Chapter 82
The room was abuzz with a chorus of outraged voices, but they all fell silent as their attention shifted to Neville, the speaker.
With a casual smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, Neville spoke slowly, “So, do you believe everything people say? If I told you this lady here is nothing more than a homewrecker, not actually suffering from any terminal illness, but just fishing for sympathy, would you believe that too?”
The crowd exchanged puzzled glances, momentarily at a loss for words.
Neville continued, calm and composed, “If you don’t know the full story, maybe it’s best not to jump to conclusions. Just because someone seems vulnerable, it doesn’t mean they’re in the right. And those you perceive as weak might not be weak at all.”
He chuckled knowingly, “I’ve never seen a so-called weak person stir up a crowd with just a few words.”
The expressions of those around shifted, a mix of realization and uncertainty.
Rachel, flustered, attempted to explain, “Mr. Connolly, you’ve got it wrong, I wasn’t trying to manipulate anyone…”
But Neville cut her off with a teasing smile. “No need to rush, Ms. Pearce. I’m just making a point, having a bit of fun.”
He gave her a wry look, adding, “Ms. Pearce, the dishes are served. Why not sit down and chat? If I recall correctly, Star never said she wouldn’t share, just that she couldn’t. Besides, the meds are for Star’s mother-in-law. If she had them, why wouldn’t she hand them over?”
“Maybe they’re out of stock, or there’s some other reason, and here you are making a fuss… People who know might think you’re just asking for medicine, but others could totally assume something terrible happened to your family.”
The crowd finally began to see the situation clearly.
“Oh, so she just ran out, not refusing to share… I thought it was intentional.”
“Exactly, didn’t even ask why, just started crying. Is she too eager, or just a good actress?”
“The meds aren’t for her, it’s for that lady’s mother-in-law… So why is she so anxious? What’s their relationship?”
Haynes furrowed his brow, his deep, intense gaze suddenly landing on Rachel.
Her heart skipped a beat, almost losing her composure. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she murmured, “Haynie, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to help you. I know I’m clumsy and terrible with words, and probably annoying. My existence is a mistake…”
Rachel’s voice softened, her smile a little sad. “Haynie, you and Ms. Cameron should talk it out. I won’t get in your way.”
With that, she stood, her head down, and walked toward the door. Her slender figure exuded an air of melancholy, stirring a sense of pity in those watching.
Outside, unnoticed by them, a fierce rainstorm had begun. The relentless downpour beat against the windows, each drop echoing with a steady, insistent rhythm.
Haynes quickly grabbed her wrist, his handsome face taut with concern. “Where are you going? It’s pouring outside. You can’t get soaked in your condition.”
Rachel’s emotions flared up, becoming unexpectedly intense. “Where I go, whether I get drenched, live or die, it’s none of your business!”
With those words, she yanked her arm free and dashed out into the rain.
Haynes hesitated for a moment, then sprinted after her. The rain outside was relentless. It only took a moment to become completely soaked.
Rachel barely made it out of the restaurant before Haynes caught up to her. He held onto her hand, trying to pull her back inside. But Rachel resisted fiercely, refusing to return.