Rachel smiled and replied nonchalantly, “I was just planning to get away for a bit and clear my head. I hadn’t had the chance to tell you yet. Who knew you’d find out so soon?”

“Were you planning to go alone?” William still seemed doubtful.

“I wanted Cecilia to come with me, but she has kids at home and couldn’t get away,” Rachel replied.

Thankfully, Rachel had been smart enough to buy a one-way ticket to Kahnwel. Otherwise, it really would’ve been difficult to explain herself now.

Her original plan had been to leave quietly and use that ticket as a diversion in case William tried to track her down. She hadn’t expected she’d be forced to play that card so soon.

William’s eyes flickered. He looked at Rachel, his eyes narrowing, and then said something that took her by surprise. “I can go with you.”

Rachel blinked in surprise. “You want to come with me? Isn’t the company keeping you busy?”

With Samantha watching him like a hawk, did he really have time to travel with Rachel?

On top of that, Samantha was pregnant. Rachel didn’t dare assume that she mattered to him more than the child Samantha was carrying.

“It’s fine. I can apply for leave. It’s true I haven’t spent much time with you lately. But Rachel, if you’re upset about anything, we can talk about it. You don’t have to fight with Samantha. She’s just a young girl who doesn’t know any better. Cut her some slack. If the ambulance hadn’t arrived in time, and something serious happened, how do you expect me to deal with both of you?”

The sneer in Rachel’s eyes became obvious. She eyed William’s troubled expression.

“If something had happened to Samantha today, would you have told the police that I pushed her?” she asked.

William seemed tense.

His tone grew solemn. “Rachel, don’t make that kind of assumption. I don’t want any more conflict between you and Samantha. Can’t you try to understand where I’m coming from?”

Rachel laughed bitterly to herself.

He was using the same excuse. He always asked her to be understanding and wanted her to compromise for him, but he never once did the same for her.

Rachel had clashed with Samantha so many times, and William had never stood on her side.

Now, Rachel was finally able to control her emotions again. She pretended to speak nonchalantly. “I was just joking earlier. Don’t get all worked up.”

William visibly relaxed. The tense expression on his face faded, and he smiled again. “I knew you’d understand. Samantha will have to stay in the hospital for a few days. Drop by and visit her when you have time. Maybe even apologize to her. This whole thing will be over. I’ve already had a talk with Samantha too. Don’t worry, she’s not the type to hold a grudge.”

Rachel could hardly believe what she heard.

William really was a master at playing both sides. Even with all the effort he had put into maintaining his personal relationships, he still had the energy to run a company.

Rachel had to admit this was impressive in its own twisted way.

Chapter 182

+25 BONUS

She forced a smile. “Sure. I’ll visit her in a couple of days.”

She had no intention of doing so. She’d be long gone by then. Only a fool would apologize to someone like Samantha.

Although Samantha’s actions were despicable, what hurt Rachel more was William’s behavior. He was the one who truly had the ability to hurt her. Each time, he would strike where it hurt the most, and he never missed.

He was the man Rachel had wasted seven years loving.

William pulled her into his arms once more.

“After this whole mess is over, let’s just enjoy each other’s company. My parents are still waiting to become grandparents. We’ve got some work to do,” he said.