An Inevitable Fate?

Rachel came out of the washroom, dressed in simple jeans and a buttoned-down shirt. It was a little loose for her as it was Crsyta's. She combed her hair into a high ponytail.

"Give me a minute, I will get ready."

Crysta hopped out of the bed.

"No."

Rachel's determined voice rang behind Crysta.

"What?"

"You don't have to come with me. I will go alone."

"Are you mad? How can I allow you to go there alone? Noways! That's not gonna happen. You just wait here."

Rachel took a deep breath.

"I don't want to implicate you as well in this matter. If reporters are present near the hospital, if they see me with you, they might come after you for news. I don't want to put you in the spotlight. So, please. Stay here."

She didn't have any intension of letting her friend face the reporters. They were all cruel people who would do any illicit methods to gain news. She would never allow her friend to suffer!

Crysta pondered for a while. She didn't care about all those reporters. But, she also didn't want to become a burden for Rachel.

"Are you sure?"

"Trust me."

After that, Rachel left the hotel.

Just in half an hour, she reached the hospital. Reporters were indeed present outside of the hospital. She took a deep breath.

'You can do this!'

She climbed out of the car, wearing a black cap. She marched towards the entrance with determined steps.

"There! Ms. Rachel is coming in this direction. Let's go! Let's go!"

All of them started to block her path. Still, she moved without giving a damn about them.

"Ms. Rachel Stein, can you spare us a minute and speak about the situation. What happened back in the banquet? Are all those photos true?"

"What is your relationship with the CEO of Lee Industries? How are you going to explain this?"

"Is it true that you have already got engaged? Who is your fiance?"

No matter what they asked, she didn't stop at all. She held her head high and walked.

"Why are you not answering us? Then, it must be true that you are having an affair with Mr. Lee Aaron. Accept that you have cheated on your fiance and disgraced your family."

One of the reporters sneered as he criticized her with harsh words.

"Indeed, Mr. Colin must have felt heartbroken. He collapsed on the stage right after seeing those photos. Ms. Rachel, how are you going to explain this? Aren't you responsible for this?"

The words from the last reporter halted her steps. She slowly turned towards them, her eye piercing at them.

"You want me to explain the situation? Now? After writing whatever you want in your articles, you want to hear my explanation? Don't you reporters think it is your job not to mislead the public by releasing the news without the proof? You have accused me without any proof. You know, I can sue your news agency for the flawed presumptions, right?"

"Aren't those photos considered as proof?"

"Hah, say, if two people are hugging, would you say they are having an affair? With a photo as your sole evidence?"

"..."

She was right. How could they conclude with just photos as their proof?

They didn't have an answer to her question.

Though she was admonishing them for their actions, her voice sounded calm. She didn't raise her voice against them but her words made them all to sweat.

They didn't raise any more questions after that. She smiled kindly. But that smile gave them a chill onto their spine.

As soon as she reached the emergency room, her mother greeted her. She was still in yesterday's dress, looking worn out.

"Mom!"

She hugged her mom tightly. She felt safe in her mother's embrace.

"Is everything okay, dear? Did the reporters harass you?"

Gabriel looked worried. The reporters had tried to get inside the building but Darren had brought guards with him to block them.

"Everything is fine, don't worry. How is dad? What did the doctor say?"

"He is conscious but he's sleeping right now. The doctor said he needs rest. His pulse is normal, he will get better soon, dear, don't worry."

"That's good!"

She released a sigh of relief. She wanted to speak to Colin but hearing that he was asleep, she didn't enter the room. Her dad's health was more important. Everything else could wait.

They both fell silent. Rachel suggested her mom go back, to rest, but the latter declined.

"Mom, Darren?"

She looked everywhere, but couldn't find him.

"He left to speak with the doctor. He will be back."

Rachel nodded.

She heard the footsteps from behind. She turned behind, expecting Darren but it wasn't him.

"Uncle? What are you doing here?"

Rachel was stunned.

"I asked him to come, dear."