Ghost Exorciser: The Oust Fake Heiress Strikes-Chapter 272: Gifts

At first, she was a little clumsy, unfamiliar with the motions, but soon she found her rhythm.

Laughing freely, she dragged the maids and servants from one ride to another, her laughter ringing brightly through the park.

Everyone enjoyed it.

The day slipped by in a blur of lights, screams, laughter, and shared joy. This time, Lana wasn’t alone. She was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her.

As evening approached and the sky began to glow with warm hues, a faint sadness crept into her heart. The day had been too perfect, too peaceful.

’I wish there could be more days like this,’ she thought quietly.

Lucian, as if sensing her emotions, smiled.

"As long as you want, we can make this a monthly thing. Not just amusement parks, but all kinds of adventurous places."

Lana immediately gave him a thumbs-up, grinning brightly.

"You’re the best friend I could ever ask for."

Lucian chuckled softly. "Then it’s time to head back to the mansion."

On the way back, Lana chatted nonstop, her words flowing like a cheerful stream. Even Mr. Crow felt his ears ringing. He shot her a glare.

"Why are you so talkative today?"

Lana smiled brightly. "It’s one of the rare days when I remember that I’m human too."

She kept chatting anyway.

Mr. Crow fell silent after that.

Soon, they arrived at the mansion. As Lana stepped inside, she realized that even the mansion was decorated. Streamers lined the walls, soft lights glowing warmly.

She turned toward Lucian, who smiled knowingly. "There’s another surprise waiting for you."

When Lana entered the room, she froze.

Betty, Layla, Faye, Wade, Richard, Quinn... everyone was there. Even her close companions, Monk Anaro, and Luke.

Seeing Luke stunned her. She hadn’t expected him to be here at all. She turned to Lucian in surprise.

He spoke calmly,

"Since you sponsor him so generously, you should at least get the credit. Otherwise, someone else might take it."

Lana frowned slightly, sensing a deeper meaning behind his words. Before she could ask, Betty rushed forward, clapping her hands excitedly.

"You’re right on time. It’s time to cut the cake. If we wait any longer, you’ll end up cutting your birthday cake on someone else’s date."

Lana smiled and stepped forward, stopping in front of the cake.

It was a three-layered masterpiece, neatly frosted and decorated with fresh strawberries that glistened under the warm lights.

The sweet scent of cream and fruit filled the room, making her stomach flutter.

She couldn’t help but marvel at it for a moment before picking up the knife.

Once the cake was cut and a slice of strawberry pastry rested neatly on the plate, Lana smiled again and walked toward Lucian.

Without hesitation, she lifted the fork and offered him the first bite.

Lucian smiled instinctively and was just about to open his mouth when he sensed something was off.

The pastry was being pushed slightly too far toward his left.

A sharp croak echoed near his ear.

In an instant, Lucian realized what had happened. Mr. Crow was perched proudly on his shoulder.

Lana froze.

She had just offered the first bite... to Mr. Crow.

The moment that realization hit her, Mr. Crow’s entire expression turned smug, his beady eyes narrowing as though he had just won a silent battle.

’Oh no...’

Lana immediately corrected herself. Without a word, she broke the cake neatly into two equal pieces and offered them to both Mr. Crow and Lucian at the same time.

The simple gesture carried more meaning than words ever could.

Both of them fell silent.

They took a bite at the same time, each understanding the unspoken truth.

If they continued competing so openly, neither of them would gain an advantage. Sometimes, stepping back and playing the long game was the wiser choice.

Before either of them could dwell on it further, Lana had already moved on, cheerfully offering cake to everyone else.

When it was Wade’s turn, he waved his hand immediately. "I’ll pass. I’m not fond of sweets."

Lana burst into laughter. "I never thought someone like you would hate sweets."

Wade smiled faintly. "You don’t know much about me."

Then, with a casual tone, he added, "How about becoming my in-law? That way, you’ll get to know me better."

Lana choked on her laughter and quickly moved on.

She approached Richard next, fully aware that holding a conversation with him was nearly impossible.

After that, she stopped in front of Luke. He stared at her for a long moment, emotions swirling in his eyes, before quietly eating his piece of cake.

Then he took out a small box. "This is for you."

Before Lana could even reach for it, someone interrupted sharply, "The gifting ceremony hasn’t even started. How can you present it now?"

Luke blinked, then nodded. "You’re right. I was too hasty."

Soon, Betty stepped forward, holding a gift on behalf of the entire group. Lana accepted it with curiosity and carefully opened it. Inside was a bag.

But this wasn’t an ordinary bag.

The material was reinforced, faint formations etched into its surface, creating a gentle hum of energy. It resembled an ordinary bag, yet it felt far more spacious, as though it could hold far more than it appeared.

Lana looked up at Betty in surprise.

Betty smiled. "This is from all of us. We chipped in together, so don’t worry about anyone spending too much."

Lana nodded sincerely. "I’ll definitely return this kindness."

Betty waved her hand immediately. "The talismans you gave us are already more than enough. You don’t need to give us anything else."

With that settled, Lana turned to Luke. "Now you can give your gift."

Luke wasted no time. He handed her the box.

When Lana opened it, she froze slightly.

Inside was a diamond ring.

It wasn’t extravagant, but it was elegant and simple, the kind of beauty that grew on you the longer you looked at it.

"I bought this with my first earnings," Luke said quietly. "I hope it’s not beneath you."