Chapter 342 Maybe Related to Her

Chapter 346 Invitation

A moment later, a bodyguard groggily woke from the hypnotic gas, sensing something was wrong. Mustering his courage, he pushed open the door to the secret room, only to see David's already stiffened corpse lying in a pool of blood, and an empty room.

The beautiful widow had vanished into thin air, leaving no trace.

The estate fell into chaos and panic, but the rumors about David's bizarre sudden death—suspected revenge killing or robbery-murder—would soon be buried among the various chaotic local news stories in South Aetheria. No one would connect it to the distant City A, or to a woman named Rachel.

Anouk had kept her promise, using her most skilled methods to eliminate the last lurking viper for Rachel.

Rachel had just finished a conference call and set down the phone, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward the distant skyline outside the window.

Just then, the encrypted satellite phone in her drawer vibrated ever so slightly, just once, then fell silent.

Rachel's heart skipped a beat.

She got up, locked her office door, and walked back into the soundproof chamber. On the satellite phone's screen, there was no number, only a self-destructing encrypted message with brief content:

[Mission complete.]

Rachel stared at this message for a full minute.

Then, she let out a long, slow breath.

That breath seemed to finally release the heavy boulder that had been weighing on her heart for months.

The viper lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment, had finally been eliminated.

Rachel transferred the final payment to Anouk's designated account through an extremely complex multi-layered encrypted transfer system.

After completing the operation, Rachel placed the satellite phone along with its memory card into a special strong magnetic degausser, watching them become completely destroyed.

That evening when she got home, Brandon keenly noticed the change in her mood.

The hidden worry that had been clouding her brow for days was gone.

Her smile was more relaxed, her eyes brighter, and even her tone of voice was much lighter.

At the dinner table, she even took the initiative to bring up some wedding details, like the style of party favors and the color scheme for the banquet flowers.

"Did something good happen today? You're in such a good mood." Brandon served her some food, a smile playing at his lips, his eyes gentle.

He had actually already learned through his own channels about David's accidental death in South Aetheria. Brandon had almost immediately connected this "accident" to Rachel.

His Rachel was far more decisive than he had imagined, and she knew how to use her own methods to protect their family.

This made his heart ache, and also made him more alert.

He had to become stronger, more thorough, so that in the future she wouldn't have to venture into danger alone or resort to such dark methods.

"Nothing special," Rachel smiled sweetly at him, light dancing in her eyes. "I just feel like all my worries have been resolved, and I can focus on preparing to be your bride. Don't you want me to be happy?"

"Of course I do." Brandon held her hand, his gaze affectionate and focused. "Your happiness is more important than anything. Just don't tire yourself out. The wedding has professionals handling it—you just need to oversee the big picture."

"I'm not tired, I find it really interesting." Rachel leaned on his shoulder. "This is our wedding, I want to be more involved."

At this moment, Arthur, who had been quietly eating but listening intently, suddenly put down his spoon and looked at them with bright eyes: "Mom, Brandon, can I make a suggestion for the wedding?"

Rachel and Brandon exchanged smiles. "Of course you can, Arthur. Go ahead," Rachel encouraged.

Arthur seemed a bit embarrassed, but still said seriously: "I saw on TV that weddings have flower children scattering petals. Can I be a flower boy?"

He paused, then added in a small voice, "Also, can I invite a good friend from school to come? Just one!"

Arthur had clearly been thinking about this for a long time. After speaking, he looked at them nervously, his small hands clutching his clothes.

Rachel's heart melted.

She looked at Brandon, whose eyes were full of smiles as he nodded at her.

Rachel reached out to ruffle her son's hair, her voice gentle and affirming: "Of course you can! Brandon and I would be so happy to have Arthur as our flower boy! As for inviting a classmate, I think that's great. This is a joyful occasion worth celebrating, and Arthur should share the happiness with a good friend. Are you talking about Max, who you met at the competition last time? His home is very far from here, so Max might not be willing to come."

"Really? That's great!" Arthur immediately cheered, his little face flushed with excitement. "Distance isn't a problem! When we last wrote to each other, he mentioned he was coming to study in this area, so he'll definitely want to come! Mom is the best! Brandon too!"

Watching Arthur's excited state, Rachel and Brandon smiled at each other, the air filled with warm and happy feelings.

Charles received the invitation just after finishing a tense financing negotiation, tiredly rubbing his temples.

His desk was piled high with documents to be processed, and on top was a white envelope with simple, elegant design, gold lettering, and a faint fragrance.

His gaze fell on the delicate, familiar handwriting on the envelope.

His heart felt like it was being gently squeezed by an invisible hand—not violently, but bringing a prolonged and clear dull ache.

He picked up the invitation, his fingertips brushing over that familiar handwriting, his movements as gentle as touching a fragile dream.

After a long while, he slowly opened the envelope and pulled out the exquisite card inside.

The wedding date, location, time... and Rachel and Brandon's names written side by side, like a small seal, announcing that the secret corner Charles had treasured deep in his heart for many years would finally come to a complete end.

He held the card in one hand, its delicate, cool texture somehow seeming to burn his fingers.

Memories surged up uncontrollably, as clear as if they were yesterday.

It was many years ago, during middle school.

He was the quietest student in class, and one of the poorest. His parents had died early, and he lived with his elderly grandmother. Even tuition was often a struggle.

And Rachel was that girl who always smiled warmly, had excellent grades, came from a well-off family, and seemed to radiate light.

They should have had no connection at all.

Until she forcefully entered his world, protecting young Charles's dignity and quietly providing funds for his education.

The looks he gave her were always burning yet silent, filled with humble longing.

He knew he wasn't worthy of her, didn't even have the courage to thank her in person.

He could only bury that gratitude and admiration deep in his heart, turning it into motivation to climb upward desperately.

Rachel would never know that because of a calligraphy competition she had participated in, he deliberately went to work odd jobs for the organizers, just to get her award-winning work that should have been archived.

He admired her handwriting, traced her strokes, fantasizing that someday he could share a pen with her.

He studied like crazy, got into the best university, chose the most promising major.

To return to the Grey Group, he suffered tremendously, and countless times when on the verge of giving up, just thinking of her smile from years ago and that delicate handwriting would help him grit his teeth and push through.

He fantasized that one day, he could achieve something that would catch her attention, then stand before her with dignity—not to repay her, but to have the qualification to ask: "Hello, Rachel, do you remember me?"

However, reality is always cruel.