Chapter 144: The Cautious Rebecca

Isabella fidgeted, clearly seeking an excuse to leave. The Quirk family was equally uneasy, also searching for a reason to depart.

Suddenly, David had an idea. Feigning surprise, he pulled out his phone. "Alexander mentioned that a friend's restaurant just received a shipment of high-quality ingredients. He suggested we go to dinner—immediately!" Selena quickly interjected, "Which hotel?"

"The King Hotel," David replied, simultaneously texting Alexander to confirm their story.

Isabella jolted at the hotel's name. Evian immediately suggested, "Then let's go to dinner." Rosalie nodded in agreement. Christopher swiftly pulled Callahan to her feet, saying, "I'll tell the driver to get the car ready." Only Callahan looked bewildered.

Isabella thought, "Damn, what are the odds?" The Quirk family stiffened. Are we trying too hard?

Isabella thought, "It seems even the heavens are helping us rescue Rebecca!" The Quirk family collectively sighed in relief and sprang into action.

Alexander, busy with paperwork, glanced at his phone message and fell silent. He quickly finished his work before joining his family.

Their grand arrival at the hotel was a relief; its excellent privacy was essential. Given Christopher and Isabella's popularity, even disguised, they risked recognition. While waiting, they overheard Isabella's inner thoughts:

"We arrived just in time. They're still in the restaurant, discussing things. The drug has been slipped into the coffee, but luckily, it hasn't been consumed yet."

Panic gripped the Quirk family. The drug had already been administered; they had to act quickly.

Responding to Isabella's thoughts, they found a nearby private booth. The restaurant's semi-enclosed partitions made it difficult to see inside unless passing by, but conversation could be overheard.

However, there was no conversation taking place. So focused on eavesdropping, Isabella missed this anomaly. She considered how to casually encounter Rebecca and prevent her from drinking the coffee, if necessary.

From the other side, Rebecca's cool, detached voice echoed:

"Mrs. Gonzales, you're aware of the situation. I assure you, there's nothing between your husband and me. The online speculation is true. I won't blame you both; I hope we can end this. I've moved on, and I don't wish further entanglement."

How shameless, the Quirks thought. Ruth clearly used the threat of harassment to manipulate Rebecca into meeting. Otherwise, Rebecca wouldn't have agreed. Unwilling to trouble her agency, she chose to handle the situation herself. The Quirk family frowned; Rebecca still hadn't learned that her agent and studio could manage such issues. She was instinctively going it alone.

What a fool, they thought. If something were to happen… The Quirk family shook their heads, disapproving of Rebecca's actions.

"Heh, women like you are nothing but temptresses. You caused the breakup, yet play innocent. You made him fall for you; that's your fault. Who asked you to flaunt your looks?"

Rebecca declared, "I'm not at fault; it's him, it's you, but certainly not me!" The eavesdroppers sighed in relief. Well said!

"You seriously think you did nothing wrong?"

"Someone told me," she said, "being beautiful is a blessing. The world is at fault, not me. I shouldn't have to reflect on others' mistakes."

"Do you have any idea how much we loved each other before you?"

Love? the Quirk family thought. The kind where he uses filming as an excuse to avoid sharing a room for half a year? Or where he lives off her earnings, manipulating and criticizing her?

Rebecca ignored her pointless chatter. "This is between you two. I only ask that you stop bothering me."

Chapter 144: The Cautious Rebecca (Continued)

Ruth continued to speak, seemingly venting endlessly.

By this time, the Quirk family had ordered drinks. They exchanged glances and whispered. They knew who they were dealing with, so secrecy was no longer necessary. Has Ruth always been this chatty? Is she stalling? I wonder what Gordon's up to?

The Quirk family grew curious.

Darn it! Gordon, nervous, had already drunk several cups of tea Ruth prepared in the hotel room. The drug's effects were kicking in, and he was drowsy. The Quirk family was speechless.

Ruth, realizing Gordon wasn't responding, chuckled derisively. She stopped talking, picked up her coffee, and took a sip. Rebecca didn't reciprocate the customary pause.

Ruth frowned slightly. With sorrow and resentment, she said, "Perhaps you're right, it's our fault… but I truly am…"

"It's good you understand; I'm not here to blame you," Rebecca said, her voice softening.

"Heh heh… You've talked so much, aren't you thirsty, Ms. Yancey? Have a drink. I ordered this especially for you. It's my favorite, a unique coffee only found here." The Quirks tensed.

Isabella started to stand, but Rebecca said, "I'm sorry, I can't."

Isabella froze, sitting down, confused.

"What?" Ruth was clearly surprised.

Rebecca's smile faded. "Since entering the workforce," she said, "I've heard much advice. One is, never touch a drink not under my watchful eye."

A lightbulb went off. Everyone exchanged impressed glances. The advice was invaluable, especially for the women: never let food or drink out of sight.

Rebecca hadn't ordered the coffee; it was already there. She wouldn't drink something she hadn't seen prepared.

Haha, I thought Rebecca was careless, but she wouldn't have gotten this far without caution. No need for me to step in.

Ruth's face contorted. "Ms. Yancey, I was trying to bury the hatchet, but you're showing no respect!"

Oh, using your status to intimidate? Your reputation is worth nothing!

Isabella considered intervening, but Rebecca asked, "Is there something in this coffee?" Silence fell.