Chapter 6: Apologies and Warnings

That night, Michael brought Laura home.

She hovered behind him, clutching her purse, eyes darting across the marble foyer as if the floor might swallow her.

"I brought Laura here so she could explain things to you in person," Michael said with a sigh. "Rachel, Laura is just my assistant. Because of what happened yesterday, I gave her a gift to apologize, nothing more."

I stirred my chicken noodle soup, letting the silence stretch.

"Mrs. Jennings, I’m sorry."

Laura’s voice trembled, her napkin twisted in her lap, mascara smudged beneath her lashes.

"It’s the first time I’ve ever received such an expensive gift. I was just too happy and got carried away. If I upset you, please tell me. I’ll definitely change."

I raised an eyebrow. "Laura, right?"

She glanced at Michael for courage and nodded.

There was a flicker of hope in her eyes, the wish someone would rescue her.

A part of me admired her stubbornness. Most would’ve folded, but she tried to salvage her dignity.

"I’m not your mentor or your boss—I don’t have time to teach you how to behave. But I am Michael’s wife. So, if anyone tries to get close to my husband, I won’t give her a second chance."

Laura’s face flushed. She shrank back, finally understanding the rules.

"Rachel, Laura came to apologize," Michael said. He knew me well—he didn’t approve, but he understood. We all knew what was at stake.

The air in the dining room was thick with subtext—an unspoken ceasefire for the sake of appearances.

"I understand," I said. For now, I’d let it go. But there wouldn’t be a next time.