Yvonne was taken aback. She looked at Matthew, then at Rachel, shaking her head. “Impossible. He’s from Lambda City. It’s his first time in Kholtwood. There’s no way he could know people from those two families. Besides, how could a doctor have such influence?” She couldn’t believe a doctor could have more sway with the two families than Rachel, the president of Wealthwave.

Rachel sighed. “Mom, do I have reason to lie to you?”

She was right. Yvonne looked at Matthew in disbelief. If Rachel said so, it must be true. She realized she had completely misjudged him and deeply regretted her actions. She had never held such a grand birthday celebration and didn’t want it to become a joke where Rachel lost her position. After all, Rachel was her pride and joy.

Yvonne looked at Matthew and said embarrassedly, “Well, in that case, I’ll need to trouble you to handle receiving the Lloyds and Whites during the party.”

Matthew didn’t respond; he was clearly still angry.

Noticing the tension, Rachel stepped in. “Mom, Dad, you guys continue your meal. I’ll take Matthew upstairs for a bath.” She tugged on Matthew’s hand and led him upstairs.

Yvonne sat down and glared at Martin. “Didn’t you say Matthew was a good-for-nothing? You said he was just freeloading and tricked Rachel into getting engaged to him.”

“It turns out he’s more capable than her. You’ve put me in a tough spot! I was so embarrassed just now!”

Still frowning, Martin said, “I think something’s off. Rachel must be lying to protect him. Otherwise, how could a country bumpkin from Lambda City know such big shots in Kholtwood?”

Malcolm and Quinn were drinking in their living room. Malcolm put down his glass. “Quinn, at the birthday party, you should first humiliate Matthew, then reveal his history as a divorced man with a child and a criminal record. Finally, have Mr. Lloyd show his support for you. Once we do that, we’ll have the presidency in the bag. Here’s to the future president!”

Quinn raised his glass with a smile. “If I’m president, you’ll be the president’s father. Cheers!”

Malcolm couldn’t stop laughing.

Rachel stopped at the bathroom door. “Matthew, I’m sorry. I’ll talk to my mom. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Though Matthew still felt a little uneasy, he couldn’t stay angry at her sincerity. “Alright. I won’t take it to heart.”

Noticing his lingering displeasure, Rachel smiled and said, “I take a bath when I’m upset. It makes me happy. I’ll go in first, then you can have your turn.” With that, she waved and entered the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, she came out, a towel wrapped around her head and body, accentuating her stunning figure. Water droplets clung to her shoulders; her skin glowed, her flushed face making her look seductive.

Matthew felt his mouth go dry.

Rachel noticed his reaction and blushed. “I’m done. Your turn.”

Matthew snapped out of it and entered the bathroom. He was immediately taken aback. On the edge of the bathtub hung a pair of panties, and a matching bra was on the rack. Both were bright red, a stark contrast to Rachel’s usual cold demeanor.