Chapter 22 Pretending Not to Know?
Although Rachel had only interacted with Benjamin a few times, she could read the subtle expression on his face in this moment.
She knew about the affair between her husband and her best friend, which made it all the more peculiar that the three of them could keep up appearances so well.
But she had no choice; she needed evidence.
Benjamin's expression remained indifferent. The only social interaction he had was when Harold introduced him to Steven, at which point he nodded. He never once looked Rachel in the eye.
Pretending not to know her?
"This gentleman here, Mr. Martinez, may not be familiar to you. He is our school's current legal advisor and also a professor at our law school, Benjamin," Harold introduced with a smile.
Steven nodded and extended his hand warmly. "Of course, I know him. Mr. Wright's reputation in Dawnlight City precedes him. It's an honor to meet you."
Steven knew how influential Benjamin was and wanted to form a connection with him.
After all, Benjamin rarely mingled with the wealthy circles of Dawnlight City, nor did he engage in business. It was nearly impossible to get him as a corporate legal advisor or even schedule an appointment with him.
"Pleasure."
Benjamin gave a brief handshake, quickly withdrawing his hand, nodding politely but responding with a cold, "Likewise."
The atmosphere turned cold for a moment. Steven noticed Benjamin's reluctance to engage in conversation and wisely shifted the topic, not wanting to make a scene.
Rachel was surprised to learn that Benjamin was still employed at the University of Dawnlight. Apparently, what she found on Google was pretty incomplete.
Benjamin had enrolled in the University of Dawnlight's law school and studied abroad in his junior year. After earning his doctorate in law, he founded Azure Sky Law Firm and gained fame with his first case. The University of Dawnlight then invited him back to teach.
Initially, Benjamin found it troublesome and didn't enjoy teaching, so he declined. But he couldn't resist Harold's persistent efforts throughout the year.
The opening ceremony was scheduled for ten in the morning, and the group made their way to the auditorium.
The men walked ahead, chatting, while Rachel naturally slowed her pace.
Nancy whispered beside her, "Mr. Wright's even hotter in person than in his pictures, but man, he's so stand-offish."
Rachel glanced at Benjamin's profile and asked curiously, "Do you know him?"
"Yes, he's never lost a case since he started practicing. He's incredible. Earlier this year, he represented the wife in the Nelson family's divorce case. The second son of the Nelson family lost all his marital assets because of his infidelity."
Rachel paused, recalling seeing something about that case online. But she hadn't looked into it further.
"What's wrong?" Nancy asked, noticing her sudden stop.
"Nothing, I was just curious about the third party. What happened to them?"
Nancy's eyes flickered with unease. She seemed uncomfortable with the topic and replied vaguely, "It's been a while, I don't quite remember."
So she knew she was the homewrecker. At least she was clear about her role.
Rachel smirked internally.
"I'll look it up later. I'm quite curious," Rachel said disdainfully. "But cheaters deserve what they get, and homewreckers won't have a good end either. There are plenty of single men out there, why go after the married ones? What kind of parents raise a homewrecker? Their reputation must be in shambles."
Nancy's face turned pale, her fists clenched, and she glared at Steven's back in frustration, unable to release her anger.
She had no choice but to agree with Rachel, "Yes, those people are terrible."
Rachel noticed the forced smile on Nancy's face. The sunlight breaking through the clouds cast beams of light on her, easing the gloom that had been weighing her down.
The opening ceremony was held in the school's main auditorium, which could accommodate over four thousand people.
Many students were nearby, whispering among themselves when they saw the group, especially recognizing Benjamin, Rachel, and Steven.
Some bold students even called out, "Professor Wright!" and "Rachel, Steven, you look great together!"
Rachel turned and smiled at them, her stunning face earning more fans under the sunlight.
When Benjamin looked back, he briefly saw her gentle smile before looking away naturally.
They were seated in the first row of the auditorium, along with several prominent figures from Dawnlight City's business, political, and educational circles.
The second row was reserved for notable alumni and outstanding current students.
Steven skillfully greeted everyone, while Nancy sat in the third row.
Rachel stood beside Steven, charming and at ease, mingling with the elite. Nancy felt a pang of bitterness. When would she be able to stand openly by his side, introduced as his woman?
As long as Rachel was around, she would never have that chance. She would always be hidden in the shadows, never seeing the light of day. Her resentment towards Rachel deepened.
Initially, she envied Rachel's background, beauty, and elegance. Eventually, she envied everything about Rachel, imagining herself in Rachel's place, as Steven's wife. She wanted to enjoy all the privileges and happiness Steven had given Rachel. Jealous of the admiring and envious looks people gave Rachel.
Nancy's eyes filled with hatred and jealousy before she lowered her head, suppressing her emotions.
The ceremony began with Harold's speech, followed by a school history exhibit, and then speeches from notable alumni and outstanding students. There were two notable alumni speakers: Steven and Benjamin.
Compared to Steven's eloquent and engaging speech, Benjamin's was brief. He expressed gratitude to the school and his mentors, shared his hopes for the students in a few sentences, then bowed and calmly left the stage. Rachel found it amusing and smiled slightly.
The ceremony ended at twelve-fifteen, followed by an afternoon of student performances. After leaving the auditorium, Steven declined Harold's lunch invitation, saying he wanted to take Rachel to the cafeteria for a rare opportunity. Everyone praised their strong relationship and his attentiveness to his wife. Rachel found such compliments ironic now.
After bidding farewell to Harold and the others, Steven held Rachel's hand and headed to the nearest cafeteria.
"I miss cafeteria food. It's been so long since I've had it." Nancy said as she lined up behind Rachel with her tray.
"Yeah, we used to go to the fourth cafeteria a lot. Their grilled ribs were the best," Rachel agreed.
Its cafeteria was closest to the art department but quite far from the finance department, about a fifteen-minute bike ride. Back then, Steven knew she loved grilled ribs and would bike there to get them for her, rain or shine. Steven used to treat her sincerely. Now, maybe he still did, but it wasn't the same.
Steven looked back at her, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection. "I should have taken you to the fourth cafeteria. I wonder if they have your favorite grilled ribs today. Their grilled fish is also good."
"It's okay, the food at the second cafeteria is nice too," Rachel replied with a smile.
The three of them got their food and found an empty spot to sit. The cafeteria was quite crowded.
Nancy asked, "Are you going to watch the afternoon performances?"
Steven looked at Rachel.
Rachel said, "Let's go. It's been a while since I've seen such performances."
The afternoon performances started at two. After lunch, the three of them strolled around the campus. Around two, they returned to the auditorium and joined Harold and the others. Benjamin was not among them.
About two-thirds through the performance, Harold whispered something to Steven, who nodded and turned to Rachel, "Honey, Harold needs to discuss something with me. I'll be back soon. You keep watching."
"Okay, take your time. Just message me when you're done."
"Will do."
Steven left with Harold and a few business and education officials. Today, he and Nancy had minimal interaction, maintaining a distant yet civil relationship.
When the performance ended around four-thirty, Rachel and Nancy left the auditorium with the crowd. Nancy checked her phone and said she needed to use the restroom.
Rachel offered, "I'll go with you."
Nancy hesitated but eventually nodded. After leaving the restroom, Nancy said she wanted to get a drink, and Rachel agreed to join her.
There was a coffee shop near the east gate of the school, where they each bought a drink and got one for Steven. Rachel could tell Nancy wanted to ditch her.
"Nancy, should we check out the basketball court?"
Nancy's eyes flickered. "Sure, let's go."
Rachel was surprised, expecting Nancy to use this opportunity to leave her behind. As they neared the basketball court, Nancy clutched her stomach and frowned. "Rachel, you go ahead. I think my period just started. I need to use the restroom."
Nancy's lousy acting actually amused Rachel. She suspected Nancy wanted to meet Steven. Her heart tightened, but she played along. "Your skirt is fine. Do you have pads?"
"I do."
"Then hurry. I'll find us a spot."
"Okay."
Once Nancy was out of sight, Rachel was about to follow when her phone buzzed with a text: [Old gym equipment room, Nancy and Steven will be there having sex!]