hapter 53
Rachel quickly grabbed her father by the arm and pulled him back.
“You… you’re not actually going to defend him, are you?” Bryant spun around, his face flushed with anger.
Rachel took a deep breath, holding back her irritation. She had to tread carefully. “Of course not, Dad. But if you blurt this out, if the whole world finds out about the baby, what am I supposed to do?”
Bryant hesitated, his face a mix of confusion and concern. “You’re not seriously going to keep the baby, are you?”
Rachel’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what if I do? It’s not like I can’t afford it.”
Bryant thought it over for a moment before saying, “Well, that’s true. George is handsome, and the genes aren’t bad. A child from the Sarratt family wouldn’t be a problem. Fine, Rachel, keep the baby. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, it’ll be our treasure. But as for George… hm, next time I see him, he’ll regret it.”
Rachel shot him a weary look, watching him clench his fists. “I’ll tell Grandpa when I’m ready, Dad. If you slip up…”
“I won’t. Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret safe,” Bryant said, his voice full of confidence.
But Rachel didn’t share his certainty. She couldn’t believe that it was her unreliable father who had figured it all out first. She just hoped he wouldn’t cause any more trouble. All she wanted was a peaceful pregnancy, without any more drama.
As soon as she returned to her room, Rachel had just settled down when her phone rang. It was George.
“Where are you right now?” he asked, his voice low.
Rachel frowned, annoyance creeping in. “Why?”
“Where are you staying since you left the Fox family?” His voice had a slightly tense edge to it.
Rachel stiffened. “None of your business.”
She was staying at her own place, but she wasn’t about to tell George that.
“Rachel, I’m just trying to be concerned. Don’t be so hostile toward me. I have a villa, 3,900 sq ft, with a garage. It’s all renovated. If you need somewhere to stay, you can move in.”
Rachel blinked, surprised. Then, she scoffed and laughed. “I’m fine. I don’t need your concern.”
“You…” George’s tone sharpened. “Then tell me where you’re living. I’ll come find you.”
Rachel sat up, her voice tinged with irritation. “What do you want from me? What’s there to talk about on the phone?”
She didn’t want him knowing her address. What if he decided to show up unannounced later?
“Not telling me where you live… Are you hiding something from me?” George’s voice hardened with suspicion.
“There’s nothing to hide, don’t worry,” Rachel replied, her voice calm but distant.
George’s voice softened but grew serious. “I wanted to talk about the divorce. It’s been dragging on long enough. We need a
resolution”
Was he offering her a settlement?
Rachel hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. “Fine. Let’s meet at Seaside Road.”
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Without waiting for him to reply, she hung up.
She arrived at the location soon after. From a distance, she saw George leaning against his car by the roadside.
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His tall figure was casually propped up, and the faint golden light from the setting sun seemed to add a melancholy air to his
stance.
Rachel stood there for a moment, watching him, then immediately gave herself a mental slap. Don’t let his good looks fool you again. ‘Falling for appearances isn’t the way to go.
“Let’s talk,” Rachel said coolly as she walked toward him.
George looked up as she approached, her figure strikingly fresh in a simple outfit–a white short–sleeve shirt, loosely tied decorative scarf, a black jacket, and a black–and–white handbag slung under her arm.
Her appearance was clean and crisp, exuding an effortless charm that accentuated her strong features. Compared to the pale, worn–out woman who’d once been trapped in the Fox family, she now seemed like a completely different person.
deny that she looked healthier, even more radiant. It felt like she
George’s chest tightened. Seeing her like this, it was hard was thriving now that she was away from him.
to
“Rachel, were you really that unhappy at the Fox family?” His gaze was deep, almost distant.
Rachel paused for a moment, then casually flicked a lock of hair behind her ear. With a small, almost sad smile, she said, “There’s no point in talking about that now.”
George pressed on, “Why didn’t you tell me back then?”
Rachel furrowed her brow and gave a soft laugh, her tone laced with irony. “Did I never tell you? You never listened when I tried. Remember? I came to you several times, but you ignored me every single time. How was I supposed to talk to you? I wasn’t about to beg you for attention. Every time I tried, I felt like I was just chasing after you. But now? It’s too late to discuss any of that. We’re here to talk about the divorce, aren’t we?”
George suddenly recalled those times, when she’d tried to reach out, and he’d been too wrapped up in his own misery after Callie left. Rachel had only been a distraction–a stand–in for what he had lost. He hadn’t cared enough to listen.
“I’ll give you the 100 million in compensation, but if there’s anything else you want, just say it. I’ll take care of it.”
Rachel looked at him coldly, her lips barely moving as she replied, “I’ll take the 100 million, the salary of 30 million a year for three years. That’s enough. Anything more, I’m not interested.”
At first, George had thought she was being unreasonable with her demands, but now, hearing that all she wanted was the 100 million, a strange sense of guilt rose in his chest.
“I’ll also transfer the villa and some shops to you. I’ll have my lawyer handle it,” he added.
Rachel looked at him, a bitter smile on her face. “Enough. I told you, I don’t want any of it.”
“Rachel,” George’s voice grew more insistent. “Don’t be so stubborn. I know things seem fine for you now, Herb’s good to you, but that’s not a permanent solution. Take this. Even if no one helps you, this will be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life.”
Rachel’s smile was cold, her eyes losing all warmth. She stepped closer, her gaze locking onto his face, black eyes piercing through him. “What’s your point, George? Do you think that by giving me money, you can wash your hands of everything? Do you think you’ll be off the hook? No. I don’t want your money. I want what I’ve asked for. If you feel guilty, it’s your own problem. Lave with it. You’ve earned it.”
George flinched at her words, pain flashing across his face.
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Rachel snorted, tossing a bank card in his direction. “Here’s my account number. Transfer the 100 million there, and then sign the divorce papers. Once you do, we’ll be officially done.”
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She threw the signed divorce papers in front of him with a swift motion. In that moment, it felt like something deep inside him was slipping away.
He realized, as he stared at the papers, that she wasn’t playing games. She truly wanted this divorce. She had let go.
And for the first time, George understood: this was really happening.
