Chapter 18 In the bedroom. Rachel clutched a photo of her mother from happier days. Her fingers tightened their grip on the sheets, causing her knuckles to pale, while her eyes blazed with a fiery, blood-red intensity. Earlier that day, her grandmother had handed her a black file bag. Rachel decided to finally open it. Inside the bag, she discovered a document and the secret recipe for a Gucci Company that her mother had dedicated half her life to perfecting. There was also a photo of her mother in happier times. As she carefully perused the document, anger coursed through her, causing her to tremble with frustration. It became clear that her grandmother had secretly been investigating the circumstances of her mother's death for several years now. All the suspicions now seemed to point towards Sheryl and her daughter. With her grandmother growing old and time running out, she had entrusted this crucial information to Rachel. Impatiently, she rose from her seat, snatched the crimson wine glass, filled it to the brim, tilted her head back, and let the rich red liquid flow down her throat. The glass returned heavily to the table's surface. Over the past few years, a solitary glass of red wine had become her solace in moments of heartache. But tonight, it was clear that one glass would not suffice. 'Sheryl, no matter how much you've hurt me, I've endured it. But I will not stand by and allow you to be responsible for my mother's death!' After another glass of red wine, she placed the glass on the bedside table, her bloodshot eyes reflecting the shadows of her room. At the age of ten, her father, Dominic, had taken Sheryl and her daughter into their home, disregarding Mary Jane's objections. Five years later, she returned from school to witness her mother's body plummeting from their apartment building, crimson staining the concrete below. Since that day, her mother had been confined to a bed until succumbing to late-stage uremia. Sheryl, along with her daughter, had taken over her mother's Gucci Company. However, under Sheryl's mismanagement, the once-thriving store had been reduced to a precarious state, sustained only by Arthur's financial support. Initially, for the sake of her children, Rachel had contemplated relinquishing everything. But now, she couldn't do it. She shut her eyes, burning with anger, 'Arthur, I hope my mother's death isn't linked to you; otherwise, I won't spare you!' After a brief pause, she drew a deep breath and activated her phone. She digitally endorsed an invitation and forwarded it via email. The following day. Bridgewater Corporation. A man clads in a perfectly tailored suit sat poised while presiding over a multinational group's video conference. Suddenly, The computer screen displaying the first-quarter sales data turned pitch black, and a large Ultraman figure flipped across the screen. Ultraman exhaled a series of bubbles that read 'Scumbag', repeatedly uttering the term 'Scumbag'! Arthur's cold demeanor underwent an instant transformation, his icy countenance taking on an unsettling darkness. "What's happening?" he demanded. "Mr. Bridgewater, we have a problem. The computer has been unexpectedly targeted by a hacker." A hacker? Arthur seethed with anger. How could the computer system of a multinational corporation be compromised so effortlessly? It was utterly baffling! "Get to the bottom of this immediately, or every one of you will find yourselves jobless." he barked at his team with palpable frustration. Suddenly, the phone rang incessantly. He snatched it up. "Master, we're in trouble. You must return home at once. The Young Master has disappeared." the butler exclaimed in astonishment. A look of distress overcame Arthur's face. He abruptly ended the call and hastily made his way toward the house. Bridgewater's Manor. In the dressing room, Sheryl was wearing a beautiful and fashionable dress, her fingers painted with stylish manicure were carefully tracing her eyebrows, and she was humming a song. "Ms. Morris." Butler Lang hurriedly walked in. She gave him a stern look. "Mistress." Butler Lang immediately changed his tone and said anxiously, "I'm sorry to inform you, but the Young Master has gone missing. He ran away from home." She pulled the mirror in front of her, lowered her head, and continued to shape her eyebrows, saying calmly, "What's the big deal? It's a commotion* every day around here." wat hely m C Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.