Chapter: 228

She picked up the call.

"Mrs. Gray," she greeted, her voice warm.

Rachel replied in a soft tone, “Are you available in the next few days? I'd love for you to visit my home just for some company."

Alicia inquired, “Is this for a special occasion?"

"Not really," Rachel explained. "I often host friends for tea and conversation. I'm eager to introduce you to them as a new and talented friend."

Alicia paused briefly, then reluctantly replied, “I'm sorry, I might have to disappoint you."

Rachel responded, "You declined Randolph's offer for a ride before, and now you're turning down my invitation. Have we upset you somehow, Ms. Bennett?"

“No, not at all," Alicia assured her quickly. “I just already have plans."

"My influence seems too limited then. I guess I'll need Randolph to extend the invitation personally," Rachel noted, her smile Lingering.

A wave of anxiety washed over Alicia.

She felt as if a knife were pointed at her throat.

Rachel's persistence made Alicia suspect that something was amiss.

Her intuition screamed that attending would lead to trouble.

However, avoiding the gathering might anger Randolph, a situation she preferred to avoid.

It might be wiser to act diplomatically.

Facing adversity could be inevitable, yet there was also a chance to prevent any crisis.

"Alright, Mrs. Gray," Alicia accepted with a forced smile. "Just let me know the time, and I'll be there," she confirmed.

Rachel expressed her relief.

"Great. I won't keep you any longer."

Once the call ended, Rachel turned to Randolph with a concerned look.

"You're adamant about her coming. What are you planning?"

Randolph scoffed, "I need to set her straight. I won't be manipulated by just anyone. Do they think I'm a pushover?"

Rachel attempted to calm him. "You're not really bothered by this, are you? Why not just let it go?"

“Do you think those people are fools? Everyone's watching me,"

Randolph snapped back.

Rachel became quiet.

She thought, “If you had shown a bit more restraint with your ex, none of this would have happened."

Randolph's tone grew cold. "If it were someone else, I'd handle it quietly. But it's Alicia, Joshua's ex-wife. He betrayed me, and now I'll get even through her."

Rachel, seeing his real anger, decided it was better not to argue further.

Alicia felt a twinge of discomfort.