Chapter 76

The establishment was upscale, and the drinks were expensive. Randolph wasn't inclined to lend money to a former girlfriend, but he anticipated she would repay him, thus maintaining contact.

When Randolph saw Rachel approaching, his face darkened. "What's the problem?" he asked sharply. Rachel intervened, stopping the cashier from completing the transaction.

He murmured, "Have you made your choice?"

Randolph, clearly irritated, retorted, "Yes, I'm about to pay. Why are you interfering?" He gestured for the cashier to continue, and the woman smirked.

Alice observed the scene but chose not to involve herself. She discreetly scanned the room and headed for the back door.

Caden watched her, curious. He saw her approach a group of waiters, whisper something, and show them her phone. Initially hesitant, they readily agreed after seeing her phone.

Caden smiled, intrigued.

Rachel, usually passive, lacked the courage to confront Randolph about spending money on his ex-girlfriend. Forcing a smile, she asked, "Did you choose the wine?"

Randolph, feeling her interruption was ill-timed, replied coldly, "If I hadn't chosen it, why would I be paying?"

Rachel glanced at her ex-girlfriend, who offered a polite smile. Only another woman, however, would recognize its cutting nature. Rachel wasn't worried about the money; she simply didn't want to give the ex-girlfriend an advantage.

Then, Rachel put her arm around Randolph. "Let's wait a minute. I want a bottle too."

Randolph frowned. "Why didn't you say so before?"

"I just decided," she said, tightening her grip. "Can you help me choose, honey?"

Randolph selected a bottle. Rachel started to speak, then hesitated.

The ex-girlfriend seized the opportunity. Approaching Randolph, she said, "Wait a minute, Randolph."

His expression softened. "What's wrong? Have you seen another wine you like?"

Feigning concern, she said, "Maybe we shouldn't buy this wine. It's too expensive."

This was insulting to Randolph. "It's not expensive at all," he replied.

"It's tens of thousands of dollars," she said thoughtfully. "I feel like Mrs. Gray disapproves. I'll buy it next time."

Randolph immediately turned to Rachel.

Caught off guard, Rachel stammered, "I don't care…" She instantly regretted this, realizing it was a missed opportunity to express her true feelings.

The ex-girlfriend's voice trembled. "When Mrs. Gray came in, she glared at me. She didn't say anything, but I knew what she meant. Randolph, I was wrong. I shouldn't have asked you to pay. She must have misunderstood something between us."

Randolph's expression hardened. He turned to Rachel. "Did you glare at her?"

Rachel looked up, sadness in her eyes. "No, I didn't look at her."

"Then why did she make it up? Why lie?" His voice turned stern. "How many times do I have to explain? We're just friends. Why can't you let go of this jealousy?"

He bought several more bottles for his ex-girlfriend. Rachel no longer cared about the price; she only wanted to clear her name. He quickly approached the ex-girlfriend.

"I haven't done anything. Why are you accusing me?"

Rachel's words caused the ex-girlfriend's expression to change. Without warning, she screamed and fell.

Rachel froze.

Randolph ran over, shouting, "Did you push her?"

Rachel paled, speechless. Her silence fueled Randolph's frustration. He knelt and helped the woman up.

Tears streamed down the woman's face. "Mrs. Gray, I already told Randolph he didn't have to buy the wine. Why do you keep treating me like this?"

Randolph's anger flared. Humiliated by the scene, his rage consumed him, and he raised his hand to strike Rachel.

Rachel instinctively raised her arms.

Suddenly, a loud sound echoed. Someone had been hit. The room fell silent. Even Randolph stood momentarily confused; his hand was still raised, but he hadn't hit Rachel. Where did the sound come from?