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.

Joshua's bitter divorce, she thought he would take pleasure in her suffering. But instead, Joshua

plan had

couldn't shake the feeling of having been wronged. “I did it for you,” she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion.

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

invisible hands. Her family was not poor, but in recent years their fortune had dwindled. The stability they enjoyed had crumbled like loose

she 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

the Gray family's downfall filled

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 if she could end her miserable

grievances deep within. Her mind raced and she was already

because of Alicia. Maybe if he could make peace

notice Caden's

but felt no pity: Rachel was little more than a temporary inconvenience in his world. With a disdainful look, he continued on his

lit private room, Randolph's frustration hung in the air like thick smoke. He raised his glass to Caden twice in a row,

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

Randolph snapped, his eyes shining with indignation. “And now I've

impassive. Joshua had struck the first blow, setting off the chain of events that led to Randolph's slow

dealt the death blow to Randolph's finances, quietly dismantling his empire from

Caden mused, setting down his glass. “That's chump change to me. But tell me, Mr. Gray, what are you going to offer to prove you're

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

Joshua’s secret,” Randolph said, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned in, eager to fan the flames of

put the document away. Randolph, knowing

the first time in days, he was able to eat with ease, savoring each bite as if it were the first proper meal he had had in an

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

the corners of his lips. “I’m

repeatedly dialed Alicia's number, only to have the calls go unanswered. Determined, she set her jaw and took a cab straight to the Yates