Chapter 8

As soon as Tessa hung up, she looked at Randall. He immediately understood, saying, “You want me to handle Matthew? No problem. I’ll find a way to rough him up for Xavier. More importantly, we need to secure our partnership with the Carters. I have a contact at Wealthwave Group; we can meet him tomorrow.” Tessa nodded, finding herself increasingly drawn to Randall. He anticipated her needs and acted decisively. His connections, extending even to Wealthwave Group, made Matthew seem insignificant in comparison. Leaving Matthew for Randall felt like the best decision she'd ever made. Her mood brightened considerably.

The next day, after dropping Lorraine off at kindergarten, Matthew went to Wealthwave Group. Lillian had urged him to be proactive and charm Rachel, describing her as lovely. He'd agreed to appease her, though he knew it was impossible. Tessa had left him heartbroken, making him hesitant to fully commit again. He had no intention of courting Rachel, leaving marriage to fate.

Meanwhile, in Wealthwave Group's president's office, a flicker of unease crossed Rachel's usually composed demeanor. “What should I do, Tracy? Matthew is lecherous. He tried to undress me when we first met, and now this. I don't want to deal with him, but I need something from him, so I can't just dismiss him.” Tracy, Rachel's secretary and best friend, comforted her. “Bear with it. If he misbehaves, I'll get rid of him before you can blink!” she said, waving her fist playfully. Reassured, Rachel asked, “What kind of work will you arrange?” Tracy frowned. “We're a pharmaceutical company; there aren't many suitable roles for a doctor. Maybe your chauffeur?” Rachel recoiled. “No way! What if he loses control while driving? That's asking for trouble!” Tracy chuckled. “You're an adult, yet you haven't experienced being with a man. Have a little fun!” Rachel blushed. “Oh, you! What are you talking about?” Tracy smiled. “I see right through you, Rae. You've wanted this, haven't you?” Rachel playfully swatted at her. “You little minx! You're the one thinking about men, and blaming me? You're asking for it!” Tracy laughed. “Alright, alright, I'll stop. Let's focus on Matthew. He should be your chauffeur. If you want to see him, he drives you. Otherwise, take another car. You decide.” Rachel nodded. “Agreed.”

The elevator doors dinged, and Matthew stepped out, heading straight for the president's office. Rachel was writing, impeccably dressed in a suit with subtle makeup and alluring red lips. She seemed even more beautiful and confident than the day before. Matthew hesitated, unsure how to break the silence. Rachel looked up, surprised, then her expression hardened. “Oh, you're here.” He murmured his agreement and entered, sitting opposite her. Following Lillian's advice, he tried to flatter her. “You look absolutely gorgeous today.” Her expression hardened further. “Is that so?” His gaze drifted to her chest, briefly focusing on the third button. Her brow furrowed. He was indeed a scoundrel with wandering eyes. “Where are you looking?” he muttered, his gaze falling involuntarily on the third button again, noticing it strained against the fabric of her white shirt. “I didn't mean anything by it, but perhaps you should consider wearing something other than shirts. Sometimes things that are… well-endowed… can cause buttons to pop open.” Her face flushed with anger. “How dare you say that again?” Realizing another misunderstanding, he quickly changed the subject. “I’m here to meet you, but I can’t just sit idle. Please assign me some work.” She replied curtly, “You'll be my chauffeur. Here are the keys.” She pushed the keys across the desk. He caught them just as they were about to slide off. “Where's the car?” She was surprised he'd managed to catch them. “It's in the underground parking lot. Get out of here!” she waved dismissively. He stood, pausing at the doorway. “You’re really too well-endowed; it’s not ideal for wearing shirts.” “You scoundrel!” she panted.

Tracy entered. “What’s going on? Why are you so worked up?” Rachel snapped, “That scoundrel said my… is too big! And that I shouldn’t wear shirts!” Tracy stared at Rachel's chest. “Well, it does look… bigger. How did you do that?” Rachel yelled, “Get out!” Tracy chuckled. “Alright, alright, I’m leaving!”

In the basement parking lot, Matthew pressed the key fob. A brand-new pink car's lights flashed. Pink? He grimaced; it was far too effeminate. A car pulled up beside it, and Tessa stepped out, spotting him immediately. “What are you doing here?” He gave her a cold look, remaining silent. He wanted to cut all ties. Seeing his silence, she remembered Xavier’s beating. “You used to be a gentleman, Matthew, not someone who resorts to violence. After the divorce, you've shown your true nature. Even if you were upset about the divorce, you shouldn't have taken it out on Xavier!” His gaze grew colder. “You're misinterpreting it. He deserved it. In fact, I think I went easy on him last time!” Tessa trembled with rage. He'd become domineering, irrational, and ruthless. He'd hurt Xavier after the divorce! “You’ve let me down! You shouldn’t have hurt Xavier! He’s my brother!” He grew angrier. “Even if it had been your father, I would’ve beaten him up!” Xavier's repeated break-ins and abuse of Lorraine had aged Lillian and Stanley considerably. He would hit anyone who dared to do such things. There would be no leniency.