Chapter 34

Tyler’s words left Rachel speechless, and she couldn’t think of anything to say. She didn’t have much of an impression of Tyler, since he had interacted more with Melanie. Back then, Melanie wanted Rachel to be solely focused on her studies, and she hadn’t paid much attention to anything else. Even if Tyler had displayed the card with his name before this, Rachel wouldn’t have been able to guess or remember.

Embarrassed, Rachel muttered, “Sorry, Mr. Hunt.” It was her fault. She hadn’t held on to this important connection when she should have.

Tyler adjusted his trousers and sat down on the steps. The sun was especially warm that day, and it seemed to lift some of the gloom from Rachel’s heart. Tyler squinted against the light and pulled a cigarette from his pocket. But then, he seemed to remember that smoking wasn’t allowed here and slipped the cigarette back into the pack.

“Where’s William?” he asked.

Rachel’s lips curled with a hint of mockery. “He’s probably still at home, enjoying his breakfast with his lover.”

Tyler casually flicked his wrist and adjusted his watch, then said thoughtfully, “I heard William took away your position as the director and gave it to Samantha?”

Rachel took a deep breath. “Yes, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t be involved in Project Oasis either way, so whether I’m the director or not doesn’t change anything.” She propped her elbow on her chin, staring up at the blue sky. Her thoughts drifted to what her mother had said before she passed.

Melanie said she wasn’t leaving Rachel. She would always be with her, just in a different way. Maybe right now, she was watching over Rachel from above. “Project Oasis was something my mother worked on for years. She even named it herself. But just when it started to take shape, she passed away. Before she left, I promised her that I would finish the project. I want her to see that happen from wherever she is now.”

However, Rachel never expected that Samantha’s arrival would throw all her plans into chaos.

Tyler leaned back slightly, resting his elbows on the sides of the steps, his posture relaxed and lazy. “Making a move on me won’t help. The problem was never me from the start.”

Rachel let out a soft scoff. Her smile, usually bright and bold, seemed lonely now. “Mr. Hunt, do you really think I can convince William to give me the project? You’re a man, too. You should know that once a man’s heart changes, not even an ox can drag him back.”

“Well, that’s hard to say. Have you tried it?” Tyler delivered the joke with deadpan seriousness, his tone so convincing that one would think he genuinely wanted her to try it.

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Even if I could get him back, I wouldn’t want him.” She was the type of person who loved fully and without hesitation. But once betrayed, she would walk away just as quickly.

Tyler let out a low, rough laugh from his throat. “You’re pretty clear-headed.”

“So, about the project—if you don’t take control of the rights, William won’t let me anywhere near it with how things are now. And with Samantha in the picture, it’ll cause nothing but trouble if I try to force my way in.” Rachel had seen it clearly over the past few weeks. Whether she was at fault or not, Samantha’s tears and tantrums would always make William side with Samantha without question. And then, Rachel would be left silently suffering.

Tyler narrowed his eyes at her, then suddenly exhaled, as if a weight had been lifted. “I can do what you want, but have you thought about the consequences? William will find out the moment I take the rights from him, and you’ll be caught in the crossfire.” The consequences would be far more severe than Rachel realized.

Rachel wasn’t surprised by his warning. Her gaze was steady as she looked at him. “I’ll do whatever it takes. You don’t need to worry about anything else, Mr. Hunt. Just secure the rights.”

Chapter 35