Rachel had no interest in playing games with Samantha . Without another word , she pushed open the office door . But Samantha wasn't done . " Oh , by the way , " she added , just a little louder than before . " Are you okay after last night ? I heard Howard drugged you William told me . You know how the Lewis family values reputation I mean , we believe you , of course , but still , you should be careful . Staying pure is very important for a woman . " Her voice rose just enough to make sure everyone nearby could hear . Rachel's hand tightened on the door handle , making the veins on the back of her hand stand out . Her brow furrowed . William had told Samantha about the drugging ? He hadn't even tried to protect Rachel's dignity ? Did he ever stop to think what would happen if people just believed whatever they heard ? Like now - Samantha was already spreading rumors . How did he think the whole office would look at Rachel after that ? And what if someone with bad intentions leaked it to the media ? The headlines would write themselves : Mrs. Lewis drugged , suspected assault , reputation in ruins . She wouldn't be able to explain herself , no matter how many times she tried . No one would listen . The damage would be done . Was her name - her dignity - just gossip fodder to keep Samantha entertained ? Around her , the whispers were already starting . " Wait , Ms. Lloyd got drugged ? Was it that serious ? " " Wow . I heard that stuff can be intense . Once it kicks in , even God can't save you . Was she really … " " Yeah , and what's Samantha's relationship with Mr. Lewis ? How did she even know about this ? That seems a little private . " " You didn't hear ? I heard Samantha and Mr. Lewis went to college together . She was his first love . " " What ?! That explains everything ! I mean , Samantha just appeared out of nowhere and got placed here . Even Ms. Lloyd had to rely on her own strength to secure her position . " Just then , Cecilia walked over holding a folder . She gave Rachel a small nod . " Ms. Lloyd , Mr. Lewis would like to see you in his offic Rachel let go of the door handle and didn't even glance at Samantha . She simply turned and walked toward William's office . Samantha's smile faltered for just a second as her expression darkened . Rachel pushed open William's office door . He had just finished signing the last contract and was setting the papers aside when she walked in . He stood up and met her halfway . " I'm really sorry about last night . The doctor said Samantha's leg injury was more serious than expected . She doesn't have any family or friends here , so I stayed with her at the hospital . " " So , you stayed the night to take care of her . Helped her finish the project data . And while you were at it , you told her I was drugged by Howard ? " Rachel replied , her voice calm but cold . William's brows lifted slightly . He stepped closer and gently rested his hands on her shoulders , as if trying to calm her . " Don't worry , she won't tell anyone . And about the project data , I was just guiding her a little . She really wanted to get it done , even in that condition . She passed it all in one go , so that's less work for you . " Chapter 17 +25 BONUS Rachel almost laughed . Every word out of his mouth sounded like he was doing her a favour . She smirked and coldly quipped , " You really trust Samantha , don't you , Mr. Lewis ? " William's jaw tensed . " Rachel , I'm just trying to be fair . " " And that's why you shared something so personal and serious with her . Now , everyone out there knows I was drugged . " This wasn't about being angry anymore . Rachel had stopped expecting anything from William a long time ago . She just wished he wouldn't make it so obvious . At least let her keep pretending for a little while longer . The deadline hadn't arrived yet . William ran a tired hand through his hair and rubbed at his brow . " Rachel … " Before he could finish , another voice cut in : " Rachel , this isn't his fault . It was me . I spoke too loudly and got overheard . If you're angry , be angry at me . Yell at me . Just … don't blame him , okay ? "