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Chapter 13

Rachel could hardly believe Emily's nerve. The Smiths were supposed to be all high and mighty, and Michael was super talented, but his mom acted like a total shrew, not classy at all.

Rachel was done. "Listen up, Emily. I already ditched your son, and I didn't take a dime from your family."

"Yeah, right!" Emily snapped back, not buying it. "How does a broke girl like you afford to shop here? Must be my son's money. Even if you begged on your knees, I wouldn't forgive you!"

Beg on her knees? Rachel almost laughed out loud. Emily was always in her own little world, totally nuts. Not worth the hassle. Rachel turned to leave, but Emily, not ready to let it go, lunged at her, aiming for her hair.

John was ready. He shoved Emily away, sending her crashing to the floor. Emily's theatrics kicked in instantly. She sat there, bawling her eyes out, "Is this justice? An old lady like me, attacked! I can't take this anymore."

The crowd grew, and soon the store's manager, Jack Thompson, showed up, drawn by the chaos. Emily, quick to play the victim, pointed at John. "This brute hit me! My back is killing me!"

As a big spender, Emily expected Jack to take her side. He looked serious as he checked out the scene, but his attitude flipped when he saw Robert. "Mr..." he started, but Robert cut him off. "She's lying. Check the cameras if you don't believe me."

Jack, being sensible, thought for a second and then said, "Yeah, I'll check the footage right now."

Rachel shot a curious glance at Robert. How could a supposedly broke student get so much respect? Moments later, Jack came back, all business. "Mrs. Smith, you need to leave. If you keep this up, the cops will get involved, and they'll see you started it. You could get arrested for causing a scene."

Emily's face dropped. "What cops?"

Jack didn't budge. "The cameras show you were the aggressor. Keep it up, and the police will handle it."

John, now openly mocking, turned to Emily, "How can someone your age act so shamelessly? You made Rachel's life hell during her marriage, and now, even after the divorce, you still harass her? Don't think your age makes you untouchable. Keep pushing, and I won't hesitate to retaliate."

Scared by John's threat, Emily scurried off, and the crowd started to break up.

"Only bullies the weak," John muttered. "They always meet their match eventually."

John's phone rang, and after answering, he glanced at Rachel.

She looked puzzled. "Why are you looking at me? Is it about me?"

John got serious. "A buddy of mine said he saw David checking the roadside cameras from Mandy's car accident six years ago!"

Rachel's mood shifted, her face darkening. Robert, sensing the seriousness, asked, "What footage?"

John was pissed. "That sneaky Mandy. She's been spreading lies that Rachel caused her accident out of jealousy. And Michael, for all his smarts, can't see through her BS?"

Robert thought for a moment. "Even if the video files are still there after all this time, what good would it do if Michael got them?"

John's face went pale. "If Mandy can make up lies, she could easily fake a video to frame Rachel."

Rachel's expression turned icy, a cynical smile forming. "I divorced Michael, thinking it was over, but some people just can't let go. If Mandy wants a fight, she'll find out I'm not one to mess with." Eyes narrowed, Rachel plotted her next move. "If Mandy targets me," she declared with steely resolve, "she'll learn I won't back down easily."

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