Chapter 11

Rachel was taken aback. Matthew's declaration that they were in a relationship caught her completely off guard. She'd never been in this situation before. Was he staking a claim on her? Embarrassment and annoyance flushed her face. She was only doing this for Fred's sake and didn't want rumors spreading that she was involved with someone like Matthew. A hint of anger glowed in her delicate features. "You didn't have to announce our relationship to everyone," she said, her beauty softening the words, giving them a coy, almost playful quality. It was captivating.

Larry's jaw dropped. He had always seen Rachel as the icy, unapproachable president. Many employees wondered if she ever smiled. Now, he saw a softer, more vulnerable side. It dawned on him that Matthew might actually be her boyfriend. The thought—a mere driver dating the billionaire president—was almost unbelievable, but the scene left little room for doubt. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Larry's face turned ashen. "Mr.—Mr. Grant, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize who you were. Please don't hold this against me." Regret overwhelmed him. He had unknowingly provoked Rachel's boyfriend. This was a disaster!

Matthew's tone remained cold and biting. "Just moments ago, you were telling me to get lost." Larry trembled, slapping himself. "I was blind and ignorant, Mr. Grant. I failed to recognize you. I was a fool! It was all my fault. Please, forgive me." His self-reproach echoed with each slap.

The three security guards, now painfully aware of their mistake, scrambled to apologize. "Mr. Grant, it was all Mr. Scott's doing. He demanded we chase you away. Please don't be angry with us. We beg you, don't fire us." They valued their generous benefits at Wealthwave Group. The thought of losing their jobs was unbearable. Larry, having ordered Matthew's removal, deeply regretted his actions.

After regaining her composure, Rachel turned her icy gaze to Larry. "Larry, what exactly is happening here?" Larry stuttered. Matthew recounted the events, and Rachel's anger boiled. "Larry, I'm shocked at your treatment of our employees. If everyone else had your leadership skills, this company would be doomed. You're fired. Finish the paperwork," she ordered. Larry, unable to protest, left, utterly defeated.

Rachel then addressed the security guards sternly. "As for you three, you are employed to work for the company, not as anyone's personal henchman. You're fired as well. Go to HR and process your terminations." The bruised and now unemployed guards cursed their luck.

Once everyone had left, Rachel turned to Matthew. "I never expected this to happen. I might see you as a bit of a troublemaker, but I would never condone my staff harassing you. I hope you can trust me." Fred's recovery depended on Matthew, and she feared he might leave in anger. She couldn't bear losing him at such a crucial time. Matthew harbored no doubts about Rachel, having seen Tessa and Randall leaving Larry's office earlier. He figured they had influenced Larry. He smiled. "I trust you."

Rachel breathed a sigh of relief. Matthew, she realized, might not be so bad after all. He had single-handedly subdued three security guards, demonstrating his strength and courage. "Thank you for trusting me. Trust is essential in any relationship. Speaking of which, you mentioned needing a century-old eldernroot for my grandfather's treatment. We found a supplier. Will it really help cure him?"

Matthew shook his head. "No."

"No?" Rachel's eyes widened. "Then why did you have us procure it?"

Matthew remained calm. "While it won't cure him, it can stabilize his condition until I can administer proper treatment."

Rachel's chest heaved. Fred's life hung in the balance, and Matthew had the audacity to joke. He had gone too far! Just as she was about to retort, she heard a snap. The third button of her blouse had popped off, exposing her cleavage. Matthew's eyes widened.

Taking in the unexpected turn of events, Matthew saw his chance to clear the air. His face lit up. "See? I told you not to wear shirts that tight. It's not my fault the buttons can't handle it."

Rachel blushed, covering herself. "How could you still laugh at a time like this?"

Matthew chuckled. "I'm just saying I didn't unbutton your shirt last time. It happened all on its own. Just like now."

Rachel's face flushed crimson, realizing she might have unfairly accused him. She was embarrassed. When she saw Matthew smirking, she huffed. "Fine! It wasn't you." She turned and hurried away, mortified.

Matthew picked up the button and watched her go.

Back in her office, Rachel ran into Tracy. "Oh my gosh! I'm so embarrassed. My button popped open while I was talking to Matthew."

Tracy clicked her tongue. "Wow, those girls were eager to make an appearance after over 20 years in the dark, huh?"

Fuming, Rachel gritted her teeth. "I think I misjudged him. It seems he didn't unbutton my shirt last time."

Tracy smiled. "Well, it's a good thing if he's not as bad as you thought. Especially with your engagement coming up soon, it's good to clear things up."

Thinking about Matthew's comment, Rachel chuckled. Her icy demeanor melted, and a radiant smile lit up her face. "He seems like a decent guy. I want to get to know him better. I'll invite him to lunch today."

Tracy was surprised. "Wait. You… You're going to make the first move?"

Meanwhile, in a café, Tessa raised her coffee cup to Randall. "Thank you. If it hadn't been for your connection with Larry, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to meet Ms. Carter so quickly."

Randall sipped his coffee. "Your lucky days are just beginning now that you've left Matthew. With my help, securing a deal with Wealthwave Group will be a breeze."

Just then, Randall's phone rang. He picked it up and glanced at Tessa. "Look, it's Larry. He must have set up your meeting with Ms. Carter."