Chapter 76:
The place was upscale, and the drinks here were far from cheap. Randolph wasn’t the type to lend money to an old flame. Chances were, he was paying for her. By doing so, he would create a debt—a favor that she would eventually repay, keeping them in constant contact.
When Randolph noticed Rachel approaching, his expression immediately darkened. “What’s the problem?” he asked, his tone sharp. Rachel stepped forward, blocking the cashier from completing the transaction.
She spoke softly, “Have you made your choice?”
Clearly annoyed, Randolph responded, “Yes, I’m about to pay. Why are you interfering?” He signaled to the cashier to proceed with the transaction, and the woman smiled smugly.
Alicia observed the scene, but she didn’t want to get caught up in someone else’s relationship issues. So, she quickly scanned the room, deciding to move toward the back door.
Caden noticed her and followed her with his gaze, curious about what she was doing. He watched as she approached a group of waiters and whispered something to them. At first, they hesitated, shaking their heads, but then Alicia showed them something on her phone. Their faces lit up, and they nodded eagerly.
Caden smirked, intrigued by the turn of events.
Rachel, who was typically passive at home, never dared to go against Randolph. She lacked the courage to speak up about him spending money on his ex-girlfriend. Not wanting to appear uncomfortable, she forced a smile and asked, “Have you picked out the wine?”
Randolph, feeling her interruption was ill-timed, responded coldly, “If I hadn’t chosen one, why would I be paying?”
Rachel shot a glance at his ex-girlfriend, who returned a polite smile. On the surface, the woman appeared considerate, staying silent throughout the exchange. But only another woman would understand how cutting that smile really was.
Rachel wasn’t concerned about the money; she simply didn’t want to give the woman any leverage.
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She wrapped her arm around Randolph’s. “Let’s hold off for a moment. I want a bottle too.”
Randolph frowned. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
“I just decided now,” she said, tightening her grip around his arm. “Can you help me choose, honey?”
Without much thought, Randolph grabbed a bottle. Rachel wanted to speak up but ultimately decided against it.
The woman, sensing her hesitation, seized the opportunity to provoke her further. She approached Randolph and suddenly said, “Wait a moment, Randolph.”
His expression softened as he turned to her. “What’s wrong? Did you see another wine you like?”
With a feigned look of concern, she replied, “Maybe we shouldn’t buy the wine. It’s too expensive.”
To a man like Randolph, comments like that felt insulting. “It’s not expensive at all,” he retorted.
“It’s tens of thousands of dollars,” she said thoughtfully. “I feel like Mrs. Gray cares about this. I’ll just buy it next time.”
Randolph immediately turned his attention to Rachel.
Caught off guard, Rachel stammered, “I don’t mind…” The second the words left her mouth, she immediately regretted them. This could’ve been her chance to express how she really felt.
The woman’s voice quivered as she spoke. “When Mrs. Gray came by, she stared straight at me. She didn’t say anything, but I knew exactly what she meant. Randolph, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have asked you to cover the bill. She must’ve misunderstood something between us.”
Randolph’s expression hardened as he turned to Rachel.
“Did you glare at her?”
Rachel looked up, sadness in her eyes. “No, I didn’t.”
“Then why would she make that up? Why would she lie for no reason?” His voice grew stern. “How many times do I have to explain myself? We’re just friends now. There’s nothing else happening. Why can’t you let go of this jealousy?”
He waved dramatically, moving to buy several more bottles for his ex-girlfriend and finalizing the purchase. Rachel no longer cared about the cost. All she wanted was to clear her name.
Without hesitation, she quickly approached the woman.
“I didn’t do anything. Why accuse me of something like that?”
The moment Rachel spoke, the woman’s expression shifted, and without warning, she cried out and collapsed to the ground.
Rachel froze, unable to move.
Randolph rushed over, shouting, “Did you shove her?”
Rachel’s face went pale, her words caught in her throat. “I didn’t…”
Her silence only fueled Randolph’s frustration. He knelt down and helped the woman to her feet.
Tears streamed down the woman’s cheeks. “Mrs. Gray, I already told Randolph he didn’t need to buy the wine. Why are you still treating me like this?”
Randolph’s anger flared. He felt humiliated by the scene Rachel had caused in front of everyone. His rage consumed him, and he raised his hand, ready to strike her.
Rachel instinctively raised her arms to protect herself.
Suddenly, a loud sound rang through the air.
Someone had been struck.
The room went silent, and all eyes turned toward the source of the sound.
Even Randolph stood there, momentarily confused. He had already stopped himself, his hand suspended in mid-air, deciding not to hit Rachel in front of everyone.
He hadn’t struck her.
So, where had the sound come from?
