Chapter 77 The Pursuer
Not long after, David came back with the news. "Mr. Smith, it's confirmed. It was an accident. The elevator had issues in the morning, but the hotel management didn't shut it down or fix it, which led to what happened."
David still felt a chill as he recounted the details. He thought, 'Thank goodness the elevator made it to the first floor safely; otherwise, it could've been a disaster.'
Michael clenched his fists, looking grim. "Tell HR at headquarters to replace the hotel manager and get that elevator shut down for repairs immediately."
"Got it," David nodded.
Michael's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Also, look into what's going on between Rachel and Joseph."
Rachel and Joseph had only been acquaintances before, but now their relationship seemed to be moving fast, and Michael couldn't shake the feeling that something was up.
David noticed the jealousy in Michael's eyes and knew he wasn't happy about Rachel and Joseph getting close. But he didn't dare say anything and just agreed, "Okay."
Meanwhile, Joseph was helping Rachel into the hospital. On the other side, Mandy and her group were walking over, chatting and laughing.
It was Monica who first noticed Rachel. She tugged at Mandy's sleeve and pointed. "Mandy, isn't that Rachel over there with Mr. Anderson? How did they end up together?"
Mandy's smile faded as she looked where Monica pointed, her expression darkening a bit. But she said gently, "It really is Ms. Williams and Mr. Anderson, but it looks like Ms. Williams is hurt." Her eyes shifted to Rachel's swollen foot.
Mandy turned to Chloe. "Ms. Garcia, did you do this too?"
Chloe glanced at Rachel's ankle and shook her head arrogantly. "Not my doing."
"That's odd," Mandy murmured.
Monica chimed in, "Mandy, they're coming over."
Mandy looked again, this time meeting Rachel's gaze directly.
Rachel couldn't help but chuckle. Joseph looked down at her and asked, "What's so funny?"
"It's a small world. We ran into Michael at the hotel, and now we bump into Mandy at the hospital. Who else could have such coincidences?" Rachel replied with a hint of meaning.
Joseph looked at Mandy and her group approaching, his face full of mockery. "They're here for you."
Rachel caught the schadenfreude in his tone and shot him a cold glance.
Mandy's group stopped in front of Rachel.
Mandy smiled, "Ms. Williams, Mr. Anderson, what a coincidence."
"Indeed," Rachel nodded lightly, her gaze mostly on Chloe as if pondering something.
Mandy looked at Rachel, then at Joseph, a subtle light flashing in her eyes before disappearing. She pretended to be curious, "Ms. Williams, why are you here with Mr. Anderson? Won't Mr. Davis be upset if he finds out?"
Joseph raised an eyebrow. Mandy was trying to stir the pot between Rachel and John.
Rachel calmly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, showing no panic at being seen with Joseph, and responded in a light tone, "Why would he be upset? With so many suitors, he would only strive to make himself better to keep me from being taken away rather than wasting time being angry."
Mandy's face stiffened, but she forced a smile. "Ms. Williams, you sure have a sense of humor."
Monica rolled her eyes. "Humor? More like shameless, getting tangled up with other guys while having a boyfriend."
Rachel looked at Monica with a smile. "Jealous? I always have suitors, and you don't, so you're jealous of me, aren't you?"
Monica's cheeks flushed. "Of course not, you're talking nonsense."
Rachel's smile widened. "Really? Don't be embarrassed to admit it. With your plain looks and no one showing interest, it's natural to be jealous of me. I understand you."
Monica was so angry she was on the verge of tears, but she had to admit she was indeed jealous.
Joseph watched Rachel render Monica speechless with just a few words, smiling with interest. He thought, 'Does Michael know that Rachel is so sharp-tongued?'
Mandy stepped in to shield Monica. "Ms. Williams, are you saying Mr. Anderson is also one of your suitors?"
Rachel gently nudged Joseph with her elbow. "You tell her, is it true or not?" she warned in a low voice, "If you say the wrong thing, you won't have a good outcome."
Joseph's mouth twitched. He had no intention of getting involved and just wanted to watch from the sidelines, but now trouble had found him. Helplessly, he had to answer reluctantly, "Of course, it's true!"
Compared to Rachel, he disliked Mandy even more. So he chose to side with Rachel.
Mandy's eyes widened in disbelief. He actually admitted it. Was he really pursuing Rachel?
Not only was Mandy shocked, but Chloe and Monica were equally stunned. Chloe looked at Joseph with disdain. As a member of a prominent family, she couldn't accept that Joseph would have feelings for a divorced woman. It was a disgrace to their noble status.
"Mr. Anderson, isn't this a bit inappropriate?" Mandy glanced at Rachel, her hesitation evident as if she had something difficult to say.
Rachel let out a laugh, a mix of anger and helplessness. "Miss Brown, just say it. What's wrong with me? Your hesitation makes it seem like I've done something shameful." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you suggesting I should clarify to Joseph that I'm Michael's ex-wife?"
Mandy's heart tightened, not expecting Rachel to expose her intentions so directly. Caught off guard, she quickly shook her head, trying to clarify. "No, that's not what I meant. I just wanted to point out that you are Michael's ex-wife, and Mr. Anderson is friends with Michael. Isn't it inconsiderate to pursue you?"
"Not at all, I think it's quite appropriate," Joseph interjected with a bright smile. "Although Rachel was once Michael's wife, they are now divorced. It's perfectly normal for me to pursue her."
"But..." Mandy tried to argue.
Rachel interrupted her, "Miss Brown, do you dislike seeing me being pursued?"
Mandy quickly denied, "No, I don't. I don't."
Rachel's smile turned slightly sharper. "If that's the case, then why are you obstructing Joseph from pursuing me? If you believe a friend's ex-wife is off-limits, then as my college classmate, how do you justify interfering in my and Michael's marriage?"
Mandy's face turned pale, rendered speechless. What else could she say? No matter how she responded, she would end up embarrassing herself.
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