William turned back to look at Rachel again. His gaze landed on the cut on her right cheek, and his warm fingertips gently reached out to touch it. Rachel instinctively stepped back.

His hand froze midair before he awkwardly pulled it back.

Rachel looked up and asked, “Why did Mom give that heirloom emerald bracelet to Ms. Judd? Wasn’t it supposed to be a keepsake?”

She wasn’t trying to make a big deal out of it, but she wasn’t about to let them treat her like a fool either.

When she married into the Lewis family, many friends and relatives had their eyes on her. Cassandra had refused to pass the bracelet down to her, and that had immediately stirred up rumors.

Later, Cassandra had made up an excuse and given her a pair of earrings instead, saying she was keeping the bracelet for sentimental reasons. It barely covered up the slight.

Rachel had always known that Cassandra didn’t like her. She didn’t recognize Rachel as her real daughter-in-law, and that was why she had held the bracelet back.

Rachel hadn’t argued.

But now, on Samantha’s very first visit to the house, and without even having any official status, Cassandra had given it away so easily.

What did that make Rachel?

William rubbed his temples, his voice was hoarse and sounded genuinely tired. “Maybe Mom didn’t think much of it. Samantha came over for the first time, and she didn’t have anything else on hand to give her.”

“Oh?” Rachel looked at him. “So it was absolutely necessary to give her a gift?” Her gaze bore into William, catching every subtle shift in his expression.

He looked like he was reaching the end of his patience. He let out a long sigh. “If you like that bracelet, I’ll get you an even better one.”

Rachel smiled sarcastically. “Do you really think I care about the value of a bracelet? Do you think that’s what this is about?”

William tugged at his tie. He was clearly trying hard to stay calm. He took a deep breath. “Then what are we even arguing about? You know how my mom is. Why let her get to you?”

Rachel nodded and responded nonchalantly. “I see.”

She suddenly felt exhausted. She was too tired to argue because she knew exactly how this would end. When a man’s heart wasn’t with you, no matter how small the matter, he would never take your side.

It had nothing to do with anyone else.

Rachel’s sudden calm seemed to reassure William. He thought she’d finally come around, and he tried to soothe her as always.

“Alright, I know you were upset that Mom didn’t pass the bracelet down to you back then. But everyone knows you are the real daughter-in-law of this family. Why bother about something so superficial?”

Rachel quietly pushed away his hand. “I was just making conversation. Cecilia invited me out. I need to go. You should stay and have dinner with Mother.”

With that, Rachel brushed past him and headed for the door.

William’s expression suddenly darkened. “You’re not going to see Tyler, are you?”

Rachel pursed her lips. “You’re welcome to video call if you’re that worried.”

William chuckled dryly. “Just kidding. I trust you. But seriously, we’ve only just stabilized things with LS Enterprise. Don’t give people more to talk about. Stay away from Tyler.”

This wasn’t the first time he’d told her that.

But really, what right did he have to say that? He spent every day glued to Samantha, yet here he was lecturing her over innocent work interactions or the occasional run-in with Tyler.

There was no point in telling William this. He wouldn’t believe anything she said.

Rachel didn’t bother replying. She wasn’t supposed to be able to hear him anyway.

When she got downstairs, Cassandra was in the living room with Mrs. Jones. They were helping Samantha change her dressing.

The moment Cassandra saw Rachel, her expression turned cold. She said curtly, “Dinner’s ready.”

Rachel smiled politely. “Mother, a friend needs me for something urgent, so I won’t be able to join you tonight.”