“I don’t know for sure. Back then, there were rumors that you had crossed someone dangerous. People said someone wanted to hurt you, but it was never confirmed. Then you suddenly disappeared. The police didn’t even dare conclude whether you were really dead or not,” William


    said.


    Rachel narrowed her eyes, ring at him.


    “So you did know something about my disappearance five years ago. But instead of helping, you pretended to know nothing. You took the divorce agreement I left behind and used it to paint yourself as some kind of victim. You turned me into a tool to cleanse your reputation, to step on and use. You’re disgusting.”


    At this point, Rachel didn’t even feel anger–just a deep, cold revulsion. She had no more hope or expectations for William.


    They had once loved each other and gone through hell just to be together. Yet, when her life was hanging in the bnce, and when she vanished from the world, her husband hadn’t just turned his <ol><li>k. </li></ol>


    e had driven the knife in deeper!


    William frowned and tried to exin. “You don’t know what it was like back then. I didn’t have a choice, Rachel. I was stuck. But now, I want to make it right. Give me that chance. Let me fix it.”


    Rachel sneered and took a few steps toward him. Her voice turned harsh as her smile vanished, and her cold gaze locked onto his with pure contempt.


    “William, you really are full of crap,” she snarled. When you were with me, you had your eyes on Samantha. Now that you’re married to her, suddenly I’m the one you want toe back to? You’re the perfect example of that saying—the grass is always greener on the other side. It doesn’t matter how good your partner is. Somehow, you’re always looking for a better recement.”


    “You…!”


    William’s expression soured. He felt utterly humiliated.


    “William…”


    A sweet, chirpy voice called out behind him.


    Rachel turned slightly and caught sight of Samantha jogging toward them.


    Samantha came to a stop by William’s side and instantly looped her arm through his. The two stood close, side by side.


    “Rachel, congrattions! You really came out on top today.”


    Rachel smiled, but her voice was cold. “Yeah, thanks. I suppose I should be grateful. If it weren’t for you two fanning the mes, I probably wouldn’t have earned this victory.”


    Samantha’s expression flickered briefly with unease.


    She lowered her voice and said, “Rachel, are you ming us? The way things were back then, we just wanted to keep you away from the chaos. Think about it. There were <i>so </i>many Lloyd Enterprise shareholders there, and Yvette and your stepmother were clearly trying to trap you. That was the only way to protect you, to get you out fast. Don’t misunderstand our intentions. We really meant well.”


    Rachel sneered. Her voice was t and devoid of emotion.


    “I’m the one who wasted time on the two of you. Look at you now–what a perfect match! Both of you belong on stage. Talented actors, you are. But next time, spare me the performance. I’m sick of watching.”


    With that, she linked arms with Cecilia and turned to leave.


    After taking just two steps, she suddenly stopped, as if remembering something. She turned around and stared straight at Samantha.


    “Keep an eye on your husband. Don’t let him run around like a horny mutt in heat. I’m not interested.”


    Rachel raised her hand to g a taxi.


    Just then, a white car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down, revealing Yale, who leaned over to ask Rachel a question.