Soon, Tyler and Rachel made their way back into the living room. Inside, everyone was still chatting with Thomas, but they were all careful not to bring up anything about Tyler and Rachel.

Anyone with eyes could tell that no matter how stubborn Thomas was, even he couldn’t go up against Tyler.

Tyler had been hard-headed since he was a kid. If he weren’t so stubborn, William wouldn’t have taken control of Lewis Enterprise in the first place. Tyler would’ve been the one running the show years ago.

Luckily, Tyler was capable enough to back it up. If he didn’t, he would have paid the price for his reckless choices a long time ago.

Someone leaned close to Thomas and whispered, “Tyler and Rachel are here.”

The moment Thomas laid eyes on them, his cheerful expression darkened. He was all smiles just a second ago, but now his expression was cold as ice. Even his voice lost its warmth.

“It’s about time. Let’s start eating.”

Just as Thomas was about to head to the dining table, Tyler said, “It’s fine. We’ve got something else to take care of. I’ve brought Rachel here like you asked. You don’t need to worry about finding me a girlfriend anymore.”

Silence filled the room.

Tyler took Rachel’s hand and turned to leave.

“Stop right there!”

Thomas suddenly slammed his cane on the floor. The sound echoed through the living room, startling everyone.

Tyler didn’t even flinch. Calm as ever, he turned around.

“Is there something else, Dad?”

Thomas pursed his lips. “Can’t you at least sit down and have a meal with me?”

Tyler raised an eyebrow and scratched his nose.

“Are you sure about that? Every time I sit down to eat with you, it ends in a fight. Today’s your birthday, and I’m trying to keep things peaceful. You’ve seen my girlfriend, and I brought a gift. We’ll skip the meal.”

With that, he turned around and walked away while still holding Rachel’s hand.

Stubbornness must’ve run in the family, because Thomas was no better than Tyler. Neither of them ever backed down.

Mrs. Jones could clearly tell that Thomas actually wanted Tyler to stay, but his pride just wouldn’t allow him to say it.

Seeing that the couple was about to leave, she grew anxious and turned to Thomas, whispering frantically, “Sir, please, just soften up a little. Ask them to stay for the meal.”

Thomas scoffed. “Why should I? I didn’t tell him to leave! He’s the one obsessed with that woman, walking out like this. What do you want me to do?”

Mrs. Jones saw there was no changing his mind, so she remained quiet.

“Dad, you have to help us!”

Just then, Cassandra burst into the hall sobbing.

Already agitated over Tyler, Thomas’ mood worsened the moment he saw her crying. “What now? It’s my birthday! Is this really how you all plan to celebrate?”

Cassandra nearly dropped to her knees in front of him, tears spilling down her cheeks.

“Tyler broke William’s wrist because of Rachel. William is already on his way to the hospital!”

Thomas shot up from his chair. His face was drained of color.

“What?!”

Cassandra’s voice trembled as she continued crying.

“William and Rachel argued. Tyler demanded that William apologize to her, and Rachel kept pushing his buttons. William got upset and tried to scare her a little. Tyler just walked up and broke his wrist!”

She was afraid Thomas wouldn’t believe her, so she added quickly, “There were so many people in the backyard! Everyone saw what happened. They can all vouch for it.”

Thomas’ face turned red with fury, and his eyes filled with rage. The veins on his face became visible.

“He’s completely out of control. Mrs. Jones! What are you standing there for? Go get them back–now!”

Mrs. Jones glanced nervously at the door and answered hesitantly, “Sir, they’re already gone.”