She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 604

Under Loyce's careful regimen of herbal supplements and holistic therapy, Zelie's condition had vastly improved. Not only was she speaking in full, coherent sentences, but she had even started helping the maids around the Lonsdale estate.

"She's incredible," one of the maids praised her to Loyce. "She does the work of three people. We try to tell her to rest, but she won't listen."

"It's no trouble at all," Zelie said, walking over with a bright, earnest smile. She gently took Loyce's arm. "You've been gone for days. Where were you?"

"She's a busy girl," Marcella chimed in from the couch. "You'll have to get used to her running around."

Marcella had recently moved into the Lonsdale estate as well. Given her age, her stamina for seeing patients had waned, and Loyce hadn't felt comfortable leaving the retired doctor alone at her old clinic. Moving her in meant Zelie had a friend, and the two older women spent hours chatting together.

Loyce linked her other arm through Marcella's. "I've got some free time today. How about I take you both out shopping?"

Being cooped up in the house was getting dull, and both women immediately agreed.

Noticing Zelie's slightly frayed clothes and overgrown hair, Loyce decided a haircut and some new outfits were in order. Since the luxury department stores she owned didn't cater to practical, everyday wear for older women, they would have to visit a more casual shopping district.

"I actually have a rare day off," Forrest Lonsdale said, descending the stairs. "I'll come with you."

Gordon Lonsdale, who had a chess match scheduled with an old friend, opted out.

With their group assembled, Loyce had the chauffeur pull up a low-profile van, and they headed out.

Their destination was Sky-Dragon Plaza. It was a massive, bustling mall that combined dining, shopping, and entertainment, hugely popular with the general public and packed with weekend crowds.

"You and Marcella wait here for your turn," Loyce said. "Forrest and I will go grab some and come right back."

"Go on, have fun," Marcella waved them off. "These haircuts are going to take a while."

Loyce nodded, reminding them to call if they needed anything, though she wasn't worried. Forrest had brought a discreet detail of bodyguards to shadow them.

Forrest followed Loyce toward the sweet-smelling kiosk. Dressed in a bespoke suit with perfect posture, he looked wildly out of place in the chaotic mall. Heads turned as they walked by, a few people recognizing the billionaire CEO. However, the undercover bodyguards smoothly intercepted anyone trying to get too close for a photo, ensuring their privacy.

At the kiosk, Forrest frowned slightly as he watched the vendor toss dark, sticky chestnuts in a massive iron wok. His entire life had been a parade of Michelin-starred restaurants and private chefs; he couldn't help but view street food with an inherent skepticism. The blackened shells didn't look particularly appetizing, though the warm aroma of caramelized sugar was undeniable.

"Try it," Loyce said, buying a large bag and pressing a steaming chestnut into his hand.