Chapter 132
Joseph wasn't mad; he just chuckled a couple of times, sipping on a cold beer while lounging on the couch and flipping on the TV.
Pretty soon, everyone trickled downstairs, except for Rachel, who was still out cold. Mandy watched them all greet each other warmly, totally ignoring her and Michael, which made her feel super awkward.
"Mr. Davis, is Ms. Williams still not up?" Ella suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Michael's eyes flickered with something complicated, but he quickly played it cool.
"No, she was wiped out last night, so let her sleep a bit more," John said calmly, cracking open a beer. Ella nodded, getting the hint, and didn't push it.
Soon enough, the chef announced that breakfast was ready, and they all headed to the dining room. Rachel still hadn't shown up.
John checked his watch and stood up. "You guys go ahead and eat; I'll go wake her up."
"Hurry up," Joseph urged, waving him off.
James grumbled, "Why does he get to wake her up?"
Joseph laughed. "He's her boyfriend, why not?"
"Is he really good enough for Rachel?" James complained.
Joseph raised an eyebrow and smirked. "If he's not, are you? You're still young and already thinking about girls?"
James blushed and snapped, "Girls? Not at all."
"If you're not, then why do you care so much about Rachel being with someone else?" Joseph teased.
James stammered, "I just think they're not right for each other."
Sitting nearby, Michael lowered his head, fiddling with his coffee cup, his eyes downcast. He felt the same way, always thinking John and Rachel weren't a good match.
Seeing this, Mandy felt a pang of jealousy but said, "James, Ms. Williams and Mr. Davis grew up together; no one is more suitable than them."
"But I've heard that childhood friends know each other too well, making them unsuitable for a relationship," James retorted impatiently.
Mandy frowned but forced a smile. "That's true, but not always."
"Anyway, I think they're not suitable, just like you and Michael," James muttered, stabbing his sandwich with a fork.
Mandy's face stiffened, not expecting James to drag her into this, and she gritted her teeth in anger. Nearby, Joseph and Ella burst into laughter. Mandy's expression was just too priceless.
"Michael." Mandy looked at the man beside her, feeling wronged.
Michael rubbed his temples and scolded, "Enough, don't worry about it; it's their business." James pouted and shut his mouth for now.
Upstairs, John knocked on Rachel's door. "Rachel, you up?"
Inside, Rachel furrowed her brows and opened her eyes. Seeing the ceiling and the blanket on her, she was a bit confused. She clearly fell asleep downstairs last night, so how did she end up in her room?
The knocking continued. Rachel came to her senses and sat up. "What's up?"
Hearing her voice, John pulled his hand back and called out, "Breakfast is ready; I came to wake you up."
"Got it, you go ahead; I'll be down in a bit," Rachel yawned and replied lazily.
"Alright, but don't take too long; breakfast will get cold." John nodded and walked away.
Once the footsteps faded, Rachel got out of bed and pulled open the curtains. The sunlight was bright, and the air had that fresh, post-rain scent, which lifted her spirits. She stretched and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.
While brushing her teeth, Rachel noticed a red hickey on her neck in the mirror, and it was pretty noticeable.
Touching it, she realized it wasn't a mosquito bite, and her face darkened. Remembering the hickeys Z-H had left on her before, she pieced it together. Last night, when she fell asleep downstairs, only Michael was around, so he must have brought her upstairs.
Thinking about this, Rachel pressed her lips tightly, filled with anger and some other emotion she couldn't quite place. She irritably patted her cheeks, quickly rinsed her mouth, put on some makeup, changed clothes, and used foundation to cover the mark. After making sure it wasn't visible, she headed downstairs.
"Rachel, finally!" John pulled out a chair for her.
Rachel smiled awkwardly and apologized, "Sorry to keep everyone waiting."
"Sit down and eat," John said, patting the chair.
Rachel sat down, frequently glancing at Michael during the meal. But he remained expressionless, giving nothing away.
After breakfast, Joseph suggested, "How about we go hiking? I heard there's a scenic overlook with a great view."
"Michael, let's go too," Mandy said, leaning on Michael, full of excitement. Michael didn't want to disappoint her and nodded.
"Two have signed up; anyone else?" Joseph looked around.
"Rachel, are you going?" John asked. Michael also looked over.
Rachel answered indirectly, "If you go, I'll go."
John smiled. "Then let's go together." James immediately raised his hand, and Ella also agreed to join.
"Since everyone wants to go hiking, what are you waiting for? Go change your clothes," Joseph said, rolling his eyes at their outfits.
John glanced at his silk floral shirt and couldn't help but twitch his mouth. "This outfit is definitely not hiking material."
"Then go change." Rachel waved her hand, signaling him to hurry up. She was already dressed in sportswear, perfect for hiking.
"Michael, I'm going to change too," Mandy said, looking at her dress.
Michael slightly raised his chin and said calmly, "Go ahead." He didn't need to change; although he wasn't in sportswear, his outfit was suitable for hiking.
"Wait for me," Mandy said, then turned and left the room. The others also went to their rooms to change, while Joseph went out to prepare the vehicles.
At this moment, only Rachel and Michael were left in the dining room, giving Rachel the perfect opportunity to ask him. "Mr. Smith," Rachel began.
Michael turned to her. "What's up?"
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