“I know, this time it really was our mistake. But if the project is solid, why let small things get in the way? I know what you’re capable of, and I don’t think you’d walk away from such a big deal over personal issues.”

Rachel still wasn’t giving up. That was just her nature. Back when she worked at Lewis Enterprise, she used to chase projects for William, juggling multiple partners at once. Of course, some had turned her down, but that was who Rachel was. The harder it was, the more determined she became. She would never quit until the very end.

“Besides, we can always adjust the pricing. Previously, your main concern was that the quoted price was too high. We really do want to work with you. Why don’t you tell me what number you have in mind? As long as we’re not taking too big a loss, we’ll consider it.”

Rachel’s tone was genuine.

Anne looked at her, and suddenly she understood why Tyler liked her so much. She admired that kind of tenacity in Rachel.

“You’re amazing, you know that? You have this natural pull about you, like sunshine. Being around you, people can’t help but get drawn in.”

Rachel just smiled.

“It’s nothing. If what I have can make people around me happier, that’s an honor for me.”

Anne smiled.

“But let me be clear, I’m not signing this contract because of Tyler. I’m signing it because of you. If you hadn’t saved me today, my life would’ve been nothing but darkness moving forward. That’s not something a business deal could ever fix. Think of it as me owing you one. And besides, I’ve realized over the past few days that you’re the kind of person who’d never let me take a loss if we worked together.”

Rachel hadn’t expected this turn of events. The surprise left her a little overwhelmed. She couldn’t help but reach out and squeeze Anne’s hand. Her voice was full of gratitude.

“Thank you, Ms. Charlton! Thank you for choosing to work with us.”

“It’s fine. Just promise me you’ll personally oversee the project from start to finish.”

“I will.”

Tyler and Jerry were standing in the emergency stairwell, smoking. Jerry’s gaze was dark. His presence carried a chill like he had just come back from the depths of hell. He took a long drag from his cigarette, then turned to Tyler.

“I don’t think you can keep Rachel safe. Why don’t you just leave her alone?”

Tyler froze for a split second at the bluntness. His eyes flashed with surprise before he smiled.

“Kid, don’t you think you’re being a little arrogant?”

Jerry really was young, with a cocky, rough-around-the-edges look that made him seem even more like a rebellious kid in front of Tyler.

“Doesn’t matter if I sound that way. The point is, I’m right. Take Howard’s mess, for example. You still let her get hurt. I was with her for years, and nothing like that ever happened. But ever since she got back and you showed up, one bad thing after another has come her way. Doesn’t that all trace back to you?”

Tyler flicked the ash from his cigarette into the nearby trash can. Jerry’s words didn’t rile him up in the slightest. On the contrary, he remained as composed as ever.