Ivy Morgan had been concerned about Jasper Reed's lack of appetite. With Rachel Foster by her side, they shared a quiet dinner.
Midway through the meal, Rachel's phone rang—it was her younger brother, Noah Foster. She excused herself and moved to the sofa to take the call.
"Big sister," Noah's deep voice resonated through the phone.
"Noah."
"How have you been lately?"
"I'm doing well," she reassured him. Both Noah and Diana studied in the United States, and Noah studied at Stanford. Noah calls infrequently, unlike Diana, but Rachel always feels assured about his independence.
"You don't sound well... Can the situation with Jasper and Silverstone be resolved?" Even from afar, Noah was perceptive.
Rachel took a deep breath, leaning back on the sofa. "You don't need to worry. I will handle it."
"I have a week-long break coming up. Can I visit you?"
"No need. Your studies are demanding. Use the break to rest. I can handle my issues." Since their parents' passing, she had been the pillar of strength for her siblings.
"Alright, but if you need me, just call."
"Okay."
"Take care of yourself."
"You too."
After ending the call, Rachel sat in thought. Ivy approached and sat beside her. "You barely ate tonight. Have some more."
Rachel shook her head, hugging Ivy. "I'm not hungry."
Ivy looked at her affectionately. "You've been dealing with so much—Jasper's troubles and managing the company. It's been hard on you."
Rachel smiled softly. "Not at all, I'm not tired."
"When everything is over, you and Jasper should get married. I've always wanted to have that daughter-in-law tea."
Rachel chuckled, resting her head on Ivy's shoulder and slowly closing her eyes.
That night, Rachel dreamt repeatedly of her encounter with Kingsly Scott. Awakening in a cold sweat, she could not return to sleep. She turned on the bedside lamp and reached for her laptop.
She typed "Kingsly Scott" into the search bar and found over a dozen information pages. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the section listing his spouse—Luna Bennett. She stared at the name long before scrolling through the pages.
She read about his growth, entrepreneurial journey, and private life. Suddenly, she noticed a mention of a car accident six years ago. The details were sparse, but an image showed him in critical condition, his head wrapped in bandages.
Had he been in such a severe accident? Rachel's hands trembled over the keyboard. She gazed at the image, her fingertips growing cold as if her heart had lost its warmth.
But if the accident was so severe, could it be that he didn't recognize her because he had undergone brain surgery?
Rachel Foster reflected on Kingsly's reaction when he saw her—strange, disdainful, distant, with a calmness reserved for strangers. It seemed he honestly had forgotten her due to the accident.She leaned against the headboard, her eyes fixed on the photo of his accident, feeling a strange dryness in her eyes. Many lose memories, forgetting the person they least want to face or the most painful events. If he had forgotten her, she must have been a source of great pain.
Once, she had prayed for him to forget her and for his future to be smooth. She had endured and suffered so much. Now, her prayers had been answered. He was successful, happily married, and unattainable at the pinnacle of his career.
He didn't remember her anymore... That was good!
With only a week left before Jasper Reed would be formally charged, Rachel had to persuade Kingsly Scott to help. But how?
A magazine reported that Kingsly recently enjoyed playing golf at the newly opened Yilin Club in the city's suburbs. The club was exclusive and catered to the wealthy, with a top-tier golf course surrounded by lush greenery and privacy.
Using Jasper's identity, Rachel obtained a membership card and arrived early at the Yilin Club. While waiting for Kingsly, she played a few rounds, the refreshing air invigorating her senses.
Her golf skills were impressive, and she managed several precise shots. Suddenly, a magnetic and steady voice came from behind. "Miss Foster, your golf skills are quite impressive."
Startled, Rachel turned to see Kingsly Scott, accompanied by an elegant woman she recognized as Natalie Lewis, a leading actress. Surprised to see someone other than his wife with Kingsly, Rachel momentarily forgot to speak.
Kingsly greeted her briefly, seemingly out of politeness, and was about to walk away with Natalie.
"Mr. Scott..." Rachel quickly spoke up, moving in front of him. "I need your help."
Kingsly raised an eyebrow.
"We can discuss this further. You can set any conditions if you're willing to help Jasper."
Kingsly smiled, gracefully declining. "Sorry, I'm swamped."
"Kingsly..."
He gently kissed Natalie on the cheek, ignoring Rachel's plea, and said tenderly to the beauty beside him, "Let's go play golf." With that, he walked away with Natalie.
Rachel stood there, stunned for a long time.
Rachel Foster stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of her office, gazing at the city's nightscape. She remembered standing there with Jasper Reed just days ago, sipping wine and discussing the future of "Westwood Heights." Now, she could only reminisce about his laughter, the silence deafening.She missed Jasper terribly; the solitude was frightening.
A knock at the door stirred her from her thoughts. Oliver entered, finding Rachel still by the window.
"Miss Foster."
She turned to him. "Oliver, you're still here?"
He smiled. "I came to pick up something. Miss Foster, it's late. Aren't you going home to rest?"
Rachel sighed, looking back at the bustling city. "I'm troubled." She couldn't face Ivy Morgan, fearing her fatigue would cause worry.
"Miss Foster, is there no way to help Mr. Reed?" Oliver asked concern etched on his face.
Rachel shook her head, leaning her forehead against the cool glass. There was a way, but persuading Kingsly Scott was the challenge.
"Oliver, what do you think it takes to persuade someone?" she asked suddenly.
Oliver thought for a moment. "Attraction."
"Attraction?" Rachel turned, intrigued.
"In this world, anyone can be persuaded if you have something that attracts them, like money," Oliver explained.
"And if he doesn't lack money?"
"Then he must lack something else. Everyone has weaknesses."
Rachel was surprised by Oliver's insight. It clarified her dilemma: What was Kingsly Scott's weakness? She recalled the woman accompanying him, Natalie Lewis.
The world knew Kingsly as a devoted husband, yet there he was, with another woman. Infidelity among tycoons wasn't uncommon, but she never expected it from Kingsly. Their past promises made it hard for her to associate him with such behavior.
Perhaps wealth changed people. Possibly, women were Kingsly's weakness.
"Miss Foster, please don't worry too much about Mr. Reed. I'm sure there will be a way. Take care of yourself."
Rachel nodded, snapping back to reality.
"If there's nothing else, I'll head home now. You should rest early, too, Miss Foster."
"Alright."
After Oliver left, the office fell silent again. Rachel stood by the window, lost in thought. The city lights blurred before her eyes as she contemplated her next move. She stood there until late into the night, her reflection in the glass a mirror of her resolve.