However, Samantha couldn't take back her words. She knew that Rachel would only use them against her. She clenched her fists, left with no other choice except to take the slap.However, the pain she expected never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw William grabbing Rachel's wrist just before Rachel's hand came down hard.She heaved an inward sigh of relief.The next moment, however, Rachel slapped Samantha on the other cheek with her other hand.Samantha was stunned by that unexpected move.What just happened?Her eyes widened as she looked at Rachel in disbelief."Y-You…" Rachel could tell that Samantha's mask was slipping. She said self-righteously, "Didn't you ask for it? Why are you glaring at me like that?"William thought that Rachel had gone overboard. He flung Rachel aside, who stumbled a few steps back and almost lost her balance.A warm palm rested on her back and held her steady. Rachel turned to see who it was.Tyler.She stared at him in surprise. "What
William's face went dark with displeasure. If he didn't stand up to defend Samantha in front of so many people, everyone would probably start talking badly about them behind their backs.Frowning, he said to Rachel, "Rachel, aren't you going too far by slapping her in front of so many people?"Rachel looked innocently at William."How could you say that? She literally asked for it herself. You heard it for yourself—she felt guilty, thinking that she was in the wrong for breaking us apart back then. She herself said that as long as I forgive her, she could accept me hitting her. Why are you turning this around and blaming me instead?"Rachel couldn't hold back her laughter, as though she heard something hilarious.Samantha tugged William's arm with tears in her eyes, a pitiful sight to behold. She pursed her lips and shook her head indignantly."William, don't blame Rachel. I did say that just now. It's fine, Rachel. Don't blame yourself for it. I'm willing to take that. I know
"Why else would he be here at my father's funeral?"Rachel took a step closer to Samantha, her eyes sharp and piercing."You say that he's never been invited to family events and gatherings, but have you ever seen Mr. Lewis call him? How dare you even insinuate so? What if it's because he doesn't want to go?"Samantha was rendered speechless by Rachel's words, her face stiffening with indignation.Just then, William walked out of the room upon realizing that Samantha didn't follow him. That was when he saw the scene between the two ladies.He hastened his pace and grabbed Samantha's wrist."What are you doing?"When William came by, Samantha looked as though her savior had appeared. The moment her gaze landed on William, the tears welling in her eyes fell like beads from a broken necklace."Oh, William! I think Rachel still harbors some resentment and misunderstanding toward me, even after so many years. I came to her father's funeral out of purely good intentions. I just asked
It had been a few years since Rachel last saw Samantha.Age had matured Samantha like fine wine, even causing her to lose some of the naivety in her eyes.However, one thing that didn't change was her calculating gaze.It was especially obvious with the venomous way she looked at Rachel—a clear indication that she still regarded Rachel with animosity, thinking of Rachel as a love rival who'd snatch William away from her anytime.Some women were just like that; they could never walk away from the shadow of their men.However, Samantha's abilities were on par with Yvette's. The two would make a great pair.Rachel took the initiative to greet them. "Mr. Lewis."Thomas had aged much as well. He seemed to be looking around the hall for something. Rachel guessed he was probably searching for Tyler.She simply couldn't understand. They clearly care for each other, so why did they remain so stubborn and refuse to speak kindly to one another when they had the chance? She couldn't wrap
Losing them would surely be devastating to Lloyd Enterprise.The shareholders were probably still in the dark about this. If they found out, Rachel would certainly be in trouble; they'd surely kick up a huge fuss over this.Rachel hadn't thought so much about it, but now that Tyler mentioned it, she was beginning to realize how troublesome things might turn out to be."Let's think about this next time. I don't have the strength to care about them right now. I see that your public relations department has settled things. Now that you have these additional projects, your company should be able to tide over.""Yes, it should, but what about yours?"Tyler crossed his arms and shot Rachel a look.Rachel was stunned, then said nonchalantly, "We'll see when the time comes. I'll think of a way."Tyler's gaze warmed as he looked at Rachel; he reached out to pull her into his arms."You used to think twice before acting. Why are you being so reckless now? Playing the heroine now, aren't
"I…" Rachel was starting to regret calling Yvette over. She was such a loudmouth! Tyler wouldn't have found out so quickly if it weren't for Yvette.At first, Rachel had wanted to keep things under wraps for longer. Yale told her that Tyler had no doubts whatsoever when he signed the contracts.Everything had gone as she had planned.With a sister like that, who needs enemies?Tyler came here intending to smoke. Noticing how unwell Rachel looked and her lack of rest, he pulled his hand out of his pocket. "Why didn't you tell me something so important? Did you take it too seriously when I asked you to take care of me? You're not just trying to take care of me, but you're trying to take care of my company too."Tyler sounded like he was teasing Rachel, but she could sense a tinge of anger—even mockery—in his tone.She lowered her head guiltily. She knew Tyler would mind it, which was why she chose to hide it from him in the first place.Who knew that Yvette would blab about it