Chapter 174
Joseph was fuming, thinking Michael needed to step up for Rachel. How could he let her go through this alone? With that thought, Joseph dialed Michael's number, his face set in a serious expression.
Meanwhile, Michael was driving Mandy home. His Bluetooth headset rang, and he answered casually, "Who is it?"
"It's me!" Joseph's voice boomed through the line.
"What's up?" Michael asked, frowning.
Before Joseph could reply, Mandy's sweet voice chimed in, "Michael, who is it?"
"Is Mandy with you?" Joseph asked, his face darkening.
Michael glanced at Mandy in the passenger seat and replied coolly, "Yeah."
Joseph's tone turned sour. "We'll talk later. Call me back when she's not around."
After hanging up, Michael narrowed his eyes. Joseph must have something urgent to discuss, and if he didn't want Mandy to hear, it was either about the company or Rachel.
Mandy seemed to sense something and asked, "Michael, who was that?"
"Just Joseph, work stuff," Michael replied, keeping his eyes on the road.
Mandy nodded and switched topics. "By the way, there's a charity gala next week. Are you going?"
"Yeah, it's hosted by Mr. Jones. Grandma's not feeling well, so I'll be going for her," he said, turning the steering wheel.
Mandy clapped her hands. "Great! My parents and I are going too. But I need a dress. Can you come shopping with me tomorrow?"
Michael looked apologetic. "Sorry, Mandy, I have meetings with some clients from abroad. Maybe ask a female colleague to go with you?"
Mandy looked a bit let down. "Alright, I'll ask Monica."
They pulled up in front of the Brown Mansion. After saying goodbye, Michael, still thinking about Joseph's call, declined Charlotte's dinner invite and headed back to the office. Loosening his collar, he called Joseph back.
"Michael, is Mandy gone?" Joseph asked as soon as the call connected.
"Yeah, she's gone. What's up?" Michael got straight to the point.
"It's about Rachel's pregnancy," Joseph said.
Michael's eyes narrowed. Just as he thought, it was about Rachel.
"What's going on with Rachel?" Michael asked, his concern evident.
Joseph noticed but played dumb, not wanting to complicate his own feelings for Rachel.
"She's fine, but she's planning to terminate the pregnancy," Joseph said, leaning on his motorcycle.
Michael's face darkened. "Really?"
"Yeah."
"How do you know?" Michael's grip on the phone tightened.
"She told me herself." Joseph shrugged.
Michael's lips pressed into a thin line, anger and frustration simmering. As the father, he had to hear about this from someone else.
"Michael, you still there?" Joseph called out when he got no response.
Michael's eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "When did Rachel tell you she was planning to terminate the pregnancy?"
The words stung, and despite bracing himself for this, it still hurt to hear it out loud.
"Two days ago," Joseph replied, running a hand through his hair.
Michael's mood darkened instantly. "And you're just telling me now?"
Joseph shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "I forgot. Besides, I thought Rachel had already told you. It wasn't until I asked that I realized she hadn't."
Michael could hear the smugness in Joseph's voice, which only fueled his anger. "So why are you calling me now?" Michael snapped.
Joseph, sensing Michael's jealousy and anger, couldn't help but smile. "I called to let you know Rachel's surgery is in two days. You better step up."
After hanging up, Michael's frown deepened.
Rachel had decided to terminate the pregnancy without telling him or even mentioning the surgery date. His face tightened with displeasure as he opened her Facebook.
At Skyline Corporation, Rachel was still buried in paperwork. Hearing her phone vibrate, she rubbed her temples and picked it up.
Seeing a message from ZH, she straightened up and opened it.
ZH: [Are you planning to terminate the pregnancy?]
Rachel pursed her lips and replied: [How do you know?]
ZH: [Joseph told me.]
Rachel rolled her eyes, annoyed that Joseph hadn't kept her secret.
Sighing, she typed: [Yes, I plan to terminate the pregnancy.]
ZH: [Why didn't you tell me?]
Rachel bit her lip and replied: [There's no need, is there?]
ZH: [But I'm the father of the child.]
Rachel: [So what? You'd agree anyway, so why bother telling you? Just getting it done is simpler, isn't it?]
Michael read her reply, his face tightening with displeasure. She had a point, but it still stung.
His fingers flew over the keyboard: [I said, whether you want to keep the child or not, I will take responsibility.]
Rachel: [No need, let's leave it at that. Don't bring this up again in the future.]
After sending the message, she exited Facebook, not waiting for his response.
Seeing no reply, Michael felt a wave of exhaustion. He wanted to confront her in person, but he couldn't without revealing his identity.
"David," Michael called out, frowning.
David entered the room. "Mr. Smith, what can I do for you?"
"Go to the bank and find out how much Skyline Corporation has borrowed," Michael instructed.
David, though surprised, nodded. "Yes, sir."
Meanwhile, Rachel had just put down her phone when Lily walked in with an invitation. "Ms. Williams, this is an invitation from the Jones family."
"What invitation?" Rachel asked, taking the black and gold envelope from Lily.
"It's for a charity auction. The Jones family is well-known for their philanthropy in Summit Ridge District. Recently, they've been focusing on wildlife conservation, so all the funds raised will go towards that cause," Lily explained.
"I see." Rachel nodded.
Lily looked at her. "Ms. Williams, are you planning to go? If so, I can rearrange your schedule for that day."
"Of course, I have to go. The Jones family's reputation is on the line. But invitees need to donate auction items, right?" Rachel asked.
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