NovelDrama Chapter 2
Now that Fred had found a way to address two issues simultaneously, a broad grin spread across his face. Settling back into the car, he instructed the chauffeur, “Step on it! Return to the company at once!”
Meanwhile, guided by Rachel’s secretary, Tracy Lauder, Tessa entered the president’s office at Wealthwave Group. She was instantly awestruck by Rachel. With delicate crescent eyebrows, smooth marble skin, and a captivating figure, Rachel possessed a beauty that was undeniably striking, yet she maintained an air of icy detachment, radiating a serene, ethereal grace. Tessa, herself a successful and beautiful businesswoman, felt a pang of inferiority she’d never experienced before. Rachel’s youth, affluence, and allure eclipsed her own.
Rachel, noticing Tessa’s silence, reminded her, “You only have ten minutes, so please get straight to the details of your project.” Tessa, jolted from her reverie, apologized, “I’m so sorry, Ms. Carter. Allow me to introduce myself. I am—” Before she could finish, the phone rang. Rachel answered, gesturing for Tessa to be quiet. “Hey, Grandpa! Did you get to meet the doctor?”
Fred, having been unable to wait for a meeting, had called Rachel. “Rae! You’ve got to drop everything. There’s a life-or-death situation for both of us. You’re the only one who can handle this!”
Rachel immediately understood the urgency. Jumping to her feet, she moved toward the door, continuing the conversation. “Grandpa, I’m heading to the elevator now. I’ll be there soon. Please tell me exactly what you need.”
“I’ve found a promising young man for you! He’s single. You should meet him immediately. Ideally, get engaged right away.”
Rachel was taken aback. “You’ve randomly found a guy and want me to get engaged? Isn’t that too rash? Don’t worry so much about your illness, Grandpa. We’ll find a cure. And you don’t need to worry about me. I’ll find a boyfriend soon. Everything will work out.” She assumed Fred was preparing for his death and patiently comforted him.
Fred, however, realized his intentions had been misunderstood. Matthew's unfazed reaction to his billion-dollar offer had revealed an extraordinary individual. Fred’s primary concern was his own mortality. While accepting his age, he didn't want to die so soon, especially with the internal strife within the Carter family. None of his descendants could manage Wealthwave Group, yet all coveted it. Fred's death would likely lead to the company’s collapse, a prospect he couldn't bear. He pleaded, “Please humor me, Rae. This is my final wish. I’ve never forced you, and my intuition is always right. I built this empire from nothing, amassing billions. My judgment is sound. Please do this for me, Rae! I’m begging you!”
Hearing this, Rachel’s heart ached. Fred, a man of immense pride and resilience who had built his empire from selling soda, was now pleading with her. Tears welled in her eyes. With a heavy heart, she said, “Please don’t say that, Grandpa. I’ll do as you say. I’ll get engaged to whoever you choose, alright?”
Tessa, meanwhile, was dumbfounded as Rachel left. Ten days she’d waited for this appointment, only to be dismissed before even introducing herself. Tracy entered. “Ms. Carter is unavailable. Please leave.”
Tessa, reluctant to depart, protested, “I haven’t even stated my purpose! Why did Ms. Carter leave?”
Tracy retorted coldly, “Is Ms. Carter obligated to explain herself to you? Know your place!”
Humiliated, Tessa dared not reply. Tracy’s influence was too great to risk angering her. She apologized, “Please forgive my rudeness. May I ask when I can meet Ms. Carter again?”
“You’ll need to make another appointment,” Tracy replied curtly.
The prospect of another ten-day wait filled Tessa with dread. Maintaining a polite facade, she forced a smile. “I’ll make another appointment. Apologies for the inconvenience. Have a good day.” She left, feeling humiliated.
Returning to Silverbrook Village after three years, Matthew was overwhelmed. Familiar faces scurried away as if he were contagious. The village was unchanged, yet he felt like an outcast. He trudged home, head bowed. At his doorstep, he stopped. The front gate was collapsed; furniture was scattered across the courtyard; the faucet was destroyed. It appeared his home had been ransacked. His parents, Lillian Lambert and Stanley Grant, and Lorraine were nowhere to be found. Panicked, he shouted, “Mom, Dad! Is anyone here?”
The door creaked open, revealing his parents, their hair graying significantly. They rushed to him. “You’re finally back, Matt!”
Matthew was stunned by their aged appearance. His heart ached with guilt. He knelt, saying, “Mom, Dad, I’ve failed you.”
Lillian helped him up. “Why are you kneeling? It’s wonderful to have you back, Matt. You must have suffered. You’ve lost so much weight! Are you hungry? I’ll make pasta.”
Matthew took her hand. “I’m not hungry, Mom. Where’s Lori? Is she sleeping?”
Lillian’s expression faltered. “You’ve just been released, Matt. Don’t be rash. Xavier came and took her.”
Stanley interjected, “She was practically snatched! Xavier Sanders and ten men barged in, smashed everything, and took Lori! They said if you don’t divorce Tessa, we won’t see Lori again!”
Matthew clenched his fists. “How dare they?”
Stanley sighed, explaining Tessa’s regular visits and demands for a divorce, the destruction of their home.
Matthew’s face contorted with fury. “I’m going after them!”
Lillian warned, “Don’t do anything rash, Matt. You’ve just gotten out of prison.”
Matthew reassured her, “It’s alright, Mom. I’ll get Lori back. I’ve already signed the divorce agreement.”
Lillian sighed, “It’s probably for the best. Hurry and bring Lori back.”
Matthew left. Lillian worried, “Matt kept his head down the whole time. He’s always been sentimental. All he got for going to jail for Tessa is a divorce. I’m worried.”
Stanley sighed, “Me too. Maybe getting him back into the dating scene would help. Why don’t you speak to the matchmaker?”
A luxury car pulled up. Rachel helped Fred out. “Excuse me. Is this the residence of the miracle doctor, Matthew Grant?”
Stanley replied, “My son’s name is Matthew Grant, but he’s not a miracle doctor.”
Fred explained learning of Matthew’s divorce and his desire to arrange a marriage between Matthew and Rachel. Stanley and Lillian, worried about Matthew, were receptive. They were impressed by Rachel and readily agreed. Stanley asked about Fred’s proposal. After Fred explained Matthew could save his life, Stanley’s reservations vanished. “We’re on board. We can arrange a blind date.”
Fred, anxious for treatment, proposed, “Let’s strike while the iron is hot. His divorce is finalized tomorrow. Rachel can wait for him at the courthouse and pick him up for the blind date.”