Chapter 11

Rachel was taken aback. Matthew had just asserted they were in a relationship, catching her completely off guard. She had never been in this situation before. Was Matthew staking a claim on her? Rachel’s face flushed with embarrassment and a touch of annoyance. She was only doing this for Fred’s sake and didn’t want rumors spreading that she was supposedly involved with a pervert like Matthew. Her delicate features glowed with a hint of anger. “You didn’t have to announce our relationship to everyone.” Despite her anger, her beauty softened her words, giving her a coy, almost playful demeanor. It was a captivating sight. Larry’s jaw dropped. He had always seen Rachel as the icy, unapproachable president. In fact, many employees often wondered if she ever smiled. Now, he witnessed a different side of her that seemed softer and more vulnerable. It dawned on him that Matthew might really be her boyfriend. The thought was almost unbelievable—a mere driver dating the billionaire president? It was hard to fathom, but the scene unfolding before him left little room for doubt. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Larry’s face turned ashen. “Mr-Mr. Grant, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize who you were. Please don’t hold this against me.” Regret flooded over Larry. He had unknowingly provoked Rachel’s boyfriend. This was a complete disaster! Matthew’s tone remained cold and biting. “Just moments ago, you were telling me to get lost.” Larry trembled with fear as he slapped himself across the face. “I was blind and ignorant, Mr. Grant. I failed to recognize who you were. I was a fool! It was all my fault. Please, forgive me.” His self-criticism rang out with each resounding slap. The three security guards were now painfully aware of their mistake. They scrambled to apologize as well. “Mr. Grant, it was all Mr. Scott’s doing. He was the one who demanded we chase you away. Please don’t be angry with us. We beg you, don’t fire us.” They enjoyed generous benefits at Wealthwave Group, including comprehensive insurance and housing schemes, along with higher-than-average pay for security guards. The thought of losing such a job was unbearable. Larry had just given the order to have Matthew chased away, and now he deeply regretted his actions, desperate to salvage his position. After regaining her composure, Rachel turned her icy gaze to Larry. “Larry, what exactly is happening here?” Larry stuttered, struggling to find the words to explain. Matthew recounted the events, and Rachel’s anger boiled. “Larry, I’m shocked at how you’ve treated our employees. If everyone else had leadership skills like yours, this company would be doomed. You’re fired. Finish up the paperwork,” Rachel ordered. Though Larry wanted to protest, he knew Rachel’s decision was final. Thus, he left, feeling utterly defeated. Rachel then addressed the three security guards sternly. “As for you three, you are employed to work for the company, not as anyone’s personal henchman. You guys are fired as well. Go to HR and process your terminations.” The three guards, who were bruised and now fired, cursed their luck. Once everyone had left, Rachel turned to Matthew. “I never expected this to happen. Please don’t get me wrong. I might see you as a bit of a troublemaker, but I would never condone my staff harassing you. I hope you can trust me.” Whether Fred recovered or not depended on Matthew’s treatment now, and Rachel feared he might leave in anger. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing Matthew at such a crucial time. Matthew harbored no doubts about Rachel, especially since he had seen Tessa and Randall leaving Larry’s office earlier. He figured they must have influenced Larry somehow. Matthew smiled. “I trust you.” Rachel breathed a sigh of relief. With the misunderstanding resolved, she realized Matthew might not be so bad after all. Matthew had single-handedly taken down three security guards, displaying his strength and courage. Most people would have been helpless and defeated in such a situation. “Thank you for trusting me. Trust is essential in any relationship. Speaking of which, you mentioned needing a century-old eldernroot for my grandfather’s treatment. We found a supplier. Will it really help cure him?” Matthew shook his head firmly. “No.” “No?” Rachel’s eyes widened in shock. “Then why did you have us procure it?” Matthew was calm in the face of her questions. “While it won’t cure him, it can stabilize his condition until I can administer proper treatment.” Rachel’s chest heaved in frustration. Fred’s life hung in the balance, and Matthew had the audacity to joke. He had gone too far! Just as she was about to retort, they heard the sound of something snapping. Rachel glanced down in dismay to see that the third button of her blouse had popped off, exposing her ample cleavage. Matthew’s eyes widened in astonishment. Rachel really had an impressive figure. Taking in the unexpected turn of events, Matthew realized this was his chance to clear the air with Rachel. His face lit up with excitement as he pointed toward her chest. “See? I told you not to wear shirts that tight. It’s not my fault the buttons can’t handle it.” Rachel blushed as she reached out to cover herself. “How could you still laugh at a time like this?” Matthew chuckled. “I’m just saying I didn’t unbutton your shirt the last time. It happened all on its own. Just like now.” Rachel’s face flushed crimson as she realized she might have unfairly accused Matthew before. She was embarrassed. When she saw Matthew smirking, she huffed. “Fine! It wasn’t you.” With that, she turned and hurried away, mortified and wanting to escape. Matthew picked up the button from the floor and watched her retreating figure. Back in her office, Rachel ran into Tracy and couldn’t help venting her embarrassment. “Oh my gosh! I’m so embarrassed. My button popped open while I was talking to Matthew.” Tracy clicked her tongue. “Wow, those girls were eager to make an appearance after over 20 years in the dark, huh?” Fuming, Rachel gritted her teeth. “I think I misjudged him. It seems he didn’t unbutton my shirt last time.” Tracy smiled. “Well, it’s a good thing if he’s not as bad as you thought. Especially with your engagement coming up soon, it’s good to clear things up.” Thinking about Matthew’s comment about her shirt, Rachel chuckled. Her icy demeanor melted, and a radiant smile lit up her face, brightening the room. “He seems like a decent guy. I want to get to know him better. I’ll invite him to lunch today.” Tracy was surprised. “Wait. You… You’re going to make the first move?” … Meanwhile, in a café, Tessa raised her coffee cup to Randall and said, “Thank you. If it hadn’t been for your connection with Larry, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to meet Ms. Carter so quickly.” Randall sipped his coffee. “Your lucky days are just beginning now that you’ve left Matthew. With my help, securing a deal with Wealthwave Group will be a breeze.” Just then, Randall’s phone rang. He picked it up and glanced at Tessa. “Look, it’s Larry. He must have set up your meeting with Ms. Carter.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.