Chapter 6

Ralph put down his fork and said flatly, "Kevin, when are you planning to leave this time?"

Kevin leaned back in his chair, his eyes icy. "Actually, I'm planning to stick around and spend more time with father."

Ralph's smile was devoid of warmth. "It's rare to see you so devoted, especially since you were the one who wanted to cut ties with the family before."

"People change." Kevin's lips twisted into a thin, cold smile as his gaze casually swept over Rachel, who was shifting uncomfortably due to his leg movements.

"I've suddenly found that living at our manor can be quite interesting, especially now that there's someone new here."

Rachel's hand gripping her utensils was starting to turn pale. She discreetly moved her body to avoid Kevin's leg, which was still trying to inch closer.

Ralph snorted slightly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, "Really? Hearing that from you is quite unusual."

Kevin looked at him coldly. "Ralph, you got a problem with me staying here?"

This blunt question nearly froze the already tense atmosphere at the dining table.

Kevin had never voluntarily talked about the Smith family before, but Rachel had already noticed in the past few days that everyone in this family had their own agendas.

On the surface, they seemed harmonious, but behind the scenes, they were all hiding their true intentions.

Isaac's gaze swept over Ralph with some dissatisfaction.

Ralph forced a smile. "No, just asking out of concern."

Kevin's tone was deliberately drawn out, "Oh, I see."

Isaac coughed heavily, "Let's not talk so much at the dinner table. Just eat."

The conversation finally ended.

Rachel took advantage of the moment to completely avoid Kevin. She looked at the half bowl of porridge in front of her, feeling no appetite.

She wanted to be as far away from Kevin as possible.

Rachel set down her utensils and looked up at Isaac. "I'm full."

Isaac glanced at her. "You ate so little."

Rachel replied calmly, "I don't have much of an appetite this morning."

She stood up and continued, "I have a friend coming back from out of town. I'm going to see her today and stay with her for a few days."

Kevin suddenly dropped his utensils, the sound of the silver fork clashing with the plate was sharp and drew everyone's attention to him.

Rachel had no choice but to look up.

Kevin's eyes seemed to be brewing a storm, mixed with anger and hostility.

He curled his lips playfully. "Aren't you from the red-light district? I suppose your friends are just as disreputable as you."

Rachel felt a wave of embarrassment; his words hurt more than a slap to the face.

Kevin continued his sarcastic remarks, "Since you're part of the Smith family now, you should avoid associating with them. Otherwise, you'll bring shame to our family."

Rachel suppressed her anger. "That's my friend. Please show some respect."

Kevin's hostility was almost palpable, making Abigail dismiss the subtle thoughts she had.

She gently leaned on Kevin's arm. "Kevin, no matter what, she's still your stepmother."

Kevin's mocking gaze remained fixed on Rachel. "She's already brought enough disgrace to our family by marrying in. If any more rumors spread, the family's reputation will be ruined."

Rachel was left speechless, her eyes flashing with anger.

Four years had passed, and she still couldn't understand Kevin. In bed, they were in sync, as if they had never been apart.

However, once they were out of bed, he seemed to forget her and treated her with hostility.

Kevin's gaze seemed to want to pin her to the pillar of shame as a whore.

Rachel unconsciously dug her nails into the soft flesh of her palm. "Since I married in, our fates are intertwined. There's no need for you to remind me."

Her rare show of strength only made Kevin more displeased. "Are you really defending your friend, or is there something more?"

Rachel was completely at a loss for words.

"Alright, stop arguing over such trivial matters."

Isaac waved his hand irritably and signaled to the butler beside him.

The butler immediately understood and respectfully handed Rachel a thin black card with gold embossing.

Isaac explained, "This card has no limit. Go out and buy yourself some clothes and jewelry this afternoon."

Isaac's stance was clear; no matter what happened, he would side with Kevin; all she would get was some money as compensation.

Rachel forced a smile. "Okay."

Her plan to move out was thwarted.

Rachel took the card and went shopping in the afternoon. But even though she was shopping, she was followed by four bodyguards.

They claimed it was for her safety, but it was really just surveillance.

As she browsed luxury stores, her mind was still racing. Gaining Isaac's trust was proving to be no easy task.

She wandered through several stores, dragging out her time until nightfall before deciding to head back.

Maybe it was her instinctive aversion to the Smith family, but she felt that every breath she took at the Smith Manor was toxic.

Fortunately, the bodyguards only monitored her outside. Once she got into the car, they dispersed.

The night was cold when Rachel returned.

She instinctively pulled her coat tighter, but as she rounded a corner, a hand suddenly grabbed her, pulling her into the shadows.

Rachel's eyes widened, instinctively wanting to fight back, but the other person blocked her with their other hand.

The scent of cedarwood mixed with a faint hint of blood filled the air.

Kevin pressed close to Rachel, using his tall frame to trap her in the corner.

Rachel looked at him in disbelief, quickly noticing his uneven breathing.

"You're hurt?" she asked, surprised.

Kevin was wearing black clothes, making the bloodstains less noticeable.

Kevin pressed a hand to his chest, trying to keep his voice steady. "Take me away."

Rachel's lips tightened, her eyes flickering with complexity. Who had the audacity to attack Kevin and drive him to such a desperate state?

Rachel tried to free herself from Kevin's grip. "Let go of me first."

They were too close, so close that Kevin's entire weight was pressing on her, so close that only two thin layers of fabric separated them, their breaths mingling in the narrow space.

Before Kevin could respond, urgent footsteps suddenly echoed nearby.