Yvette shot Rachel a vicious glare before walking up to her. Just moments ago, she was still fuming, but now her expression instantly shifted to one of delight, as if she were greeting an old friend. Putting on a fake smile, she looked at Rachel like they were the best of friends.
“Rachel, maybe you shouldn’t get involved in this. You don’t even know how to play shatranj. And besides, didn’t Mr. Denzel just say earlier that whoever wins the match gets to spend the night with him? Don’t tell me you want to…” She lowered her voice deliberately for the last part. “But aren’t you already seeing someone? If you do this, won’t he mind?”
The more innocent and considerate she tried to sound, the more it cast suspicion on Rachel’s character. Yvette’s comment immediately sparked a round of gossip among the crowd.
“She’s Yvette’s sister. If anyone knows the truth about her, it’s her own family.”
“Exactly. I’ve heard rumors before. Wasn’t she linked to Howard Ziegler and Mr. Hunt too?”
“This woman’s really something! She’s managed to get involved with all the most famous men in Yurelia City, and now she’s setting her sights on Mr. Denzel?”
“I heard Mr. Denzel and Mr. Hunt go way back. Isn’t that going to be super awkward?”
Rachel could tune out all the chatter except for that last sentence. It hit her like a jolt of electricity.
‘Wait, what?’
Did Jason and Tyler know each other? Were they childhood friends? It couldn’t be just a coincidence! The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. She suddenly remembered how William used to act around Tyler, nervous and skittish, like a mouse in front of a cat. At the time, it confused her. What kind of connection could make William react like that? If Tyler and Jason were childhood friends, and Jason happened to be William’s uncle, then it all clicked.
William was afraid of Jason, and even more terrified that Tyler might know something and rat him out. Rachel’s thoughts lined up like dominoes. It was all starting to make perfect sense. This time, she was sure she hadn’t picked the wrong target. She couldn’t be bothered about Tyler right now. Even if Jason turned out to be Tyler’s father, she still had to win him over. She had originally planned to ignore Yvette. Someone like Yvette wasn’t even worth the time. But after a moment’s thought, Rachel realized she just couldn’t swallow the insult.
So she slowly turned around, her tone casual and indifferent. “How about I tell you the solution, and you play instead? I’m just interested in the game itself, not spending the night with Mr. Denzel.”
Yvette asked doubtfully, “Really?”
Rachel raised her brow slightly. “Of course. But only if you’re actually interested in Mr. Denzel. If not, then I’d rather not waste the opportunity. There are plenty of other girls here who’d want a shot.”
The other girls immediately joined in the excitement.
“Tell us, tell us! We want to know!”
“Ms. Lloyd, if you’re willing to share, name your price! We’ll pay anything!”
“She’s right, ask for anything. We’ve got plenty of money!”
Rachel’s lips curled into a confident, seductive smile. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned her gaze to Yvette. “‘Yvette, no matter what, you’re still my sister. Naturally, I’ll let you have the first shot at this.”
Yvette definitely wanted the opportunity. Between Jason and Jacob from earlier, only an idiot would pick Jacob. She had no choice but to try and trust Rachel this once.
“Okay, then tell me.”
Rachel saw that Yvette had taken the bait, and her smile widened. With that, she started speaking right in front of everyone.