Chapter 132:

? ? ? ? ?

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.

he would take pleasure in her suffering. But instead, Joshua still harbored feelings for Alicia, and his

had failed

she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. “I never wanted things to turn

at least their wives are by their side. And what do I have?

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

had swallowed every insult, every condescending glance, trying to maintain her composure. But tonight, something inside her snapped, and she couldn't take it anymore. She ran from the room, covering her face with trembling hands, but her burst of impulsive courage vanished as almost quickly

hotel, the cold, biting wind blew through her, leaving her completely sober. The thought of the Gray family's downfall filled her with dread. The judgment of these high

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

within. Her mind raced and she was already formulating

were all because of Alicia. Maybe if he could make peace with her,

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

felt no pity: Rachel was little more than a temporary inconvenience in his

like thick smoke. He raised his glass to Caden twice in

on what dignity he had left. Then, with bitter venom in his voice, Randolph cursed

him so much then,” Randolph snapped, his eyes shining with indignation. “And now I've fallen right into his trap! “I never thought he’d

wine, remaining impassive. Joshua had struck the first blow, setting off the chain of events that led

blow to Randolph's finances, quietly dismantling his empire from within. Randolph had no idea who was

But tell me, Mr. Gray,

he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a worn document, its edges slightly frayed. I have

leaned in, eager to fan the flames of Caden's

rubbing his thumb across its surface. With a satisfied smile, I put the document away. Randolph, knowing the deal was sealed, exhaled deeply. A weight had finally been

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

scanned the table and settled on Caden, who stood stock still, barely touching his plate. A flash of curiosity crossed Randolph's mind.

chuckled softly, a mischievous smile curling the corners of his lips. “I’m saving my appetite for

to have the calls go unanswered. Determined, she set her jaw and took a cab straight to the Yates mansion. With the Yates family involved, she was sure Alicia wouldn't ignore her in

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255