Chapter 282: People Like You Are Meant to Grow Old Alone

Rachel Royce had some business to discuss with Julian Jennings.

She went upstairs and was speaking with Julian Jennings’s secretary.

Just then, the office door opened.

Rachel Royce looked up and saw Alexander Sullivan walking out of the office. He saw her too, and the moment his eyes landed on her, they held a complex emotion that Rachel couldn’t decipher.

All she could think was that he was being incredibly strange.

Alexander Sullivan gave Rachel a slight nod and a smile, then said a word to Julian Jennings before striding away.

Rachel stood there, watching Alexander’s retreating figure. After a moment, she looked away and turned to Julian.

"Come on in," Julian said, looking at Rachel.

Rachel entered the office, closing the door behind her. "Why did Alexander Sullivan suddenly show up at Rowan?" she asked, puzzled. Julian brewed a cup of tea and set it down in front of her.

Rachel sat on the sofa.

Julian explained, "He came to talk about the Ainsworth Family’s investment and construction projects in Portington, and future economic trends." Rachel gave a slight, sarcastic smile. "And here I thought Alexander Sullivan came to discuss a partnership." Julian smiled faintly. "He would never partner with Rowan. But I was surprised he came to see me. It was clear he wasn’t just here for a casual chat. He even brought you up, as if he wanted to get information about you from me." Rachel frowned, her voice tinged with annoyance and disgust. "Why talk about me? Is he trying to do something for Claire Ainsworth?" "Not at all," Julian said. "He had nothing but praise for your abilities." "How bizarre." "On another note, it seems Claire Ainsworth is in the hospital after a suicide attempt." Rachel was startled for a moment before scoffing. "First a car accident, now this. She’s certainly putting on a show." ’Tristan really is a cold-blooded man.’

’When he cares about you, he’ll put you on a pedestal. When he doesn’t, you’re less than nothing in his eyes.’

’Claire Ainsworth is pulling these stunts for no other reason than to win Tristan’s pity and affection. The fact that she has to resort to such measures shows just how cold he’s grown toward her.’

And yet, despite all this, she felt no sense of satisfaction.

"What I’m curious about now," Rachel mused, "is why Alexander Sullivan, who supposedly dotes on Claire Ainsworth so much, is just standing by and doing nothing for his dear ’sister’ at a time like this." "Whatever the case, the bond between Alexander and Tristan is certainly stronger than his bond with Claire. Feelings are fleeting, but interests are eternal. Besides, no matter how much Alexander dotes on Claire, he’s not an Ainsworth at the end of the day." Rachel nodded in agreement.

"So, Tristan and Claire are no longer in contact?" Julian asked.

A cold smile touched Rachel’s lips. "All I know is that he’s busy playing the part of the perfect husband. If I were scoring his performance, I’d give him a perfect ten." Julian’s deep eyes gazed at her from behind his lenses, and his tone turned serious. "What if he’s willing to keep up this act with you for the rest of your lives?" At his words,

Rachel’s expression darkened.

’An act for a lifetime?’

’She had never considered that.’

’But to her, that seemed utterly impossible.’

"Even if it is an act, it needs some kind of emotional foundation to sustain it. And he’s not exactly a sentimental man."

Julian looked at her, his voice full of earnest concern. "Rachel, if it’s possible, I hope you can start looking forward. The past isn’t as important as you think it is." ’She could have stayed in the United States. She could have come back without ever contacting Tristan Sterling. But her child was a constant pull, and the heartbreak from eight years of unrequited love had been so absolute, it was like a thorn buried deep in her heart.’

’Tristan Sterling was that thorn.’

’And that was why she had chosen to return, to cross paths with him again.’

Julian knew that until that thorn was removed, she would never be able to move on.

Rachel gave a bitter smile. "Perhaps. But I’ve come this far. My only choice is to see it through."

Julian sighed in resignation. "If you ever feel like you can’t go on, remember you’re not alone."

Rachel smiled. "I’m sure you’ll be there to help me up, Professor."

"Of course."

「That evening.」

Rachel didn’t go out for dinner with Tristan.

She returned to the Silvermist Bay Villa.

Dinner was ready.

Tristan had gotten home half an hour before she did.

They sat in the dining room, the atmosphere between them exceptionally cold.

"I heard something today," Rachel said, breaking the silence.

Tristan looked at her. "What is it?"

"Claire Ainsworth attempted suicide and was hospitalized," Rachel said. "Aren’t you going to Portington to see her?" Her delivery was so calm and devoid of emotion, it was as if she were asking him if he’d eaten dinner.

But of course, Tristan could not miss the probing intent behind her words.

"I’m not a doctor. My being there wouldn’t do any good."

Rachel scoffed. "You’re not a doctor, but your presence would be far more effective."

"Do you want me to go that badly?"

"You used to cherish her so much you couldn’t even bear to say a harsh word to her. Now she’s driven to suicide, and you’re completely unmoved. You truly are fickle and cold-blooded."

At her words, Tristan’s handsome face remained impassive. "The Ainsworth Family will handle her," he said lightly. "From now on, the only things that concern me are you and Melissa."

’Of course. For a man like him, there was no such thing as guilt.’

’In a way, she had to admire him.’

’Only someone so ruthless and unfeeling could live a life free of pain and reach heights others could never hope to achieve.’

"People like you are meant to grow old alone," Rachel said.

Tristan ladled a bowl of soup for her. As if completely oblivious to her sarcasm, he replied calmly, "I used to think that, too. But you’ve changed my life and the way I see things. Life never goes according to plan. Fate has already made its arrangements, and we should just go along with it."

Rachel glanced at him but said nothing more.

Tristan watched her, a small smile playing on his lips as he changed the subject. "I have a new assistant starting. She’s also a graduate of Stanford University and one of Professor Michael’s former students. I suppose that makes her your junior. Her name is Bianca Lowe. Do you know her?"

Rachel sipped her soup. "Professor Michael has had many students. I don’t know every single one of them."

Tristan didn’t press the matter.

Just then,

a video call came in from Melissa. Tristan answered, pointing the camera at both himself and Rachel.

"Daddy! Mommy! You’re still having dinner."

Melissa’s bright, cheerful voice rang out from the phone, adding a touch of warmth to the cold dining room.

A gentle smile graced Rachel’s face as she looked at Melissa.

Melissa was still eating her own dinner.

Tristan and Rachel chatted with her for a bit.

"Daddy, you have to eat nicely with Mommy, okay?" Melissa added as a final warning. "And don’t you dare make Mommy angry."

"Daddy knows," Tristan said gently.