesper replied, "You can work on those projects as you wish. I never wanted them in the first place. They were always meant to be put to use by Lane Holdings."
Rachael's friends next to her quickly pushed her forward. They had all heard about those projects from Rachael. The projects were resources that would make anyone jealous. Her friends could not believe how generous Hesper was, simply handing them to Rachael.
"Thank you so much, sister. It really means a lot," Rachael replied gratefully.
Hesper shrugged. "It's not really that important... Anyway, you guys have fun. I have things to do and can't stay any longer."
After Hesper left, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"I didn't expect you and Hesper to have such a good relationship. When it was revealed that she was an illegitimate daughter, we thought you two would be at odds," said a girl senselessly before being nudged by another person beside her.
Upon closer inspection, the color had drained from Rachael's face, making it almost as cold as ice.
"What does she mean by 'never wanted them'?"
Having just returned, Hesper had flaunted her abilities by giving away the projects that Rachael had spent months wracking her brain to snatch from her. Arthur and Matthew refused to let Rachael touch those projects, yet Hesper gave them away to her so easily.
'What was that for? Was it a charitable act?'
Hesper had not thought much of it. After all, Juniper was the main focus that day. She did not want to waste time and words on Rachael, even though she seemed suspicious.