Chapter 132

“I’m not going,” Rachel said. She wasn’t exactly a key player anyway. If she showed up, Samantha would probably act like someone had stolen her spotlight. She’d get all flustered and dramatic like usual, and turn the whole thing into a scene.

Cecilia nodded. “Honestly, that’s a good call. There’d be less drama. Samantha will definitely be there. Just the sight of her is exhausting. She hardly brings anything to the table. All she does is flirt with Mr. Lewis. I seriously can’t even deal with her.”

At that, Cecilia shot a glare toward Samantha, who was sitting a few rows back.

“I barely got you out of trouble last time,” Rachel reminded her. “Don’t stir things up again.”

Cecilia stopped immediately.

When Rachel and Cecilia walked into the conference room, they nearly ran into William. His gaze brushed over Rachel’s face for a second before he looked away. His expression went cold.

Rachel quickly looked elsewhere and took her seat.

William glanced around the room. “You’re all familiar with the issues we’re facing. To smooth over any rumors of tension between us and LS Enterprise, both sides have agreed to a joint team-building event tomorrow.

“I expect everyone to participate.”

Rachel raised her hand. “Mr. Lewis, I’ve got something going on tomorrow and won’t be able to make it. I’d like to request time off.”

Whispers immediately broke out across the room.

“Rachel’s skipping?”

“Did they have a fight or something?”

“If she’s not going, that’s a major snub to Mr. Lewis.”

“If his own wife’s not going, what’s the point of the rest of us showing up?”

“I don’t want to go either. Those events are exhausting.”

William’s frown deepened. He tapped his knuckles on the table. It was louder than usual. “I just said I want everyone to participate.”

Rachel frowned. She still tried to push back. “Isn’t Ms. Judd’s attendance enough?”

Samantha’s voice was soft and shaky as she spoke. “Rachel, you know I’ve been suspended. Did you really have to say it in front of everyone?”

Rachel cleared her throat. “Sorry. That slipped my mind.”

“Well, since she’s suspended–”

“Cecilia!” Rachel cut her off quickly, worried she’d say something reckless that Samantha could twist to her advantage. She turned to William again. “Mr. Lewis, this really isn’t about who’s filling what role. I just have a personal matter to take care of.”

She had no interest in going. It would only bring trouble.

William’s eyes darkened. His stare was stern.

Samantha’s voice remained gentle, and her eyes shimmered with tears like she was barely holding it together. “Rachel, if you’re worried about me, I’ll stay home. It’s fine. The company should always come first.”

She looked like she was ready to martyr herself for the business.

Rachel had no problem with her doing that, but she did have a problem with Samantha dragging her into it every time.

She glared at Samantha.

“I said I’ve got a personal matter to deal with. Was I not clear enough, or does Ms. Judd have trouble seeing, too?” Rachel signed clearly and slowly.

Rachel was just being direct, but Samantha’s helpless expression still managed to make Rachel look like the bad person in everyone’s eyes.

Samantha didn’t argue. Her eyes just turned redder as she murmured, “I understand.”

William locked eyes with Rachel before speaking in a cold manner.