Chapter 132

Rachel still feared Caden profoundly, a burden she couldn't easily shed. Joshua was despicable, but Caden's ruthlessness was of a different order. If she and Randolph were ensnared in one of their schemes, the path ahead would be treacherous indeed.

"Randolph, can't we find another way?" she pleaded, gripping his arm, her voice trembling with despair. "This deal… isn't worth the risk."

Randolph's expression darkened; his patience frayed. Her tearful pleas grated on his nerves, and he lashed out. "You have no say in this matter!"

He slapped her, knocking her from her chair. She fell to the floor with a thud, a muffled moan escaping her lips. Her side ached, but she suppressed a cry, embarrassed by her humiliation in the private room. She slowly rose.

He slumped back in his chair, his gaze downcast. He had long since grown accustomed to submission and, with such serious matters at hand, dared not further provoke Randolph. Yet, he continued his berating. "This is all your fault!"

Rachel's chest tightened. "My fault?" she repeated incredulously, her voice laced with pain and disbelief. "I didn't do anything."

Randolph's taunt cut deep. "If you hadn't fought with Alicia, none of this would have happened."

"Randolph!" she retorted, defiance sparking in her voice. "You said you couldn't stand Alicia and wanted to teach her a lesson! I tried to stop you, but you wouldn't listen. Now you're blaming me?"

"I told you to teach her a lesson," Randolph growled, his eyes narrowed. "But why did you involve Joshua?"

Rachel's gaze flickered with guilt. She had told Joshua, believing it would further humiliate Alicia. Given their bitter divorce, she'd assumed he would relish Alicia's suffering. Instead, Joshua, still harboring feelings for Alicia, had turned his anger on Randolph, avenging his ex-wife. His plan had backfired spectacularly.

Yet, despite the outcome, she felt wronged. "I did it for you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I never wanted this. I'm upset too, Randolph. Why don't you understand that?"

Randolph snorted. "You're useless. Other men… at least their wives stand by them. And what do I have? A worthless wife."

Humiliation burned her cheeks. Their family's fortune had dwindled, leaving them vulnerable to the Gray family's scorn. For years, she had endured insults and condescending glances, maintaining her composure. But tonight, she snapped. She fled the room, covering her face, her courage quickly fading.

Outside the hotel, the cold wind sobered her. The Gray family's judgment filled her with dread. Losing her dignity would be unbearable; it was the fabric of her existence. Tears welled, but she swallowed them back, already formulating a plan to help Randolph.

Joshua's attacks stemmed from Alicia. Perhaps reconciliation between them would open a new path.

As she hailed a cab, she didn't notice Caden's black car arriving. He glimpsed her departure but felt no pity; she was a mere inconvenience.

Inside, Randolph's frustration hung heavy. He raised his glass to Caden twice, his shaking hands betraying his despair. It was a plea for help. Then, with bitter venom, he cursed Joshua's name.

"I helped him," Randolph snapped, indignation in his eyes. "And now I'm in his trap! I never thought he'd turn on me."

Caden sipped his wine, impassive. Joshua had struck the first blow, but Caden knew the truth: he had dealt the death blow to Randolph's finances, quietly dismantling his empire. Randolph remained unaware of the true mastermind.

"Three hundred million dollars?" Caden mused, setting down his glass. "Chump change. But tell me, Mr. Gray, what's your offer?"

Randolph's eyes, bloodshot from sleepless nights, were bright with despair. He produced a worn document. "This… this is Joshua's secret," he whispered conspiratorially. "Mr. Ward, use it as you see fit."

Caden took the document, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. Randolph exhaled, a weight lifted. For the first time in days, he ate with ease.

His eyes fell on Caden, who barely touched his plate. "Mr. Ward," Randolph asked, frowning, "don't you like the food?"

Caden chuckled. "I'm saving my appetite for something… special."

Meanwhile, Rachel's calls to Alicia went unanswered. She took a cab to the Yates mansion. Joshua was home.

Rachel's social standing ensured Shelia's formal greeting. But Rachel refused tea, her impatience evident. She needed to speak privately with Joshua.

They went to the terrace. Inside, Shelia watched from behind soundproof windows, a sick feeling rising. Georgia, another observer, approached, curious. "What does he want with Mr. Yates?" she whispered.

Shelia, worried, replied, "I don't know, but it can't be good." Georgia noted Rachel's distress. "Her eyes are red and swollen. Do you think… she and Mr. Yates…?" Georgia's voice cracked. "But she's married. Is she really his type?"

Shelia snapped, "Don't be ridiculous!"

On the terrace, the tension was palpable. Rachel faced Joshua, resentment etched on her face. Taking a deep breath, she said curtly, "I want to see Alicia and apologize."

Joshua sneered. "Excuse me?" he repeated mockingly. "How curious. Did it never occur to you that this could happen while you were busy tormenting her?"