Rachel knew she couldn’t back down. She pressed on.

“I know it wasn’t your fault. Those instruments had severe wear and tear. Even the most advanced testing equipment couldn’t–”

“Get out!” Elias suddenly staggered back, bumping into the flower stand behind him. Ceramic pots crashed to the floor and shattered. “Don’t bring that up again!”

The gate slammed shut with a bang. From inside came the sounds of drawers being yanked open. There were loud crashes. It sounded like he was tearing the place apart.

Rachel stood frozen. The folder in her hand was crushed out of shape.

Jerry steadied her arm. “Rachel, let it go. In his state…”

“Let’s just wait.” Her gaze lingered on the tightly shut gate. Her voice was soft. “He’s alone. Maybe he just needs time to calm down.”

The three of them waited outside for nearly an hour, but the villa stayed silent.

As the sun slid past the post, Rachel finally sighed. She pushed the folder through the crack in the gate.

“Let’s head back.”

On the way to the hotel, no one spoke.

The cab crossed the central square where pigeons gathered around the fountain. Rachel looked out the window. Her eyes suddenly welled with tears.

When they stepped into the hotel lobby, they saw Mark sitting on a sofa near the receptionist. There was an unlit cigarette between his fingers. His brows were furrowed.

The moment he saw them, he jumped up and hurried over.

“The receptionist said you left two hours ago. You went to see Elias, didn’t you?”

Rachel lowered her gaze and nodded.

His gaze swept across her face, and he understood immediately. “Didn’t work?”

She nodded again. “He was too agitated. We couldn’t talk at all.”

“Forget that for now.” Mark suddenly grabbed her wrist and pulled her aside before lowering his voice. “Word of your return has already reached the main company.”

He raked a hand through his hair.

“Hannah just called me. She’s pushing to hold you accountable. Best-case scenario, they suspend you. Worst-case, they’ll sue you for leaking trade secrets.”

Jerry and Yale both went pale.

Rachel, however, stayed calm. “It’s fine. I’ll explain to her. I can avoid it once, but not forever.”

“You can’t!” Mark cut in at once. “Hannah’s furious right now. If you show up, you’ll be walking straight into the trap. Let me take it. I’ll say the project transfer was my idea, that I told you to do it. I’ll carry the blame.”

“No.” Rachel shook off his hand. Her tone was sharp and decisive. “The project was mine. The transfer was my decision. It has nothing to do with you.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Mark panicked. “Hannah’s been looking for an excuse to get rid of you! She’ll use this to kick you out of the company for good! If you insist on explaining, you’re basically putting your neck on the chopping block.”

“I’m not letting you take the fall for me.” Rachel looked up firmly. “Mark, you’ve backed me plenty in the company before. I’m not about to let you shoulder this one.”

Mark stared into her stubborn eyes and suddenly remembered the old days in the lab. Even after ten failed experiments, she wouldn’t quit until she figured out the flaw on the eleventh try.

He opened his mouth but swallowed his words.

Finally, he pulled a flash drive from his pocket.

“This might help when the time comes.”

Rachel took it. Her fingertips brushed against the cold metal. “Thanks.”

“What for?” Mark looked away. He sounded awkward. “If you go down, who’s left to fight me for projects?”

Rachel couldn’t help but smile. The heaviness in her chest eased a little.

She glanced at the elevator sign and took a deep breath.

“I’ll head up and rest. You should get back too.”

“Yeah. Don’t carry too much weight on your shoulders.”

Mark gave her shoulder a light pat and left the hotel.

Jerry and Yale looked at Rachel. Worry was written across their faces.

“Rachel…” Jerry began.

“It’s fine. I’ll handle it. Just keep a closer eye on Elias.” She smiled a little before turning around and walking toward the elevator.