Chapter: 317

One action triggered a cascade of consequences. He faced an investigation, and all his past misdeeds came to Light.

He needed to return every cent of the money he had embezzled while serving as the bank manager.

Moreover, he was going to jail.

In recent days, Caden had reached out to him.

Today, he gathered his courage for one final effort, hoping that Caden would lend his support.

"Caden isn't in a much better position," Rachel said in a trembling voice. "The last time Mrs. Reyes opposed Alicia, he defended her, and forced us to endure the backlash from the Reyes family. It's cruel of him to resort to such tactics."

Doubt crept into her mind. “Can we really count on him to help us?"

Randolph regretted the negative impression he had made on Caden in the past.

"I'm uncertain about his relationship with Alicia, but I understand what he desires!" That secret had always been his trump card for emergencies, and now it was time to play it. "He has more than enough money. If he helps me, I'll reveal a secret that could destroy Joshua. It's an irresistible opportunity for him!"

But Rachel still deeply feared Caden, a weight that she couldn't easily shake off.

Joshua was an asshole, but Caden-he was another breed of ruthless.

Should she and Randolph find themselves ensnared in one of his schemes, the path ahead of them would be nothing short of treacherous.

“Randolph, can't we find another way?" she pleaded, gripping his arm tightly, her voice trembling with desperation. "This deal. it's not worth the risk for us."

Randolph's expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. Her tearful pleas grated on his nerves, he couldn't help but lash out.

"You have no say in this matter!"

The next second, he suddenly smacked Rachel, sending her tumbling from her chair.

She hit the floor with a soft thud, a muffled groan escaping her Lips.

Pain shot through her side, but she bit back any further sound, knowing better than to cry out.

Shame burned her cheeks as she slowly picked herself up, grateful there was no one in the private room to witness her humiliation.

She slowly climbed back into the chair, lowering her gaze, her spirit broken. She had grown accustomed to submission a long time ago, and with such a serious matter looming over them, she didn't dare provoke Randolph any further.

Yet, even as she sat silently, he continued to berate her. “This is all your fault!" he barked.

Rachel's chest tightened. How could he pin this on her? "My fault?" she repeated incredulously, her voice a mix of hurt and disbelief.

“I didn't do anything!"

Randolph's sneer cut through her like a knife. "If you hadn't picked that fight with Alicia, none of this would've spiraled out of control."

"Randolph!" Rachel's voice rose with a spark of defiance, her frustration boiling over. “You were the one who said you couldn't stand Alicia and wanted to teach her a lesson! I tried to stop you, but you wouldn't listen. Now that things have blown up, you're putting the blame on me?"

“I told you to teach her a lesson, yes," Randolph growled, his eyes narrowing. “But why did you have to involve Joshua?"

Rachel's gaze faltered, flickering with guilt.

She had told Joshua, thinking it would humiliate Alicia further.

Given Alicia's and Joshua's bitter divorce, she thought he would revel in her suffering.

But instead, Joshua still harbored feelings for Alicia, and his anger had turned on Randolph, avenging his ex-wife.