Chapter 153

These fancy hand-lettering supplies weren't something you picked up on a whim. My first thought? She was probably getting them for Matthew, too.

Not even a week ago, Jace swore he was done with Tanya, saying she was leaving the company and they wouldn't be involved anymore. But now? Here she was, likely preparing for Matthew's birthday, still very much in the picture.

Good thing I never believed his claims.

Tanya was examining the set Mr. Parker had given her, and I wasn't about to reveal myself. I observed her, acting as if she knew what she was doing. She didn't notice me as I turned back around and continued browsing.

“Mr. Parker, are you sure this is the best? I’m gifting it to someone very important, and I can’t afford to embarrass myself,” Tanya asked.

“‘Best’ is subjective, isn't it? There's always something better. But I can promise you, this set will impress and maintain your reputation,” Mr. Parker reassured her smoothly.

“True,” Tanya muttered, “but this gift needs to really stand out. It has to be the best.”

From her tone, it was obvious this gift was for someone significant.

“In all of Seavora, you won’t find a better selection of hand-lettering supplies than in my shop. No one will surpass this,” Mr. Parker said with a confident smile. “When they open this, they’ll know you put considerable thought into it.”

“Good,” Tanya paused before adding, “it’s for my future father-in-law.”

I nearly froze. Had she officially started dating Jace? If so, why was Jace still pressuring my new employer? What game was he playing? It felt like he wanted everything.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, and focused on choosing a gift. But none of the sets felt right anymore.

Just as I was about to give up, a set in the corner caught my eye. Without thinking, I said, “Mr. Parker, can I see this one?”

“Go ahead, take whatever appeals to you,” Mr. Parker said, unconcerned about my browsing.

I couldn't wait to examine it. I opened the cabinet and gently removed the set. As I ran my fingers over it, appreciating the craftsmanship, I felt someone beside me.

“You’re getting something for Jace’s dad, too?” Tanya asked.

My earlier comment had immediately caught her attention. I ignored her, focusing on the items in my hands.

The set wasn't the newest or flashiest, but the craftsmanship was exceptional. After spending ten years at the Johnston place, I knew Matthew's preferences. When I first moved in, he'd invite me to join him while he practiced, helping me adjust during those difficult early months. Over time, I'd learned about these supplies, assisting him whenever I could.

“Yeah,” I replied, keeping my voice flat.

But then Tanya added, “I’ve already picked out the best set for him. So… you might want to reconsider. We wouldn’t want to arrive with the same gift, right? And…”

She paused before continuing, “Besides, I’m giving him the best, and if yours doesn’t compare, it might seem like you didn’t put enough effort into it.”

I almost laughed. Was she actually trying to help me?

The set in my hands wasn’t extravagant, but it possessed a quiet elegance. It suited Matthew’s style perfectly—nothing bold, just classic and dignified. Hand-lettering supplies didn't need to scream for attention to demonstrate their value.

Tanya’s smug tone only solidified my decision. “Mr. Parker, I’ll take this one. Please wrap it up.”

I finally turned to face her, seeing her displeased expression. She was clearly unhappy.

“Ms. Twain, you give your gift, and I’ll give mine. No need to worry about whether mine compares,” I said with a smile.

Then, with added sweetness, I added, “Besides, if mine doesn’t stand out, it’ll only make you, as the future daughter-in-law, look even more thoughtful. Right?”

Tanya’s face flushed bright red, and it hit me—everything she’d said to Mr. Parker was simply to inflate her own ego.