Chapter 125 The Horse Suddenly Go Crazy

"Alright then," John said, thinking it was cool. He agreed with Rachel and took her to the stables to pick out a horse.

Michael watched them walk away, his face darkening. He had just thought John had some sense, but the moment Rachel stood her ground, he folded like a cheap suit. He couldn't figure out what Rachel saw in such a wishy-washy guy.

"Michael, come join the race!" James shouted from a distance, cupping his hands around his mouth.

Michael glanced at James but ignored him, mounting his horse and heading in the opposite direction.

Soon, Rachel and John came out with their chosen horses. Rachel picked a stunning white mare, and after putting on a red riding outfit, she looked both fierce and charming.

Joseph rode over on his horse and whistled, "Didn't expect you to look so dashing."

"Rachel, you look great," James said, not the best with words, but his compliment was sincere.

Rachel gave him a smile. "You have good taste."

James immediately lit up; Rachel finally acknowledged him.

Not far away, Michael sat on his horse, coldly watching the three of them chatting happily. He felt really uncomfortable, even wanting to shoo Joseph and James away from her.

At this moment, John also joined the race with Joseph, James, and Ella on his chosen horse. To avoid disturbing them, Rachel led her horse to the other side of the riding field.

Having not ridden a horse for many years, Rachel's movements were a bit rusty, and she almost fell the first time.

Michael frowned and rode over. "When you step up with your left foot, grab the saddle, then push up, and your right foot should follow over," he instructed, pointing toward the saddle.

Rachel turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. "Are you teaching me?"

Michael nodded flatly. "Just try it the way I said."

Rachel didn't refuse and tried to follow his instructions. Unfortunately, she still couldn't manage it. Her right leg wouldn't stretch enough, and she lost her balance, falling backward.

Seeing this, Michael immediately dismounted and caught her. Rachel expected to hit the grass, but instead, she caught a whiff of mint and found herself in Michael's arms when she opened her eyes. She blushed instantly. "Let go of me," she muttered, looking away.

Michael looked at her shy expression, a hint of a smile in his eyes, and gently set her down, but kept his hand on her waist. "Stand firm, I'll help you up," he said softly.

"Huh? Push me up?" Rachel asked, surprised, glancing up at him.

Michael nodded. "Step up with your left foot," he repeated, his grip on her waist steadying her. Rachel instinctively followed.

"Grab the saddle," he said. Rachel obediently did so. Michael released her waist, one hand supporting her butt, the other lifting her right leg, and hoisted her up.

Rachel was super embarrassed; the whole thing felt way too awkward. "Can you move your hand?" she muttered.

Michael glanced at his right hand, raised an eyebrow, and although a bit reluctant, eventually moved his hand.

Rachel breathed a sigh of relief and, with his help, climbed onto the horse's back. Not far away, Mandy came out of the restroom and saw this scene, feeling very angry and jealous. She gritted her teeth; she hadn't managed to get rid of Rachel and her child last time, and she wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Mandy sneered, took a black object from a bottle, threw it somewhere, clapped her hands, and left. Rachel and Michael didn't notice her actions.

With Michael's help, Rachel finally managed to sit on the horse's back. "Oh, that was really tough," she said, grabbing the reins and exhaling deeply.

Michael wiped the sweat from his forehead; it had indeed been quite an effort. "Thank you, Michael," Rachel said with a sincere smile.

Michael's heart skipped a beat; it had been a long time since he had seen her smile at him like that. He replied with a tight throat, "You're welcome."

Rachel didn't notice his reaction, her eyes focused ahead. "Michael, I'm going to take a ride now," she said, giving the reins a gentle shake.

"Okay." Michael nodded. Rachel nudged the horse's belly, and the horse started to trot. Seeing the speed wasn't fast, Michael felt relieved and then mounted his horse, returning to the rest area.

John and the others finished their race and came back, panting and sweating, but their eyes were shining with excitement, clearly enjoying the race.

"Mr. Davis, have some water," Ella said, handing John a bottle.

John took the bottle with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Ella."

"What about me?" Joseph grumbled, noticing she only gave John a bottle. "I brought you here, and he gets the water?"

Ella rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine, here you go!" She tossed Joseph a bottle.

Joseph caught it, grinning. He opened it, took a few sips, then poured the rest over his head and face. "Oh, that's refreshing!"

John laughed, shaking the water droplets from his hair. "Yeah, definitely refreshing," he agreed with a smile.

Not far away, Mandy handed Michael a bottle of water. "Michael, have some water."

"Thanks," Michael said, taking the bottle but not drinking from it. Instead, he handed it back to her. "You drink first."

Mandy's smile deepened at his considerate gesture. "Thank you, Michael," she said, taking a sip.

Michael smiled slightly, bent down, and grabbed another bottle of water for himself.

Suddenly, a scream shattered the calm. Everyone stopped talking. John looked in the direction of the sound and saw Rachel's horse running wildly across the field. Rachel was holding the reins tightly, her face pale, about to be thrown off.

"Rachel!" John yelled. He immediately put down his water, jumped on his horse, and prepared to rescue her. Just as he mounted, he saw Michael already riding over.

John frowned and spurred his horse to follow. Mandy and Joseph stayed where they were. Ella had just gone to the restroom, and James was still at another riding field.

Joseph saw Mandy's grim expression and teased, "Michael went to save Rachel. Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Mandy knew he was deliberately provoking her, gripped the water bottle tightly, and responded casually, "No, Ms. Williams had an accident, and it's normal for Michael to save her. Why would I feel uncomfortable?"

Joseph looked at her twisted water bottle, his smile even more mocking. "Really? But your hand is about to crush the bottle."

Mandy's expression stiffened, and she quickly released the bottle, remaining silent.

Joseph continued, "Miss Brown, you're really two-faced. If Michael still likes you, he must be out of his mind. But it seems like he's slowly coming to his senses. When Rachel had that mishap earlier, his concern was genuine. It shows he cares about her, even if he hasn't realized it yet. If he ever does..."

"Enough, stop talking!" Mandy stood up abruptly, her fists clenched, and cut him off coldly.

Joseph raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, struck a nerve, did I?"

Mandy glared at him with a complex expression. She said, "Mr. Anderson, I know my father's actions last time offended your family, but you don't need to stir up trouble between Michael and me. Aren't you worried he'll be upset with you?"

Joseph replied with a nonchalant smile, "I'm his friend, and I think you're not right for him. I want him to leave you. It's for his own good, so why would he be unhappy?"

"You..." Mandy's face flushed with anger.

Meanwhile, on the riding field, Michael held Rachel, who was still trembling, clearly not recovered from the fright. Michael felt her fear and gently patted her back, comforting, "It's okay now, don't be afraid."

Rachel didn't respond, but her trembling gradually subsided. At that moment, John arrived and saw the intimate scene between them, his eyes darkening.

"Mr. Smith, thank you for saving Rachel in time," he said, his voice strained. Though reluctant, he knew he had to express his gratitude.

"It's nothing," Michael replied flatly, glancing at him.

John dismounted, his expression tense. He took a deep breath and said, "Then please let go of Rachel. Don't forget she's my girlfriend, and it's inappropriate for you to keep holding her, especially with your fiancée watching."

Michael's movements paused as he realized the person in his arms was his ex-wife, now John's girlfriend. He glanced toward the rest area and met Mandy's tear-filled eyes.

Michael pursed his lips, his jaw tightening, and finally let go of Rachel. John immediately took her hand and pulled her into his arms, asking with concern, "Rachel, are you okay?"

Rachel, still shaken, shook her head and answered in a trembling voice, "I'm fine."

John looked her over and, seeing no issues, sighed in relief. "Good. It scared me to death. How did the horse suddenly go crazy while you were riding?"

Michael looked at the distant horse, his eyes deep.

"I don't know either." Rachel shook her head. She had been riding fine, but the horse suddenly sped up, scaring her into a blank state.

"It's okay, I'll find out what happened. Rachel, you should go back to your room and rest. Your legs are still shaking," John suggested, his voice filled with concern.

Rachel nodded in agreement. John half-carried her toward the villa. Michael watched their backs, his expression serious. Half an hour later, John came downstairs. Michael and the others were in the living room.

James stood up immediately upon seeing him. "Hey, I heard Rachel had an accident. How is she?" he asked worriedly.

Mandy looked at his worried expression and lowered her eyes to hide her emotions. He used to dislike Rachel, but after the divorce, he became so concerned.

"Yes, is Ms. Williams okay?" Ella chimed in. She hadn't been there when Rachel had the accident, but Joseph had mentioned it was almost a big deal.

John ignored James and turned to Ella. "Don't worry, Rachel is fine, just a bit shaken. She's already asleep," he said, his tone reassuring.

"That's good." Ella sighed in relief. James, though annoyed at being ignored, didn't bother to argue, relieved to know Rachel was okay.