Chapter: 182

Not wanting to appear uncomfortable, Rachel forced a smile and asked, “Have you picked out the wine?"

Randolph felt her interruption was poorly timed and responded in a cold tone, “If I hadn't chosen one, why would I be paying?"

Rachel shot a glance at his ex-girlfriend.

The woman gave her a polite smile.

On the surface, she appeared considerate, staying silent through the exchange.

However, only another woman would understand how cutting that smile really was.

Rachel wasn't concerned about the money. She simply didn't want to give the woman any leverage.

She wrapped her arm around Randolph's. "Let's hold off for a moment. I want a bottle too."

Randolph frowned and asked, “Why didn't you say so earlier?"

“I just decided now," she said, tightening her grip around his arm.

“Can you help me choose, honey?"

Without much thought, Randolph grabbed a bottle.

Rachel wanted to speak up but she ultimately decided against it.

The woman noticed her reluctance and seized the moment to provoke her further.

She approached Randolph and suddenly said, “Wait a moment, Randolph."

His expression softened as he turned to her. “What's wrong? Did you see another wine you Like?"

With a feigned look of concern, she replied, "Maybe we shouldn't buy the wine. It's too expensive."

To a man like Randolph, comments like that felt insulting. “It's not expensive at all," he retorted.

“It's tens of thousands of dollars," she said, sounding thoughtful.

“I feel like Mrs. Gray cares about this. I'll just buy it next time."

Randolph immediately turned his attention to Rachel.

Caught off guard, Rachel stammered, "I don't mind."

The second the words left her mouth, she immediately felt regret.

This could have been her chance to say what she really felt.

The woman's voice quivered as she spoke. “When Mrs. Gray came by, she stared straight at me. She didn't say anything, but I knew exactly what she meant. Randolph, I was wrong. I shouldn't have asked you to cover the bill. She must've misunderstood something between us."

Randolph's expression hardened as he turned to Rachel. “Did you glare at her?"

Rachel looked up with sadness. "No, I didn't."

"Then why would she make that up? Why would she lie for no reason?"

In a stern voice, he asked, “How many times do I have to explain myself? We're just friends now. There's nothing else happening. Why can't you let go of this jealousy?”

He waved dramatically before buying several more bottles for his ex- girlfriend, finalizing the purchase.