“What do you mean, again? Are you saying she and Tyler had something going on before, too?” Cassandra asked.

“No, no, of course not, Mrs. Lewis,” Samantha replied with artful speed. “That must’ve all been a misunderstanding. How could Rachel be that kind of person? She was probably just working closely with Mr. Lewis back then. But maybe Rachel was just thinking about the company. I mean, how else could she manage to bring both companies into a partnership if she didn’t?”

Far from helping, Samantha’s explanation only fanned the flames of Cassandra’s irritation. Her expression grew darker by the second as she shot Rachel a cold glare.

“Didn’t William tell you what kind of relationship we have with LS Enterprise? Is that even a company we can afford to work with? And now you’ve dragged them into a business deal with us? Rachel, what exactly are you plotting? Are you and Tyler trying to set a trap for William?”

Rachel’s expression remained calm as ever. “I’m not.”

Samantha stepped forward again and pretended to mediate. “Mrs. Lewis, I’m sure you’ve misunderstood. Rachel and Mr. Hunt are totally innocent. How could she be working for him? Even if the rumors outside say she’s trying to become Mrs. Hunt, you can’t believe that.”

Cassandra sneered before glancing at Rachel with undisguised contempt. “Did you think you could marry Tyler? Rachel, you’ve really overestimated yourself. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Tyler’s a manipulative man. Even his own biological father can’t read him. For power and money, he could turn on and even kill his own siblings. Do you think someone like that who doesn’t even care about his own blood is someone you can handle?”

Rachel didn’t even want to explain anymore. It was clear Cassandra had made up her mind. Nothing she said would change it. William stood silently through it all. Not once did he try to defend her. In his heart, he probably believed she and Tyler had something going on, too.

At that moment, a maid entered with a tray and placed a cup of coffee in front of Samantha.

“Ms. Judd, your coffee.”

“Thank you,” Samantha replied. She looked up at Cassandra with a sweet smile. “Mrs. Lewis, please don’t get too worked up. It’s not good for your health. Have some coffee to calm down.”

Cassandra took a deep breath and turned away. She said to William, “Send her upstairs. I don’t want to see her right now.”

William walked over to Rachel. His tone didn’t change much from before. “Rachel, let’s go upstairs and take care of that cut on your face.”

Rachel’s expression froze slightly. She forced a shaky voice. “It’s fine. I can take care of it myself. It’s been a while since you spent time with Mother. You should stay with her.”

William’s gaze lingered upon her. “Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?”

Rachel’s eyes flickered, but she forced herself to sound indifferent. “It’s fine. It’s just a small cut. Besides, Ms. Judd is here. She should have someone with her.”

“You know how my mom is. She’s blunt and a little harsh, but she means no harm. Don’t take it personally. I believe in you.” He gently patted the back of her hand as if offering comfort.

Rachel nodded. But as she turned and walked upstairs, the smile on her face vanished completely.

Once back in her room, Rachel stared at the disheveled reflection in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Chapter 187

‘Rachel, you really are a mess, but not for much longer. Soon, you rise from the ashes.’