Chapter 169

When Anastasia got out of the car, she was juggling several bags filled with gifts.

“Honey, you don’t need to bring presents every time you come home,” Grandfather Rhodes said with genuine warmth.

Anastasia figured that might be true, but she really wanted to make a good impression on everyone.

Cassian chimed in, “I told her the same thing, but she said it’s not about obligation—she actually likes you all and wanted to find things you’d enjoy.”

Anastasia nodded. “They’re nothing fancy, but I hope you’ll like them.”

She shot Cassian a grateful look, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Back when she was with Jasper, she’d put so much effort into gifts for Megan, trying to win her over. But Megan and everyone else had been totally cold about it. Even had told her to stop wasting her time since nobody gave a shit anyway. This was kind of a test—if the Rhodes family acted the same way, then she’d know where she stood.

“Ooh, let me see what you brought!” Yuria was about to dive into the bags when Michelle gave her a sharp look. “Yuria, manners.”

Yuria rolled her eyes but stepped back politely. At least the Rhodes family has some class, Anastasia thought. Way better than the Hales.

Anastasia started unpacking—everything was thoughtful and practical, nothing over-the-top, but clearly chosen with care.

Grandfather Rhodes got a vintage fountain pen set. The pen looked like it was custom-made, with this gorgeous black barrel that had a subtle shine to it. The gold nib was perfectly weighted, and the whole thing just screamed quality craftsmanship.

Grandfather Rhodes’s face lit up as he picked up the pen, testing how it felt in his hand. He removed the cap and examined the nib closely. “Beautiful work, absolutely beautiful!”

Grandfather Rhodes had seen it all—if he was impressed, it was the real deal.

“Ana, where’d you find this beauty?” Uncle Thomas asked.

Anastasia kept it real. “Actually, I didn’t buy it. A friend gave it to me, and I thought Grandfather might appreciate it more than I would.”

Anastasia was refreshingly honest—most people would’ve made up some elaborate story about how hard they’d searched for the perfect gift or how much it had cost them. Everyone’s opinion of Anastasia went up a few notches, though some people were definitely forming their own ideas about her.