The unwanted wife’s unexpected comeback

Chapter 132:

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But Rachel still feared Caden deeply, a weight she couldn't easily shake off. Joshua was despicable, but Caden… he was a different kind of ruthless. If she and Randolph were caught up in one of their schemes, the path forward would be nothing short of treacherous.

“Randolph, can’t we find another way?” she pleaded, gripping his arm tightly, her voice shaking with despair. “This deal… isn’t worth the risk we’re taking.”

Randolph’s expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. Her tearful pleas grated on his nerves and he couldn't help but lash out at her. “You have no say in this matter!”

The next instant, he slapped Rachel, knocking her off her chair. She fell to the floor with a thud, a muffled moan escaping her lips.

Her side ached, but she suppressed any sound, knowing she shouldn't scream. Embarrassment burned her cheeks as she slowly stood up, thankful there was no one else in the private room to witness her humiliation.

He slowly sat back in his chair, his gaze cast down, his spirits crushed. He had long since grown accustomed to submission, and with such serious matters at hand he dared not provoke Randolph any further.

Yet as she sat silently, he continued to berate her. “This is all your fault!” I have barked.

Rachel's chest tightened. How could she blame her?

“My fault?” she repeated incredulously, her voice a mixture of pain and disbelief. “I didn't do anything.”

Randolph's taunt cut through her like a knife. "If you hadn't fought with Alicia, none of this would have gotten out of hand."

“Randolph!” Rachel's voice rose with a spark of defiance, her frustration boiling over. “It was you who said you couldn't stand Alicia and wanted to teach her a lesson! I tried to stop you, but you wouldn't listen. Now that things have exploded, you're blaming me.”

“I told you to teach him a lesson, yes,” Randolph growled, eyes narrowed. “But why did you have to involve Joshua?”

Rachel's gaze wavered, flickering with guilt.

had told Joshua, thinking it would further humiliate Alicia. Given Alicia and Joshua's bitter divorce, she thought he would take pleasure in her suffering. But instead,

had

voice shaking with emotion. “I never wanted things to turn out this way. I'm upset too, Randolph. Why don’t you

in disdain. “You're useless. All those other men… at least their wives are by their side. And

her cheeks burning as if they had been slapped by invisible hands. Her family was not poor, but in recent years their fortune had dwindled. The stability they enjoyed had crumbled like loose stones. Without the safety net of a

composure. But tonight, something inside her snapped, and she couldn't take it anymore. She ran from the room, covering her face with trembling

her, leaving her completely sober. The thought of the Gray family's downfall filled her with

of his snide remarks. Losing her dignity now would be unbearable, it would be like stripping away the fabric that held her together. Without it, she felt as

deep within. Her mind raced and

Alicia. Maybe if he could make peace with her, another

hailed a cab, she didn't notice Caden's black car pulling into the

little more than a temporary

air like thick smoke. He raised his glass to Caden twice in a row, his shaking hands betraying his

was a plea for help, a last hold on what dignity he had left. Then, with bitter venom in his voice, Randolph cursed

shining with indignation. “And now I've fallen right into his trap! “I never

measured sip of his wine, remaining impassive. Joshua had struck the first blow, setting off the chain of events that led to Randolph's

dismantling his empire from within.

his glass. “That's chump change to me. But tell me, Mr.

bloodshot from sleepless nights and endless scheming. With shaking hands, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out

voice to a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned in, eager to

put the document away. Randolph, knowing

to eat with ease, savoring each bite as if it were the first proper meal he

Caden, who stood stock still, barely touching his plate. A flash of curiosity crossed Randolph's mind. “Mr. Ward,” he asked,

curling the corners of his lips. “I’m saving my appetite

unanswered. Determined, she set her jaw and took a