?Chapter 749:


    Rachel was taken aback by thedies’ sudden appearance, but it didn’t take long for her to regain herposure.


    Before she could say anything, however, the woman who seemed to be the leader of the group rushed forward, her hand pulled back as she aimed to p Rachel in the face.


    Rachel acted quickly, dodging the attack with a graceful pivot to the side.


    The woman grew even more enraged by this. “How dare you run, huh?! Ladies, let’s get her!” she shouted at her peers, rallying them to pounce on Rachel.


    Just like that, the women charged at Rachel, their faces filled with ferocity.


    The thing was, Rachel was no longer the quiet pushover she used to be. She lunged for the table, grabbed a wine ss, and sshed its contents onto the face of the first woman to get close to her. The woman stopped short, clearly not expecting a counterattack.


    Rachel swept a cold nce over the group, her voice sharp and clear when she asked, “Have you all calmed down yet?”


    To their credit, the other women stopped in their tracks and paused to listen.


    “I understand you’re trying to stand up for your friend, but I advise you to take some time to understand the situation before making any further moves. First of all, I have no inappropriate rtionship whatsoever with Mr. Clifford. Second, this is the first time I’ve met him, and it’s to discuss business. My project proposal is still on the table, if any of you care to look. That’s all I have to say. If you apologize to me now and leave without making any more trouble, I’m willing to let this incident go. But if you insist on persecuting me over a massive misunderstanding, I’m willing to take this all the way to court.”


    Her resolve was evident in her stance, making the other women falter momentarily.


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    But their leader remained indignant, especially since she was now drenched in wine. “What kind of fool would believe a thing you just said? With a face like yours, there’s no way you’re not his mistress!” She looked back at her cohorts and incited them. “If a woman like her is meeting with your husband behind your back, wouldn’t you be suspicious too?”


    “Shut up!” Kern suddenly yelled at the woman. “I am giving you onest chance because you are a friend of my wife. Apologize to Miss Marsh, or else…”


    Leona Clifford, Kern’s wife, was outraged to hear him defend Rachel. She pulled his ear higher. “Or else what? Do you dare toy a hand on my friends?”


    Kern was known to be henpecked among his circles. Despite all his bluster, he was as meek as a kitten in front of his wife. The reason was simple. He owed his sess to Leona. Her father had significant influence in society, while Kern had nothing. As such, he was always obedient to her.


    It wasn’t until his father-inw passed away and his business flourished that he finally gained some semnce of pride and self-entitlement. And while he might not be entirely loyal or loving toward Leona, he still felt a sense of duty and familial affection for her. He would enjoy his sidepieces in rtivefort, then double his efforts in treating Leona well.


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