Chapter 8 - The Past Is Past

Sam wasn't one to gossip, and with Ivy Morgan out playing cards at a friend's house, no one would know that Kingsly Scott had driven her home.

Feeling exhausted, Rachel Foster returned to her room, sat on the edge of the bed in a daze, and then suddenly pulled open the bedside table drawer to take out the old USB drive inside.

She had wiped this drive clean last time, and now it looked as good as new. After staring at it for a long time, she finally dragged out the cardboard box from under the bed and placed the drive at the very bottom.

The past is like smoke; since it's destined, there's no need to cling to it.

Noah Foster's call came in as she came to terms with this.

She went to the window to answer the phone. "Noah."

"Sis, I heard Jasper is fine now. I'm thrilled."

Rachel felt guilty and rubbed her forehead. "Sorry, I forgot to tell you all..." She rarely was this absent-minded, which worried her siblings.

"Sis, you sound exhausted... Do you have anything else troubling you?"

Noah was always perceptive.

"It's nothing."

"Sis, I know everything you do is so we can live well, but I hope you don't push yourself too hard. I don't want you to wear yourself out."

Rachel smiled a little. "I know, you little nag. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now."

"Wait, sis."

"Hmm?"

"Soon, I'll have a surprise for you, and you'll be pleased."

Rachel nodded contentedly. "Alright, I'll wait for your surprise."

--

After finishing the meeting, Kingsly gave instructions to Helen while making a phone call.

Amy, Kingsly's assistant, saw him striding out of the meeting room with those long legs, and her heart was pounding with nerves.

She had been working for him for half a year, but facing the boss still made her heart race, mainly because her boss was incredibly handsome.

The gray suit he wore was perfectly tailored to his tall figure. With his exceptionally handsome face and the noble, gentlemanly manner he exuded, it's no wonder there was so much competition for the secretary assistant position.

Even now, being unable to talk to the boss and watching from afar was intoxicating.

Amy whispered something to Helen, prompting Helen to inform Kingsly, "Mr. Scott, Mr. Thompson is here, waiting in your office."

Leo Thompson was leaning lazily against the desk, idly flipping through the financial magazines Kingsly usually read. When he saw Kingsly enter, he finally lifted his gaze. "Kingsly, you're really busy. I've waited for you for half an hour."

Kingsly ignored Leo, going straight to his desk. "What's up?"

Leo casually tossed aside the magazine in his hand and said, "My wife heard Luna is back and wants to invite you both for dinner, the four of us."

"Okay."

"That's all the reaction I get?" Leo looked at Kingsly suspiciously.

Kingsly sat down, opening the file in front of him. "Anything else?"

Leo's sharp eyes narrowed slyly as he looked at Kingsly. "So... did you get with little Miss Foster?"

Leo Thompson clicked his tongue. "Seems like you didn't get anywhere... That's puzzling; who could resist our Kingsly?"

Kingsly remained silent.

Leo shrugged. "But a proud person like you needs to face setbacks occasionally, or else nothing in this world would ever challenge you."

Kingsly glanced up at Leo. "Are you so free? Should I have Helen call Maggie to send you home to take care of the kids?"

"No, no, no," Leo waved his hands emphatically, clearly alarmed, and quickly plastered on a flattering smile. "Mr. Scott, please overlook my earlier comments."

Kingsly returned his focus to the documents.

Leo, irritated but unable to resist, spoke again. "Kingsly, seeing you in a bad mood, did you really hit a wall with Miss Foster? Did she fiercely resist your advances that night?"

Kingsly gave him a cold look. "Do you really want to go home?"

"Whoa, such a strong reaction—frustrated desires, or did Miss Luna suddenly start keeping you in line?"

Kingsly smirked. "A single Rachel Foster isn't enough to affect my marital relationship."

"So you're saying Rachel Foster isn't special to you, but I find her quite attractive. Just her pure appearance is enough to make a man's heart itch. If I were single, I'd definitely pursue her..."

Kingsly curled his lips. "If you want your life to go down the drain, then go ahead and pursue her."

"God, are you serious about her?" Leo exclaimed.

Kingsly smiled. "Looks like you won't be able to explain this to your wife."

Leo's face fell. "My wife saw your car with Rachel Foster on Champs-Élysées this morning. She was worried her good friend was being deceived by her husband, so she sent me to investigate... I'm doomed. How am I supposed to explain this to her?"

"Tell her the truth."

"I can't," Leo said nervously, looking at Kingsly. "Mr. Scott, I can't afford to offend you."

Kingsly laughed.

"Hey, buddy, give me an exclusive scoop, I promise I won't tell anyone—does Miss Foster have feelings for you?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself?"

"Haha, do you want to know too?" Leo sprinted away. "I'll go ask for you now."

Watching Leo's quick departure, Kingsly's lips curled into a deep, knowing smile.

Helen entered, followed by a young, tall, and handsome man.

Kingsly leaned back in his chair, adjusting to a comfortable position, and looked at the newcomer. "You must be Noah Foster?"

Noah nodded respectfully to Kingsly, speaking with admiration. "Mr. Scott, it's an honor to meet you. You're my idol, and joining Titans Group is a dream come true for me."

Kingsly smiled, noticing the similarity between Noah and Rachel Foster, a fleeting inscrutability in his eyes. He then rose. "Noah, welcome to Titans Group."

Faced with Kingsly's offered handshake, Noah was overwhelmed. "Thank you, Mr. Scott. I'll definitely work hard."

Though they knew each other, they weren't remarkably close, so it was a surprise to see him leaning against the car hood and greeting her.

She politely approached Leo and returned his smile. "Um, Mr. Thompson, hello."

With his hand on his chin, Leo scrutinized Rachel from forehead to chin. "Skin like cream, a face like a peach blossom, pure with a hint of allure—not bad, but you could find a handful like this on any street. I wonder why Kingsly is interested in you?"

Rachel was taken aback. Kingsly...Kingsly Scott?

Leo continued directly. "Miss Foster, Kingsly says he likes you. Do you like him?"

Rachel nearly lost her balance, stumbling slightly, but Leo caught her in time. Seeing her stunned expression, he teased, "Scared like that? Is Kingsly that terrifying?"

Rachel gently declined Leo's assistance, saying calmly, "Mr. Scott and I are unfamiliar." How could she forget that Leo was Kingsly Scott's close friend in the business world?

Leo chuckled. "This is the first time I've heard someone eager to distance themselves from Kingsly. Miss Foster, you truly are unique."

"Excuse me, Mr. Thompson, I have things to attend to." Rachel turned to leave.

Leo bowed politely, gesturing for her to go, and watched her leave with a carefree smile.

Noon.

Kingsly and Luna came to the Thompson residence for a meal.

Leo's wife, Maggie, was a natural in the kitchen and always cooked for their gatherings.

Maggie was busy in the kitchen, with Luna assisting her. Kingsly, dressed casually, was intently reviewing a document from work on the sofa while Leo, holding a glass of red wine, was staring at Kingsly.

Finally, Kingsly spoke. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Leo quickly set down his wine glass and leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Do you want to know the result of my conversation with Miss Foster today?"

Kingsly's brow furrowed slightly. "Speak."

Leo recounted his conversation with Rachel in detail, then burst into laughter. "You should've seen how pale Miss Foster went... it was priceless."

Kingsly smiled slightly, his lips pressed into a thin line, saying nothing.

"I'm just curious—your standards have always been high, surrounded by beauties like Natalie Lewis. What about Rachel Foster, such an average beauty, that interests you? Is there a special connection?"

Kingsly set aside the document, stood up, took the glass of red wine Leo had poured for him, and sipped it before replying. "This isn't my usual drink, but a change of taste occasionally isn't bad."

"But Miss Foster seems quite proud; she might not be easy to win over."

Kingsly looked out at the golden leaves scattered outside the floor-to-ceiling window. After a long pause, a profound, icy smile appeared on his lips.

Seven years, a full seven years, he had woven a vast web for her, enough to leave her beyond redemption.