Chapter 25
Rachel caught Michael's eye and quickly looked away, letting go of the teapot she was holding.
"Mr. Smith, what brings you here?" Thomas, sitting next to Rachel, stood up and greeted Michael with over-the-top politeness.
The older guys in the room knew all about Michael's business skills. The Smith Family was at the top of their game, and nobody wanted to mess with him.
Michael glanced at Rachel before turning to George with a low, commanding voice, "Heard you were here playing cards, thought I'd drop by."
George's earlier cockiness disappeared, replaced by a friendly smile. "It's Friday, just here for a game. Ms. Williams joined us to talk about an order and decided to stay for a few hands of bridge."
Thomas chimed in with a grin, "Yeah, I'm friends with Rachel's dad. She's not lucky at cards, though. Keeps losing."
The other two guys took the chance to swap business cards with Michael. Rachel stayed quiet, staring at the table.
Michael pocketed the business cards and moved toward George, saying dryly, "You all keep playing; I'll just watch."
George quickly gave up his seat, and Michael took it without a second thought. Sitting closer, he noticed Rachel's wet turtleneck and the damp hair sticking to her pale neck. Rachel coughed lightly as she picked up her cards.
Michael glanced at the open window and closed it, calling a waiter over. "Bring a blanket," he ordered curtly.
George and the others noticed Michael's sudden change in demeanor and exchanged quick glances. Rachel, however, kept ignoring Michael.
The waiter soon returned with a blanket, but Rachel politely declined. "Thanks, but I'm not cold," she said, putting it behind her chair and getting back to the game.
Michael felt a surge of irritation at her stubbornness. He thought, 'Rachel's never even been in the business world, yet she's here playing cards with these slick businessmen. Isn't she worried about getting played?'
The room's vibe had turned more respectful and less crude since Michael showed up. George and the others even let Rachel win a few rounds.
Rachel knew what they were doing but pretended not notice and just played along, her cards getting worse.
Michael, noticing her cough again, grew more annoyed. As Rachel hesitated over her next move, he leaned over and played a card for her.
Rachel instinctively leaned back, trying to put some distance between them, but Michael kept helping her. His close presence made her dizzy, but she stayed quiet.
Sensing the change, George quickly spoke up. "Ms. Williams, I'm sorry about the mix-up with your order. An old client upped their order recently, and I forgot to tell the business department. I only found out today about your urgent shipment needs."
"I'll call them tonight. By 9 AM tomorrow, the contract will be signed, and we'll rush your goods." He smiled apologetically.
Rachel accepted his gesture, "Thank you, Mr. Clark."
Her coughs got worse, and her cheeks were flushed with fever. Michael's irritation grew. He grabbed the blanket and was about to wrap it around her when Rachel suddenly stood up and stepped away.
"Mr. Smith, Mr. Clark, I need to handle some company matters. Enjoy the rest of the evening. I'll cover today's tea and snacks," she said, grabbing her bag and leaving.
The sound of her high heels echoed in the hall as she quickly disappeared. Thomas shrugged and got back to his game, inviting Michael to a party. "Mr. Smith, join us tomorrow at 7 PM. There'll be excellent wine."
"I have plans tomorrow night," Michael said coldly, picking up a card without looking at it and standing up.
He glanced at George and the others at the table and said disapprovingly, "Even if my ex-wife is bad at cards, she shouldn't be bullied by just anyone. Right, Mr. Harris?"
"Yes," Thomas forced a smile, "Mr. Smith, don't get me wrong. We didn't bully Ms. Williams."
"As for your plan to build a resort in the North District, I've reviewed it, and I'm not interested," Michael said, throwing the cards on the table with a cold expression. "Mr. Harris, find a new partner."
With that, Michael put on his coat and left. George looked baffled at the cards Michael had played. "Her cards were terrible, but once Mr. Smith intervened, everything changed," he noted.
Thomas sank into his seat, bitterly regretting his actions. "Weren't they divorced?" he murmured.
Despite knowing about Michael and Rachel's troubled marriage, it was clear Michael still protected her.
Outside, Rachel asked for an umbrella at the front desk. The rain was relentless, icy droplets mixing with the cold wind, making her cough worse. Just as she struggled with her car door, Michael's grip closed around her wrist.
Feeling the coldness of her hand, Michael said coldly, "You can't drive. I'll take you home."
"Mr. Smith, let go," Rachel replied coldly, pulling her hand away forcefully. "I can call for a driver. No need to trouble you!"
The woman he once knew had been gentle and kind, never speaking so sharply. "Rachel, our divorce didn't make us enemies," Michael said with strained patience. "If you need help, ask me. Don't degrade yourself playing cards with them."
Rachel sneered, "Compared to the grievances I suffered in our marriage, today's issues are nothing."
At that moment, Rachel's phone rang. Ignoring Michael, she answered, "Hello, John? Finished with your business trip?"
John said, "Not yet. I'm on a business trip to the Unity Republic and won't be back until next Wednesday."
"Okay, no problem. You go ahead and work," Rachel said, coughing twice. "Wisdom-Tech Group will sign the contract with us tomorrow."
"Was it hard? Are they giving you a tough time?" John sounded concerned.
"Yes," Rachel replied.
Michael stood close enough to overhear bits of their conversation, his irritation flaring as she discussed business and even flirted briefly with John, asking him to bring some items from a brand store. His annoyance was obvious, but Rachel didn't seem to notice—or care.
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