Chapter: 318

Her plan had backfired spectacularly.

Yet she couldn't help but feel wronged. "I did it for your sake," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I never wanted things to turn out this way. I'm upset too, Randolph. Why can't you see that?"

Randolph's snort was filled with disdain. "You're useless. All these other men-at least they have wives who stand by them. And what do I have? A fucking liability for a wife!"

Rachel felt utterly humiliated, her cheeks burning as if they'd been slapped by invisible hands.

Her family was by no means poor, but in recent years, their fortunes had dwindled. The stability they once enjoyed crumbled beneath them like loose stones. Without the safety net of a powerful alliance, she lived in constant fear of being belittled by the imposing Gray family.

She had managed to keep her composure for so long, swallowing every insult, every patronizing glance.

But tonight, something inside her snapped; she couldn't bear being trampled on any longer.

Bolting from the room, she covered her face with trembling hands. But her burst of impulsive courage faded almost as quickly as it had come.

Once outside the hotel, the biting cold of the wind cut through her, sobering her up completely.

The thought of the Gray family's downfall filled her with dread. The judgment of those high-society women-those well-manicured vultures— would be swift and merciless.

For years, she had basked in the glow of attention, smiling through the pain of their snide remarks.

To lose her dignity now would be unbearable, like stripping her of the very fabric that held her together. Without it, she felt she might as well end her miserable existence on this earth.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she swallowed them down, burying her grievances deep within her chest. Her mind raced, already formulating a plan to help Randolph claw his way back from the edge.

Joshua's relentless attacks were because of Alicia.

Perhaps, if she could make amends with her, it would open another path forward.

As she hailed a taxi, she failed to notice Caden's black car pulling into the hotel entrance.

He caught a glimpse of her departure but felt no sympathy-Rachel was little more than a fleeting inconvenience in his world. With a dismissive glance, he continued on his way.

Inside the dimly lit private room, Randolph's frustration filled the air like thick smoke.

He raised his glass to Caden twice in quick succession, his shaky hands betraying his desperation.

This was more than a toast-it was a plea for help, a grasp at any remaining shred of dignity.

Then, with bitter venom in his voice, Randolph cursed Joshua's name.

"I helped him so much back then," Randolph spat, his eyes gleaming with indignation. "And now I've fallen right into his trap! I never thought he'd turn on me like this.”

Caden took a slow, measured sip of his wine, remaining unmoved.

Joshua had struck the first blow, triggering the start of Randolph's slow collapse.

But Caden knew the truth-Joshua's damage was only a crack in the foundation. It had been Caden himself who'd delivered the fatal blow to Randolph's finances, silently dismantling his empire from within.

Randolph had no idea who the real mastermind behind his downfall was, assuming Joshua was to blame for everything.

"Three hundred million dollars?" Caden mused, setting his glass down casually. "That's loose change for me. But tell me, Mr. Gray, what will you offer to prove you're serious about this deal?"

Randolph's eyes flashed with desperation, bloodshot from sleepless nights and endless scheming. With trembling hands, he reached into his coat pocket and produced a worn document, the edges slightly frayed.

He slid it across the table to Caden.

“This. this is Joshua's secret," Randolph said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. He leaned closer, eager to fan the flames of Caden's well-known grudge against Joshua. “Mr. Ward, use it however you see fit."