“Tyler’s only here today because of Yvette.”

Rachel could see what William was thinking by the look on his face. She couldn’t help but smile at her own foolishness. Men were always the same. They never questioned what they did wrong, but they’d never allow their partner to step out of line.

Then there was what Howard had said earlier, something about William and Tyler. But Tyler’s sudden entrance had interrupted him. What had he been about to say?

Just then, Tyler and Yvette walked out together.

Everyone’s eyes followed them curiously.

William actually looked amused, even teasing, as he said, “Mr. Hunt, I apologize on Rachel’s behalf. She didn’t know you and Yvette were inside. She walked in by mistake.”

Tyler started to explain, “It’s not what you–”

But Rachel cut in before he could finish with an apologetic expression. “Mr. Hunt, I’m really sorry. I should’ve knocked. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

At first glance, she looked completely sincere, but if one looked closely, there was the faintest trace of mischief in her eyes.

Tyler narrowed his gaze and studied her expression for a moment.

So he’d been played again.

Was Yvette’s little show part of Rachel’s plan? Or had Rachel simply taken the opportunity to throw him into the spotlight?

Either way, Tyler had become someone else’s chess piece, and a woman’s no less.

Yvette, face flushed and seemingly shy, mumbled softly, “Rachel, can you knock before coming in next time?”

“Oh, my bad. I’ll be sure to knock next time,” Rachel replied.

She was far too relaxed and showed no hint of embarrassment.

Jim actually hoped Yvette and Tyler would get together. That would give the Lloyd family an added layer of security in Yurelia City.

He had been worried that if Rachel and William divorced, Rachel wouldn’t have much to fall back on. Without the Lloyd family’s protection, life would be tough for her.

But if Yvette and Tyler ended up together, then even if he wasn’t Rachel’s husband, he’d still be her brother-in-law. He could help take care of her.

With this thought in mind, Jim nodded with satisfaction. “Alright, let’s all go eat.”

As they headed downstairs, Tyler brushed past Rachel. William was still holding her arm, and Tyler’s shoulder accidentally bumped into her other arm.

Rachel instinctively glanced at him as Tyler slid past her with quiet composure.

She pursed her lips, and her heart clenched. The spot he touched was tingling. Did he do that on purpose?

Did he know she had done it all intentionally? It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision. If he hadn’t gotten tangled up with Yvette, she wouldn’t have had the chance to use it against him.

That’s what Rachel told herself anyway.

Once everyone was seated, Rachel didn’t overthink things and started helping herself to the dishes she liked.

Chapter 287

Then she spotted the beef.

She swallowed.

She was allergic to beef, but this particular piece looked so tender and juicy. Everyone was busy chatting. Perhaps no one would notice.

Rachel carefully picked up her fork and reached for that one little piece.

But just as she was about to grab it, another fork landed on top of hers.