Chapter 21
George paused for a moment.
“Stay here. I just need some rest” Callie said softly, her face flushed with
With that, she walked out.
h embarrassment. She could barely manage a whisper.
Meanwhile, Willa, her face twisted with displeasure, couldn’t stand the smug look on Rachel’s face. She really was stealing the spotlight today. Willa thought, “But what is the big deal? She’s just gotten lucky and figured out the crystal sculpture is a fake. So what?
“Even if Callie’s sculpture is fake, at least she spent a fortune on it. Rachel, if you look down on other people’s gifts, I’m sure what you brought is worth much more than that, right?” Willa mocked.
Rachel didn’t even spare her a glance. This time, she really had prepared something special
With a smile, she turned to the others and said, “Bring my
The people following her stepped forward, carrying a box that immediately drew everyone’s attention.
Rachel gracefully opened the box. As the scroll inside unrolled, the stunning landscape painting took everyone by surprise.
That’s a painting by Fabian Holland someone gasped in recognition.
Sigmund’s eyes brightened. He immediately got up from his seat and walked over. “You really found it, didn’t you? How did you manage
that
Sigmund had been a fan of Fabian for years. The artist had passed away young, and his works were rare. Even the Fox family had never been able to get their hands on one.
Rachel smiled. “I’ve always known you liked his work, Grandpa, so I’ve been keeping an eye out. Finally, I was able to track one down for you.”
She had wanted to give this to him sooner, but the painting had been with Bryant. After their falling–out, and with her leaving the Sarratt family, it had been impossible to ask him for it.
Now that she was back, she had arranged for the painting to be retrieved and sent to Sigmund.
“How is this possible? You didn’t bring a fake, did you? With someone like you, how could you get your hands on something so valuable!” Willa sneered, full of disbelief.
Before she could take another step, Sigmund snapped at the servants your filthy hander
to pull her away, his face hardening in irritation. “Don’t you dare touch it with
Willa staggered back in surprise, but Sigmund’s glare silenced her. “Fake or not, do you really think I can’t tell he scoffed Sigmund was an expert in these things. If he said it was real, then there was no doubt about it. But still, Willa couldn’t believe it. The things Rachel had brought before were always so mediocre, But this time? She’d stepped up in a big way.
Ignoring the
murmurs around her, Rachel smiled and said, “Happy birthday, Grandpa. I’m so glad I could finally give you something you love. But there’s one thing I’ll have to keep from you” She subtly glanced down at her belly.
As she left the room, all eyes were on her, still in awe.
“Rachel. A voice suddenly called out from behind.
Rachel turned around to see Lauren standing there. They didn’t usually interact much. She thought, “What is he calling me for now? Rachel’s mind flashed with a moment of confusion, but she still managed to ask politely. “Is there something you need, Lauren?” Lauren, dressed in a sharp black suit, carried himself with quiet strength. A subtle smile lingered on his li often smiled
lips–one that suggested he was a Inari
Though his face resembled Gronges, it lacked George’s usual cold, distant expression. Because of this, Lauren was far more approachable and likable to ounders than George.
who
He walked over to stand directly in front of Rachel and spoke with an air of authority, “I know George suddenly decided to divorce you for Callic. You’ve probably felt a lot of unfainess recently.
“I’ve already talked to Grandpa about it, and honestly, George’s in the wrong. If it were up to me. I’d advise him to les Callie keep the child and let you raise it. That way, there’d be no need for you two to divorce
Rachel thought, “What is he implying? Rachel kaew that, lately, George and Lauren had been clashing fiercely in the business world, their brotherly Lend a mere facade while they fought behind the scenes.
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Chapter 21
She often thought that if only her own brothers had even half the ambition of these two, then Martin wouldn’t have been forced to push her into the role of CEO. But now, she thought. With this sudden offer–is he trying to get me to collaborate with him?
“So, Lauren, you’re saying you want me to help get rid of Callie so I can stay in the Fox family as Mrs. Fox? Rachel asked, raising an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice.
“Exactly,” Lauren said, noticing the shift in her tone. He stepped a little closer, his voice lowering as he added, “Callie doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
Rachel smiled family, her voice steady. “Well, as the saying goes–there’s no such thing as a free lunch. If you want my help, what exactly do you
expect in return“”
Lauren grinned, lowering his voice even further. “Don’t worry, I won’t make things difficult for you. What I need is some information from George. specifically about his plans with Sarrattop Group.
“Not many people can get into his study, but I’m sure you’re close enough to him to do it.”
Rachel thought, So that’s what this is really about. Rachel motioned for him to come a little closer with a small gesture.
Lauren, pleased by her apparent interest, leaned in. But instead of a soft, cooperative reply, Rachel’s voice–gentle but laced with sarcasm- whispered in his ear, “Help you mess with my husband? Do you really think I’m that much of a fool, Lauren?”
Lauren immediately stood up straight, his face hardening as he glared at her. “Rachel, with your current situation, if you don’t help me, everything you’re holding onto will go to Callie. None of it will stay with you.”
Rachel’s smile was full of mockery. “Lauren, you’ve got it all wrong. I suggest you give up on the Sarrattop Group deal. They won’t be working with the Fox family”
She had no intention of working with either George or Lauren. She despised the Fox family. She thought, “Why on earth would I want to collaborate with them!
“You..” Lauren began, his expression dark, but Rachel cut him off, turning and walking away.
Watching her leave, Lauren rubbed his chin, deep in thought. This Rachel is definitely not what I expected. Who said she was easy to fool!”
As he looked at her now, it was clear that she wasn’t the naive pushover he’d thought. She seemed sharp, calculating, and not easily manipulated. It was hard to believe the Fox family had ever managed to bully her.
“Interesting” he murmured, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Rachel had expected to head straight home after this, but as soon as she stepped outside, a tall figure blocked her path. Startled, she looked up to find George standing there, his gaze as deep and piercing as ever.
Chapter 22
