Chapter 82

Just like that, Jeffrey's pride in gaining entry to the club vanished. After many years, the woman he liked most ended up with Matthew. This was the greatest insult Jeffrey had ever faced; worse, in his mind, than death itself. Furious, he clenched his teeth and snarled, "You're courting death, Matthew."

William had told Jeffrey not to lay a hand on Matthew. Otherwise, Jeffrey would have long since sent his men after him. Jeffrey couldn't believe a man like Matthew—poor and seemingly unaware of his place—kept pushing his buttons until the urge to kill him flared again.

With a grim expression, Matthew spat, "I warned you. Don't mess with me. I don't pick fights, and I hate holding grudges, but I won't tolerate your bullshit."

Jeffrey coldly scoffed. "Cut the crap. I'll keep messing with you. What can you do about it? You're a nobody, and your words are laughable. You'll regret it if you don't stay away from Rachel."

Matthew realized Jeffrey wouldn't give up. He was about to respond, but fell silent as Rachel approached. She handed him a card. "You can come in now."

Matthew refused the membership card. "I don't want it. I won't be coming back."

Rachel was about to say something, but after glancing at Jeffrey, she swallowed her words and returned the card to her bag.

Jeffrey noticed this exchange and grew even more upset. Rachel, a cold beauty, usually dismissed him, yet she was so patient with Matthew. He puzzled over what had gone wrong, when a thought struck him—was sleeping together truly the quickest way to a woman's heart?

The thought enraged him. Rachel had always been cold to men, yet she seemed to be... another woman entirely. After getting into her bed, she was just a plaything. Jeffrey resolved to seize the Carter family's wealth, then treat Rachel as if she were beneath contempt. He would do everything in his power to make her life miserable.

A storm raged within him, but his face remained impassive.

Matthew entered the lobby and looked around. He found the place uniquely decorated. Unlike a typical club, it resembled a miniature landscape; potted plants, rockeries, cobblestone paths, and a spring gushing from the rocks, winding down into a stream.

Matthew surveyed the scene, a few people passing by occasionally.

Jeffrey watched Matthew from the corner of his eye. Seeing Matthew's shocked expression, he sneered mockingly. Upon seeing the guards at the elevator, Jeffrey's eyes lit up, and he quickened his pace.

He turned and called to Rachel, "Hurry! They're probably getting impatient."

Rachel nodded, but maintained her pace beside Matthew. "Grandpa gave me the membership card. I didn't know there were so many rules. Don't overthink it."

Matthew could tell Rachel felt guilty and comforted her, "Don't let it bother you. It's no big deal."

Rachel looked relieved. "Glad to hear that."

While Matthew chatted with Rachel, Jeffrey had already entered the elevator. Just as Matthew was about to step in, a security guard stopped him. "I'm sorry, sir. You're not on Jeffrey's guest list, so you can't go to the second floor."

Matthew was speechless. These rules were incredibly annoying. The second floor was restricted as well. Getting the membership card had been pointless.

Rachel turned to Jeffrey. "The host can bring one guest. Can you talk to security?"

Jeffrey offered an apologetic look. "Sorry, my guest spot is already filled by someone you know—Hailey Jenkins, our former classmate."

Rachel furrowed her brows. Matthew was her boyfriend; leaving him outside would be humiliating. But the business deal was important. Securing it would bolster her family's business. As president, Rachel didn't want to miss the opportunity. At that moment, she finally realized the disparity between herself and Matthew in both career and wealth. Ignoring it no longer seemed possible.