Chapter 245

She texted Cecilia: "Forget it. I’ll figure something out on my own."

Cecilia had one last thing to say: "But honestly, no matter how difficult a guy is, they’re all weak to one thing. Even heroes fall for a beautiful woman. With your looks, you’ll definitely have him wrapped around your fingers."

Rachel stared at the message in disbelief. Cecilia was crazy. How could she think of such advice?

Just then, Rachel heard footsteps approaching. She quickly stuffed her phone back into her pocket and acted like nothing had happened as she continued to eat.

Tyler walked over and suddenly placed a dessert in front of her. "Heard something sweet can improve a person’s mood."

Rachel looked at the strawberry shortcake in front of her. She then turned to Tyler with a puzzled expression. “What’s this supposed to mean?”

Was this a peace offering?

Tyler raised an eyebrow. “I’m trying to cheer you up. Isn’t that obvious?”

The words "cheer you up" coming from him instantly sent a chill down Rachel’s spine. She felt goosebumps all over.

She shivered. “Please don’t. It’s creepy coming from you.”

Those words were supposed to sound heart-warming, but when Tyler said it in his stiff, deadpan tone, it felt more like a threat. It was like, “Eat this, or else something bad will happen!”

Tyler pulled out a chair and sat down again. “What? Is William good at cheering people up or something? It makes sense. If he wasn’t, how else could he trick someone like you into being so devoted?”

Rachel clenched her fist, but she had no way to refute him. His words, harsh as they were, hit home.

She picked up a spoon and took a bite of the cake.

The sweetness with a hint of tartness spread across her tongue, and for a moment, she really did feel a little better. Desserts really did help improve your mood.

After a couple of bites, Rachel finally calmed down and looked up at Tyler.

“Mr. Hunt, I know it might be bold of me to ask for your help.”

Tyler saw how she kept circling back to the same topic, and the corners of his mouth twitched: “You know it’s bold, and you’re still asking?”

Rachel almost wanted to cry.

What choice did she have? She’d been planning to quietly leave once the deadline passed, but then somehow Tyler had gotten involved and everything had spiraled out of control.

“Mr. Hunt, if you have any terms, just tell me. I’ll agree to them. But please, I really need your help.”

Tyler rubbed his chin. “If I’m not mistaken, you want me to go public and tell the media that the woman at the bar was my sister. Since they didn’t get a clear shot of your face, any woman could fill in, right?

“And by doing that, you’ll be able to go back to Gerald and openly demand your mother’s headstone be returned to the Lloyd family.”

Rachel inhaled sharply. It felt like a jolt of electricity had run down her spine.

He’d guessed everything word for word.

If she hadn’t known for a fact that she was alone when she went to the Lloyd family estate, she might’ve thought Tyler had been there in person. How else would he know so much?

Rachel had to admit she had gotten frustrated before. She felt like the tool of the century.

She’d wasted so much time carefully building her case, dressing up, and trying to steer the conversation. It was all for nothing.

She could feel sweat forming on her forehead.

After what felt like forever, Rachel finally found her voice again.

“You’re right. Since you already figured it out, I won’t hide it.”

Tyler lifted his gaze. His expression was as indifferent as ever. “So basically, you’re trying to use me as your stepping stone, huh?”

His casual words sent a chill down her spine.

“So basically, you’re trying to use me. Bold of you, Rachel.”

She was stupidly bold for wanting to use Tyler as her stepping stone.

Rachel nervously fidgeted with her fingers. She forced herself to stay calm. She needed to convince him.