Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

The tools were not like everyday groceries that everyone needed. So, my first thought was that she was also buying them for Zack.

Chris had confidently assured me just a few days ago that he would make Jewel leave the company and never involve her again. Yet, here she was, even planning to attend Zack's birthday.

It was wise of me not to believe his words.

Jewel was examining the set the owner had brought over with a knowledgeable air. She hadn't noticed me, and I had no desire to interact with her, so I pretended not to see her and turned back to my own selection.

"Boss, are you sure this is the best? I need to give it to someone very important, so don't make me look bad," Jewel said to the owner.

"Ms. Massey, 'the best' is subjective. There's always something better, right? But I guarantee this will be presentable and won't make you lose face," the owner explained skillfully.

"True, but I want to make sure it's the best," Jewel emphasized. She clearly cared a lot about the recipient.

"Only I sell the best brushes in Hilcord. So, this set is definitely top-notch," the owner assured her with a smile. "The recipient will know you put a lot of thought into it."

"I'm giving it to

made me shudder. Was she officially

Chris still trying to undermine the

disbelief, I continued browsing. None

about to give up, a set of brushes in a corner of the lower cabinet caught my attention. Without thinking, I said, "Mr.

out the set. As I was about to examine it

giving it to Zack?"

her attention was on me, but I didn't look at her. I continued to scrutinize the set in

set wasn't the newest design, but the material and feel

ten years in the Gildon estate, especially when I first joined and Zack had me accompany him in calligraphy, I had learned a fair bit about brushes. "Yes,"

said, "I've already reserved the best set for Zack, so... you should pick something else. It wouldn't look good if we both gave the

I'm giving the best, and if yours isn't as

Hah!

Was she