She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 686

"Get lost!"

Forrest swatted Hank's hand away, but he carefully tucked the bottle of pills into his pocket. Clearing his throat, he looked at Loyce and muttered, "...Thank you. I'll take them daily."

Despite the utter humiliation of the delivery, he trusted his sister's medical genius implicitly.

When it was Morris's turn, he unwrapped an exquisitely embroidered silk sachet adorned with a bamboo motif. Loyce explained, "This contains a custom blend of ground herbal holistics. Keeping it on you will help maintain mental clarity and boost your creative focus."

Morris's eyes lit up with genuine delight. He lifted the sachet and inhaled the subtle, earthy fragrance. "This is incredibly thoughtful, Loyce. I love it."

Compared to Forrest's mortifying 'care package,' this gift perfectly matched Morris's refined tastes.

Hank received a uniquely designed metal flask and a small, wax-sealed clay jug of liquor.

Loyce didn't explicitly mention Hank's new status as the Costa godfather in front of everyone, but she knew his new world involved a brutal drinking culture. "Hank, this flask is custom-built. The inner lining filters and slowly releases a medicinal compound that reduces the strain of alcohol on your liver. As for the jug, it's a potent tonic. Drink one small glass a week—no more. It strengthens the bones and muscles, but do not overdo it."

Hank grabbed the sleek flask, practically practically drooling over it. He popped the wax seal on the jug, and a rich, intoxicating blend of fine alcohol and deep earthy herbs filled the air. He took a deep breath, looking completely enamored. "Now this is what I'm talking about! My sister knows me best! Way more practical than some people's 'happy ending' pills!"

He shot a smug look at Forrest, who blatantly ignored him.

For Grandpa Gordon, Loyce provided a large supply of her custom wellness coffee blend. "You have everything you could ever want, Grandpa. The most important thing now is preserving your health so you can spend more time with us. Drink this daily. It will extend your vitality."

Marcella received a luxuriously soft cashmere shawl and a high-end automated massager—thoughtful and practical. Zelie was given a stunning, translucent jade bracelet. Tracing the smooth stone, Zelie's eyes welled with tears of gratitude.

Finally, Loyce handed Lucian a small box wrapped in simple, colorful paper.

"Don't open this until you get home," she told him.

"Why all the secrecy? What's in it?" Hank aggressively leaned in.

Lucian obediently slipped the box into his jacket pocket. "Whatever you say."

Since Loyce clearly wanted to keep it private, the brothers wisely dropped the subject, wrapping up the lively gift exchange.

Once the mess was cleared, Lucian looked at Loyce. "Do you want to go out?"

***

The Garrison Club.

The massive banquet hall was lavishly decorated. Mistletoe and fairy lights hung from the ceiling, while a Christmas tree adorned with camo ribbons and polished bullet casings stood proudly in the corner. Smooth jazz drifted through the room.

The most striking feature was the indoor heated pool connected to the hall. The water shimmered under the ambient lighting as young officers and their dates, dressed in chic swimwear or casual resort wear, lounged by the edge, laughing and drinking. The air smelled of expensive cologne, champagne, and chlorine.

When Lucian and Loyce arrived, the party was already in full swing.

Lucian wore a tailored navy-blue blazer over a light grey cashmere sweater. The outfit stripped away some of his usual icy, intimidating edge, replacing it with a relaxed, elegant magnetism. Even dressed down, he stood head and shoulders above the crowd.

Loyce wore a pearl-white knit gown that perfectly hugged her slender waist. Her dark hair fell in loose, lazy waves over her shoulders. Standing beside Lucian, they looked like royalty.

On the other side of the room, Channing was dragging Luna around, desperately trying to network with a group of high-ranking commanders.