If Rachel hadn’t seen Howard with her own eyes, she might have completely forgotten about him.

At first, Howard only noticed Tyler. But as he walked closer, he spotted Rachel.

A cigarette dangled from Howard’s lips. He wore a black shirt with the collar flung open carelessly, revealing his collarbone, a prominent Adam’s apple, and sharp jawlines. Through the haze of smoke, his playful gaze locked onto her.

“Tsk, tsk. If it isn’t Rachel? Five years gone and you’ve blossomed. You’re different now. Classier. Prettier, too.”

Rachel’s expression remained cold. She hadn’t given Howard the time of day five years ago, and she sure wasn’t about to now.

She lowered her head and sipped her coffee without even sparing him a glance.

As for Tyler, who was seated across from her, he didn’t even look at Howard.

Howard didn’t feel the least bit awkward. Instead, he strolled right up to Rachel and reached out to touch her cheek.

“Come on now, Rachel. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten everything, like what almost happened between us on that hill–argh!”

Before he could finish, there was a high-pitched scream.

Tyler raised his brows slightly. Rachel had seized Howard’s wrist mid-air, and with a swift twist, a sickening sound came from his joints. It was followed by another howl of pain.

Her expression didn’t change, but her icy gaze gleamed like blades. She smiled and gave him a scornful look.

“Howard, did you really think I’m still the same Rachel from five years ago, just all bark and no bite?”

Tyler’s eyes narrowed with interest. He hadn’t expected a second round of entertainment right after dinner.

He picked up a piece of meat with his fork and popped it into his mouth, chewing it slowly.

“Not bad,” he commented calmly.

Howard tried to break free, but was stunned by how strong Rachel’s grip was. He couldn’t shake her off. Meanwhile, Tyler sat there, calmly enjoying his food and completely unbothered.

Howard lost it.

“Tyler! What the hell? Can you quit eating for a second and tell her to let go? Seriously? You’re just going to sit there and watch?!” he roared.

Tyler looked up indifferently. His tone was nonchalant as he said, “Her hand, not mine. Do you expect me to control her body?”

He didn’t spare Howard a glance and continued eating. He seemed awfully satisfied.

“You run your mouth like that. What’s happening now seems pretty fair, don’t you think?”

The meaning was clear–Howard had brought this upon himself.

It finally clicked in Howard’s head. He realized just how stupid he had been. Tyler was his sworn enemy. Of course the guy would want Rachel to mess him up!

Howard clenched his jaw. “Rachel, I’m warning you. If something happens to me here today, my grandfather won’t let you off the hook. Just ask Tyler!”

Rachel sneered and released his wrist. “Relax. I wasn’t planning to hurt you that badly. No need to drag your grandfather into this. But let’s be real, Howard. Without your grandfather’s protection, what are you really? Just nobody.”

Howard’s veins were visible on his face. His eyes darkened with rage. “Rachel!”

“Are you planning to hit a woman now, Mr. Ziegler?” Rachel’s gaze was unwavering, firm, and fearless.

Tyler, apparently full and satisfied, finally set down his fork.

“Howard,” he said, his tone nonchalant, “if this gets out of hand, your grandfather might decide to ship you back overseas. Do you really want to screw up your little homecoming this fast?”

Howard’s eyes flashed with frustration. Of all things, he hadn’t expected to be humiliated by a woman today.

Just then, his assistant burst in, clearly having heard the commotion.

“Sir, we should get to the hospital. If this gets worse, I won’t be able to explain this to your grandfather.”

The assistant’s arrival gave Howard a much-needed exit. Still fuming, he pointed angrily at Rachel. A devilish smile appeared on his face.

“Rachel, you’re getting more interesting by the day. Very well. We’ve got plenty of time!”