Chapter 170

Uncle Thomas was thinking that Anastasia must be kicking herself right now – she obviously didn’t know what she had and had casually given "treasure" at the wrong moment.

It wasn’t that giving Grandfather the pen was wrong, but her timing was terrible.

But Anastasia wasn’t overthinking it like that – she just thought it was a nice pen and decided to share it.

The rest of the gifts Anastasia brought were all hits – everyone got something they genuinely loved.

Yuria looked at Anastasia with grudging respect. “How did you know I’m obsessed with Coldplay? And this is their original limited edition vinyl!”

Anastasia had given Yuria Coldplay’s debut album from over a decade ago – you literally couldn’t find this anywhere anymore!

The original pressing was going for like a hundred grand online, and that was if you could even find one.

But what made this copy absolutely insane was that it was signed by all four band members, with Chris Martin’s signature right in the center!

Yuria clutched it protectively like someone might try to snatch it away.

Anastasia explained, “Sorry, when I walked past your room during the holidays, I heard you playing their music. I’m a huge fan too, so I’ve collected a bunch of their stuff over the years.”

Yuria was shocked – she had a fellow stan!

Coldplay was getting pretty old now. Even though they were all barely twenty when they started, Chris Martin was pushing fifty these days! For someone her age, they were basically ancient history.

Most people her age had never even heard of them.

So Yuria figured Anastasia was probably just bullshitting to suck up to them.

Nice try with the fake enthusiasm, she thought. But I’m not falling for it.

Still, she wasn’t about to let this slide. Just wait – the real show was about to start.

Grandfather Rhodes was in great spirits and called everyone to dinner. They all took their usual seats.

The Rhodes family kept dinner conversation to a minimum – old-school formal dining style.

Anastasia was extra careful with her manners, but having Cassian beside her made her feel secure. She actually liked the feeling of a big, lively family dinner.

Though today she felt a bit on edge.

Something told her this calm was just the calm before the storm.

Suddenly, Cassian placed some perfectly peeled shrimp on her plate.

He could’ve easily asked the staff to do it, but he preferred taking care of Anastasia himself.

Some people at the table were clearly annoyed by the PDA, but nobody dared say anything – the Rhodes family had strict dinner etiquette.

“Thank you,” Anastasia whispered in Cassian’s ear.

Cassian nodded toward his parents. "Don’t mention it. That’s what husbands do. And stop thanking me for everything, or I’m gonna get annoyed.”

Following his gaze, Anastasia saw Richard peeling shrimp for Lancey.

Lancey accepted it with a sweet smile.

Anastasia was genuinely surprised.

So this is what a healthy marriage looks like, even after all these years!

She was finally understanding what people meant when they said you need the original to be right for the copy to turn out right.

Just as Anastasia had predicted, after dinner Grandfather Rhodes invited everyone to the living room for coffee and conversation.

Yuria kept glancing at Anastasia with anticipation.

But surprisingly, the entire evening passed without incident.

Yuria was getting antsy.

Sonia had already texted asking for updates, but with Grandfather not making any moves, Yuria was stuck.

She was about to say something when Michelle shut her down with a look.

Yuria looked confused, her lips parting like she wanted to speak.

Michelle just shook her head firmly.

Despite her attitude, Yuria always listened to her mother.

Grandfather Rhodes finally said, “It’s getting late. Everyone should head to bed.”

He paused, then added, “Richard, your family stay behind. Let’s talk in my study.”