The Husband I Loved for Eight Years Never Loved Me

Chapter 195: The Woman He Wants

Chapter 195: The Woman I Want

Zion Alden averted his gaze and chuckled softly. "The woman I want."

As soon as he spoke.

The light cast a deep, fleeting shadow in Tristan Sterling’s eyes. "Is that so?"

Rachel Royce got into Thomas Sterling’s car. It took her a long while to calm her frayed nerves.

Only then did Thomas Sterling ask, "So that was Zion Alden?"

When Rachel had her incident, it was the busiest period for his company. He and Rachel hadn’t been in much contact for over half a year.

It wasn’t until later that he found out Rachel had almost been in serious trouble.

Julian Jennings had been in the United States handling his divorce from June Jennings. He was the one by Rachel’s side, and he later took legal action that sent Zion Alden to prison. But to think he was out so soon.

At that time, he was filled with immense regret. ’Why wasn’t I there for her?’

Seeing Rachel’s reaction, it couldn’t have been more obvious. ’But I never expected Tristan Sterling and him to know each other.’

Johnson Royce and Florence Preston were completely unaware of what had happened to her in the United States.

Rachel Royce rested her forehead in her hand, let out a breath, and nodded weakly.

Seeing her in such a state, Thomas Sterling didn’t press her with more questions.

He still didn’t know exactly what Rachel had gone through back then. All he knew was that she had seen a psychologist for nearly six months before slowly recovering.

At this thought.

His hands, gripping the steering wheel, tightened involuntarily.

「Back at the villa.」

「That night.」

Despite the alcohol, Rachel Royce still didn’t sleep well. She had a nightmare, dreaming again that she was locked in a pitch-black room, forced to listen to those filthy, unbearable sounds day and night.

That one week had been a period of intense mental and physical torture for her.

「When she woke again.」

It was already ten in the morning.

A knock sounded at the door.

Rachel Royce sat up. "Come in."

Thomas Sterling pushed the door open. Seeing that she looked pale, he quickly walked to the bedside and asked with concern, "Didn’t sleep well last night?"

Rachel ran her fingers through her hair, rubbing her scalp. "I’m fine. It’s probably because of the alcohol last night."

"I had someone make you some soup to help with the hangover. I’ll go get it for you now."

Rachel hummed in acknowledgement.

Thomas Sterling turned and left the room.

Rachel got out of bed to wash up in the bathroom. When she came out, she felt much more awake.

Thomas brought the hangover soup and breakfast, placing them on the crystal-topped round table on the balcony.

Rachel drank the soup and looked at Thomas, asking, "Have you eaten already?"

Thomas sat across from her. "Yes, I’ve eaten."

Rachel picked up her spoon and took a sip of the congee.

Thomas asked, "So you and that Mr. David have another meeting in two days?"

Rachel explained, "He’s helping me connect with a company that can acquire my shares at a high price. We’re scheduled to meet with them in two days for a detailed discussion."

"Rachel... how did you and that Mr. David meet? Why is he so willing to help you?"

Rachel said, "We met during my PhD program. He was also one of Professor Michael’s students."

Thomas Sterling nodded.

After a moment of silence.

He asked, "So, Rachel, when have you decided to go back home?"

They had been here for over a week. The original plan was to handle everything within a month and then go on a trip to relax.

But now, all she wanted was to go home.

"I’ll go home as soon as this is taken care of."

Thomas agreed.

He had long since finished all his own business here. His main purpose now was to stay and support Rachel.

"Do you have to go to the office today?"

"I have to go over again at one this afternoon."

"Okay, I’ll go with you."

「After lunch.」

Thomas Sterling drove Rachel Royce to the office.

Rachel got busy with work.

Thomas sat in the lounge area, careful not to disturb her.

Just then.

His phone vibrated.

He glanced at the caller ID.

Thomas’s gaze tightened. He stared at the screen until the ringing was about to stop before finally answering. He put the phone to his ear, his voice cool as he said, "Cousin."

Tristan Sterling’s voice was as calm as ever. "Thomas, what are you doing in New York?"

Thomas said, "Just some work matters."

After saying that.

He didn’t add another word.

Tristan continued, "Is everything taken care of?"

His tone was that of an elder showing normal concern for a junior family member.

"More or less."

"Where are you two staying now?"

Thomas didn’t answer. "Is there something you need, Cousin?"

The other end of the line went quiet for a moment before he said, "Nothing, really. Just head back soon after you’re done with your work."

Tristan hung up as soon as he finished speaking.

Thomas lowered his phone, his eyes fixed on the screen.

When Rachel came in and saw him staring silently at his phone, she asked, "What are you looking at?"

Thomas composed himself and smiled. "Nothing."

Rachel handed him a box of pastries. "I got these from Chinatown. Try them and see if they’re as good as the ones back home."

Thomas unwrapped one and took a bite. "They’re still not as authentic as the ones back home."

「The next two days.」

Rachel went about her work as usual. Everything was normal, and the encounter with Zion Alden felt like a mere illusion.

And then there was Tristan Sterling.

He hadn’t contacted her.

It was only now, belatedly, that she realized they knew each other. But to what extent?

’Then again, back home...’

’...our only connection was because of Melissa.’

’Now, here in New York...’

’...on this soil, Tristan Sterling and I are just complete strangers.’

The thought unexpectedly made her feel a sense of relief.

「That day.」

She was scheduled to meet the person in charge of the company David had connected her with.

Miles Sheldon drove her to the office.

On the way to the office, she received a call from Julian Jennings.

"Professor."

Julian Jennings heard that her voice sounded normal and said, "I just landed at the airport. Are you busy right now?"

Hearing this, Rachel was taken aback for a moment. Puzzled, she asked, "The airport? Which airport?"

Julian chuckled. "I’ve arrived in New York. I happened to have some last-minute business to take care of here."

It dawned on Rachel. She said warmly, "Alright, but why didn’t you say anything beforehand?"

Julian said, "Telling you now is just the same."

He asked her a few things about her work.

Rachel gave him a brief explanation.

Julian said, "David and Tristan Sterling are quite close. Are you sure you can trust him?"

Rachel replied, "I can at least trust him to do what he promised."

"If that’s the case, then that’s good."

Rachel told Julian about her run-in with Zion Alden.

Julian was alarmed. The very reason he had rushed over was because he knew Zion Alden had been released on parole. He couldn’t believe Rachel had already seen him.

Rachel said, "But everything is calm on my end for now. I plan to head home as soon as I’ve dealt with the KU situation."

Julian said, "Alright."

After they finished talking, they hung up.

Rachel arrived at the office.

The receptionist greeted her respectfully, "Good morning, Evelynn."

"Good morning," Rachel responded.

The receptionist added, "Evelynn, someone from NS is here."

As the words fell.

Rachel stopped dead in her tracks.