Chapter 603 Rachel Was Slapped

As Chandler gulped down the drink, just as Rachel had hoped, a surge of excitement coursed through her veins. Her heart raced, and she feigned nonchalance as she poured herself another glass, downing it in one swift motion.

“This wine isn’t half bad. Want another?” Rachel asked.

The wine had been prepared with Lydia’s help, and though Rachel wasn’t experienced, she figured the more they drank, the better her chances would be.

“No thanks!” Chandler waved his hand dismissively, setting his glass down and heading for the door.

He thought to himself, “Meryl went to comfort Anne. She’s been gone too long – what could be taking her so long?” He needed to find her.

Rachel, sensing Chandler’s departure, quickly fell into step behind him. After a moment, Chandler turned around, irritation flashing in his eyes. “Why are you following me?”

Rachel looked down, feigning innocence. “I… I told you, I don’t know anyone here. You’re the only person I recognize. If I’m not with you, who else am I supposed to stick with?”

Chandler frowned, his mind racing. The Morgan family had been down on their luck for a decade, and invitations to events like this were rare. She had only received an invitation from the Paltrow family because Dante was throwing a lavish banquet for Kaveckter, handing out invites to anyone who crossed his path.

“Since you don’t know anyone, I’ll just have Wicker take you home. No need for you to feel awkward here,” Chandler said, reaching for his phone. Just as he pulled it out, a wave of dizziness hit him. The room swayed, and he stumbled slightly.

“Chandler, what’s wrong?” Rachel’s eyes lit up with concern. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She quickly steadied him, wrapping an arm around his. “Did you drink too much? Let me help you to the lounge, okay?”

With a rosy flush on her cheeks, Rachel looked almost enchanting, and it was hard for anyone to refuse her.

Chandler furrowed his brow. Ever since he took over Galaxy Holdings Group, he’d encountered plenty of people trying to pull a fast one on him. But in just a few seconds, he sensed something was off; this wasn’t just the effects of alcohol.

Something within him was stirred – like a hungry wolf in need of solace to fill an aching void. His expression hardened as he realized the implications. He shot Rachel a cold, piercing look, as if it could cut through her facade. Steadying himself, he pushed her away. “Did you spike my drink?”

Rachel’s heart dropped. “Chandler, what are you talking about? I don’t understand. Spike it with what?”

But as soon as she spoke, she felt it too. A tingling sensation spread through her lower abdomen, her legs felt weak, and she struggled to maintain her balance. With a feigned vulnerability, she leaned toward Chandler, her voice soft and pleading. “Chandler, I don’t feel so good.”

Internally, she thought, “Lydia really outdid herself with this stuff. I only had a small glass, but I feel like I’m about to burst into flames. I poured Chandler a full glass – he must be feeling worse than I am right now.”

Chandler’s brow furrowed deeply as he scrutinized Rachel’s flushed face, trying to discern whether she was playing a role or genuinely in distress. He mused, “She looks just as affected as I am. Could it be she really didn’t know anything? But this feels too coincidental to be an accident.”

Rachel’s cheeks were burning, and Chandler, torn between suspicion and concern, grabbed her arm to lead her to the lounge, intending to call for help. But just then, Rachel boldly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Chandler froze, his expression stiffening. At that moment, Lydia and Dalton happened to walk by. At the sight of the two of them being so close, Dalton’s face darkened immediately. He mused, “After stealing the woman I love, Uncle Chandler doesn’t even realize he should cherish her. It looks like he’s getting cozy with Rachel!”

Lydia gasped, her voice rising on purpose. “Chandler, you… you two…”

Before she could say more, Dalton clamped a hand over her mouth, shooting her a fierce look. “Shut up!” he hissed.

Inside, Dalton was desperate to keep this situation under wraps. He wanted to be with Meryl, but the thought of her finding out about Chandler and Rachel made his stomach churn. Meryl was five months pregnant, and the last thing she needed was the added stress of her husband’s infidelity.

“Just keep your mouth shut!” Dalton whispered urgently.

Lydia nodded, and Dalton finally released her. He shot a quick glance at Chandler. Without uttering a word, he grabbed Lydia’s arm, pulling her away.

Chandler, meanwhile, was feeling lightheaded and barely noticed Dalton and Lydia slipping away. He was more focused on Rachel, who was pressing against him, her body radiating an unsettling warmth.

“Chandler, I feel so awful. What should I do? Can you help me?” she pleaded, starting to tug at her clothing.

In truth, Rachel was mostly sober, with just a slight buzz from the wine. The rest of her act was just that – an act. But Chandler was genuinely struggling. The drink was hitting him harder than Chandler expected, leaving him in a state of confusion. He gripped his thigh, trying to maintain some semblance of clarity.

“Rachel, listen to me. You need to go to the lounge and wait. I’m calling an ambulance,” he insisted, his voice firm.

But Rachel wasn’t having it. She clung to him, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. “Why would we need an ambulance? Is something wrong with the drinks? I feel strange, but I don’t want to go anywhere!”

She was putting on a show, clearly trying to draw him in. “Chandler, you seem… different. Is it just me, or do you feel something too?”

Her gaze dropped, lingering on his abdomen. “Do you like me? You’re feeling it, aren’t you?”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Chandler snapped, pushing her away with more force than he intended.

He was struggling to reconcile his feelings. Just moments ago, he had thought that Rachel was just as much a victim as he was. But now, everything was becoming crystal clear. He looked at her, disappointment etched across his face. “This is ridiculous!”

Chandler had always been lenient with Rachel because of Andy, but that didn’t mean he would tolerate her trying to manipulate him. This crossed a line. If he lost control and something happened between them, how would he ever face Meryl?

“Rachel, you’re Andy’s sister. I’ve been patient with you, but how could you use my feelings for your brother against me? Have you forgotten what I told you? Being a homewrecker isn’t something to be proud of. You’re young, attractive, and talented with the violin. Why not focus on finding a real relationship? I’m not the only man in the world!”

Rachel’s face flushed with embarrassment at his words. Tears welled in her eyes as she protested, “Chandler, what are you talking about? I’m not trying to manipulate you!”

She still refused to admit her involvement in this mess, clinging to her innocence. Chandler studied her intently, his gaze unyielding. Rachel’s tears streamed down her cheeks, and the drug’s effects were clouding her judgment. She felt dizzy and desperate, wanting to defend herself while simultaneously inching closer to him.

Just as she tried to wrap her arms around him again, a sharp slap echoed through the air. It was Meryl, her hand stinging from the force of the blow.