She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 510

Robert awkwardly ran a hand through his hair. "No, not exactly. It's just... well, I don't know if I should say anything."

Loyce picked her pen back up and returned to her data. "If you don't know, then don't say it. I'm busy. I'm hanging up."

"Wait! I'll say it!" Robert blurted out, the words tumbling past his lips. "Today is Lucian's birthday! But Joanna completely forgot. She only remembered it was Channing's birthday. She cooked this massive feast for Channing and invited Lucian over like he was just some random houseguest. Now he's completely alone, and honestly, it's just really sad. That's why I called."

Loyce's pen stopped moving. "He's alone?"

"Yeah," Robert swallowed nervously. "Ms. Lonsdale, if you're not too busy... maybe you could spare a little time? Just show him some pity. He really is pathetic right now."

Loyce put the pen down, stood up, and walked over to her closet, scanning her clothes. "So, is he at Channing's birthday dinner right now?"

"No, no," Robert said quickly. "He went back to the military housing compound. He has an apartment there."

"Got it."

The line went dead before Robert could say another word. He stared at his phone, his heart pounding. The two of them had certainly trauma-bonded over a few life-or-death situations by now. Surely, she would go, right?

He just hoped to God he had actually helped his boss this time.

Loyce quickly changed and headed out. It was a decent drive from Serenity Manor to the city center, and it was already getting late. She pulled over when she spotted a bakery that was still open.

She pushed the glass door open.

The staff was already wiping down the counters, preparing to close. There was exactly one cake left in the display case, marked with a "Daily Clearance" sticker.

It was a childish teddy bear cake, something entirely unsuited for a hardened military commander like Lucian.

"Do you have anything else? Something a little more... adult?" Loyce asked.

The clerk offered an apologetic smile. "If you need it tonight, this is all we have left. The pastry chef clocked out at five. If you're not in a rush, we can take a custom order for tomorrow afternoon."

But his birthday would be over by then.

Loyce pointed at the case. "I'll take it."

"Great, I'll box it right up for you," the clerk said cheerfully.

"Thank you, miss. This is for you."

Just then, the old man walked out of the bakery, his shoulders slumped in defeat, empty-handed. "I'm so sorry, Cody. We were too late. They're totally sold out."

He approached the cart and immediately noticed the large cake box sitting there. Then he recognized Loyce from the shop.

"Miss..."

"I bought the wrong cake. You and the boy should eat it," Loyce repeated, trying to open her car door.

But the old man's eyes immediately reddened with tears. He rushed forward, aggressively trying to shove a wad of crumpled bills into her hands.

"No, thank you. I don't need the money," Loyce said, gently pushing his calloused hands away.

"I can't just take it for free, my conscience won't let me!" When she refused the cash, the old man grabbed a heavy plastic bag from his cart and forced it into her arms. "These are organic veggies, straight from my plot! No pesticides at all! And there's a fresh fish in there too. It's so much healthier than the stuff you buy at the supermarket. Please, miss, take it. I absolutely refuse to just take your cake for nothing!"

And that was how, twenty minutes later, Loyce ended up standing in front of Lucian's apartment door, holding a dripping bag of fresh groceries.