She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 230

They entered the house together. The interior was modest, furnished simply but arranged with a cozy warmth.

Emma had baked an apple pie and served two large plates of tortellini, urging them to sit down.

"Thank you both so much for bringing her home," Emma said, setting out plates and cutlery before pouring them glasses of warm milk. "Please, help yourselves."

Loyce's eyes immediately landed on the vibrant green leaves garnishing the apple pie. She cut a slice for herself and, after taking a bite, asked casually, "Are these green leaves edible?"

Emma smiled. "Oh, yes! It's just some mint I grow myself. It adds a nice flavor."

Loyce blinked in surprise. "You're saying you grow this yourself?"

Emma nodded. "Is something wrong?"

Loyce picked up a small leaf and examined it closely. It was, without a doubt, a thriving specimen of 'Frost Peppermint'.

"It looks more angular than regular mint," she commented. "Almost like a new variety."

Emma, completely unaware of its value, said dismissively, "Oh, Giselle's father brought it back from somewhere. But it's definitely mint."

"How can you be so sure?" Loyce pressed.

Emma now realized the girl's keen interest in her mint. "Because her father was a botanist," she explained. "He wouldn't have mistaken it."

"May I meet him?" Loyce asked.

A brief silence fell over the table before Giselle answered in a subdued voice. "He passed away two years ago from late-stage liver cancer. These mint leaves are the last thing he left behind. Mom has been taking care of them ever since."

Seeing the bright, hopeful light that instantly ignited in her daughter's eyes, she made a decision. "You can have it for free! As long as you can help my daughter get into a good university and secure a better future, that's all I could ever ask for."

Loyce smiled faintly. "It's a deal."

She then turned to Giselle. "But my time is valuable. I can spare a maximum of two hours each evening to tutor you. Before you see me, I expect you to have all your homework finished."

Giselle thought for a moment. "Can I come find you after my evening study hall? I can usually finish my homework by then."

Loyce considered the inconvenience of her commute. "From now on, skip the study hall. Just ride with Cyrilla to the Shapiro estate. I'll have the butler prepare a private study for you, and I'll come find you when it's time. Is that acceptable?"

The question wasn't just for Giselle; it was also for Lucian.