Chapter 742 Meeting With Rachel


    “You’re not moving aside, Mr. Hunt?”


    Tess turned to Max, one brow raised sharply.


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    A smile tugged at her lips. “What, you think I’ll sneak Rachel out if you leave us alone?”


    Max didn’t flinch. “It’s just a conversation. I’m not stopping anything.”


    “Sure.”


    Tess’s gaze cooled. That edge flickered before she hid it again.


    “Rachel, are you doing alright here?”


    She turned to Rachel, her voice softening with sincerity.


    Rachel stiffened a little. She could feel eyes on her. She forced a polite smile. “I’m fine. You really don’t need to worry.”


    “That’s good to hear.”


    Tess nodded like it was just friendly chatter. “Would you like me to tell Nichs or Ken anything for you?”


    The moment those names hit, Rachel’s whole expression changed. “They’re … are they okay?”


    Her voice cracked. Her throat felt dry.


    “And Ken… is he still keeping up with school?”


    “He is. He’s working hard and taking it seriously. I’m nning to bring in a tutor to help him at thepany. I dragged your whole family into this mess. I’m really sorry.”


    Tess gave her a gentle, steady smile.


    Rachel finally let out a breath. Her tight shoulders softened. “That’s good. I’m d. Thank you, Ms. Tess.”


    She looked straight at Tess. Every word felt genuine.


    Tess brushed it off. “Of course.”


    Chapter 742 Meeting With Rachel


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    They kept the small talk going. Max stayed locked on them at first, then slowly eased back.


    “You two should’ve met ages ago.”


    He smiled like it was a joke.


    Tess nced at him. She wanted to p that fake charm off his face.


    She didn’t even answer.


    “Rachel, I need you to hang in there just a bit longer.”


    Tess stepped in and gently reached for Rachel’s hand, guilt flickering through her expression.


    Their palms met. The touch was warm.


    Something pressed into her palm.


    Tess‘shes fluttered once. Her expression didn’t change.


    “There’s nothing else I need to say.”


    She let go of Rachel’s hand like nothing happened.


    Max’s face shifted. His eyes narrowed just slightly, watching the two of them. Too calm. That silence between them made his gut twist.


    He studied Tess closely.


    She’d worked hard to get this meeting. And all they did was chat?


    His expression eased. He smiled like nothing was wrong. “Hard to get time like this. You really have nothing else to say?”


    He tilted his head slightly. His usualzy eyes sharpened at the corners.


    Tess smiled back, but her tone turned sharp. “Since when do you care about feelings, Mr. Hunt?”


    Max didn’t miss a beat. He was used to getting jabbed by her.


    “If you’re done, I’ll have Ms. Moreno and Ms. Belle walk you out.”


    He looked toward his assistant.


    Chapter 742 Meeting With Rachel


    “Wait. I’m not done yet.”


    :


    Tess jumped in quickly, covering it with a smile..


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    Max paused. One brow lifted. A smirk curved on his lips. “Didn’t you just say you were done?”


    He smiled, but his eyes had gone cold. He scanned her from head to <i>toe</i>.


    He tipped his chin. “Or maybe Ms. Moreno and Ms. Bell are the ones really pulling the strings here?”


    His voice stayed light. But the room dropped ten degrees.


    “What are you even talking about? That makes no sense.”


    Tess’s face twisted. That struck a nerve.


    She turned her head away. “You’re the one who asked if I had more to say. I answer, and now I’m the problem?”


    She crossed her arms and sneered, but up close her nails dug into her arm. She looked rattled.


    Max saw it. He let it slide. His eyes cooled again. “Hey,e on. Don’t twist


    my words.


    “I’ll let you have a moment more.”


    He smiled and waved his assistant off. But before the guy left, Max gave him a tight, subtle look.


    The assistant caught it instantly. He didn’t leave. Instead, he turned and quietly signaled a few others to go check on Lyra and Raven.


    In the hallway, Tess kept her expression calm as she kept talking with Rachel.


    Max never stopped watching her. His smile stayed soft, but Tess could feel his eyes on her. It made her skin crawl.


    Eventually, the assistant slipped back in and gave Max a tiny shake of his head. All clear. Nothing wrong.


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    <strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.