Jerry hesitated for a moment. Then, he said carefully, “Rachel, it hasn’t been easy for you to get this far. Maybe you should think twice. Starting over isn’t easy.”

Jerry hadn’t been by her side every day, but he knew her well. He knew the struggles behind her polished exterior, the years of hardship and sacrifices she had endured to get where she was. For everyone else, it looked effortless, but Jerry knew how much she had poured into her success.

Now, with just one decision, all that effort could be at risk.

But Rachel’s resolve was firm. “No. Do it the way I said. Calculate everything, then send it to my phone.”

Jerry sighed, realizing further persuasion would be pointless.

“Got it.”

He hung up.

Rachel immediately called Cecilia.

“When are you coming?” Rachel asked.

“I’m on my way. Give me a minute.”

“Good. And come with me somewhere.”

By the time Cecilia caught on, they were already standing outside the Ziegler family estate. Cecilia shook her head in disbelief and glanced at Rachel.

“Rachel, why are we here? What do you think you’re doing?”

“The Ziegler family has already made a move. I also understand why Steven is targeting Tyler.”

Steven tried to force Tyler to hand Rachel over, but Tyler refused. That was Steven’s opening move.

Before Cecilia could protest, Rachel took a step forward.

“Rachel! Stop! You’re walking straight into a trap! These people would love nothing more than to tear you apart. If it were anyone else, they’d already be gone. You can’t just walk in there!”

Rachel gently tugged at Cecilia’s hand while shaking her head. “Cecilia, this isn’t something you can handle. I have to talk to Steven myself.”

Cecilia grabbed her arm again, reluctant to let go. “I know I can’t stop you, but at least let me come with you.”

Rachel’s gaze softened. “Cecilia…”

Cecilia cleared her throat, a bit embarrassed by the emotional moment. “Alright, alright. Usually, you tell me not to get all sentimental, and now here we are. Let’s go.”

Inside, Rachel finally came face-to-face with Steven. He held a cup of coffee, radiating authority and cold control—more imposing even than Thomas.

But it made sense. If Steven didn’t command that kind of presence, how could he intimidate someone like Howard?

His sharp gaze was fixed on Rachel, calm but intimidating. “I didn’t expect you to come here yourself.”

Rachel didn’t bother with pleasantries. The Ziegler family had already cornered Tyler. There was no point in playing games. “You’re mistaken. I didn’t come here to let you do whatever you want with me.”

Steven paused mid-sip, a hint of a smirk forming. “Oh? So you didn’t come to let me handle you however I see fit. Did you come to negotiate terms instead?”

Rachel recognized the subtle mockery in his tone. He was confident. Tyler still hadn’t returned, which meant he already had the upper hand.

Rachel shook her head. “I’m not here to negotiate, either.”

Steven’s interest visibly piqued. “Then what are you here for?”

Rachel’s expression remained calm. She sounded almost casual, but what she said next caught even Cecilia completely off guard.