William’s hand froze mid-air as the corner of his lips twitched. He was suddenly at a loss for words.

Like a mediator, Samantha tried to smooth things over. “Rachel, it was probably an honest mistake on William’s part. Don’t get mad at him. He just bought food from the wrong restaurant. I’m quite free now, so I can buy what you like for you.”

With that, Samantha put her fork down at once and grabbed her phone, making a move to leave. She made sure to remind William, “Stay here and keep Rachel company at home. I’ll go get the food. Rachel, text me the dishes you like.”

Before Rachel could respond, William stood up to grab Samantha’s wrist. His eyes turned dark as he said with displeasure, “There’s no need for you to go! How is the barbecued meat from the South Coast and North Coast different? You probably won’t be able to buy any food at this hour, anyway. I’ll buy it for her another time.”

“William, don’t worry about me,” Samantha insisted. “Rachel wants it. She has been a great help at work, and it’s time for me to repay her kindness. Please, just let me go.”

“It’s so late! It’s too dangerous for a lady like you to be out there alone.”

Rachel saw the tense muscles in William’s jaw, betraying the anxiety he was feeling. She couldn’t hold back a sneer. What were the two of them doing, putting on an act before her? She hadn’t uttered a word, and she certainly did not insist that Samantha buy food for her. Why were they being all emotional?

William’s brows furrowed as he tried to suppress the anger rising in his chest. “Must you have it at this hour? Can’t you just make a compromise? Rachel, since when did you learn how to force others to do your bidding?”

Rachel pursed her lips and tilted her chin at Samantha, who was looking all mild and innocent. “Ms. Judd was the one who insisted on buying it for me.”

Samantha tugged William’s arm and said, “This has nothing to do with Rachel. I wanted to do it of my own accord. Don’t be mad.”

Anger burned in William’s eyes. “I’ve made myself clear. It’s very late now. If someone must go, it’ll be me.”

With that, he turned to say to Rachel, “Samantha’s mother was just discharged from the hospital and is resting at home. She has a nurse with her, and there’s no more space in the house. Samantha will be staying at our place for a few days.”

It wasn’t a discussion or a question–it was a declaration.

Samantha shrank back and looked fearfully at Rachel. “Rachel, if you find it inconvenient, I can leave right away. Don’t worry, I won’t put you and William on the spot.”

Rachel could clearly see through Samantha’s poor acting. No decent woman would seek help from a married man and ask to stay in his home. Was there a lack of hotel rooms in Yurelia City? Not since the last time Rachel checked. Must Samantha stay in their house? Or was William worried that someone might kidnap Samantha in the deep of the night?

Yet, Rachel knew deep down in her heart that William was bent on keeping Samantha in their house.

Chapter 114

A wide smile stretched across Rachel’s face. She said brightly, “It’s fine, I don’t mind it. You’re such a filial daughter, Samantha. Coincidentally, Cecilia needs my help at her home for the time being. You can take my room.”

Rachel refused to live in the same space as Samantha and William; she was worried her stomach might churn in disgust.