" What , just because I helped you once yesterday , you're trying to cling to me now ? " Rachel pursed her lips . She really couldn't argue with that - her current behavior did look exactly like she was clinging to Tyler . Still , she should probably say something to clear this up . " Last night was unexpected , but this photo … even if I didn't need anything from you , I still planned to return it . I'm sure it's important to you . " Rachel remembered her mom mentioning once that Tyler had a tough past , which made it hard for him to trust anyone . Some wounds from the past took a lifetime to heal . Rachel gently placed the photo on the desk , then turned around to leave , only to stop when Tyler said , " This project means a lot to you , doesn't it ? You're just going to walk away now ? " She shrugged and smiled bitterly . " I know you don't respond to threats , Mr. Hunt . I've done everything I can for this project . " She pulled open the office door and walked out , her fingers clenched tight , heart pounding in her chest . She had thought Tyler might call her back - at least because of that photo , because he used to know her mother . But even as the door clicked shut behind her , there was no sound from inside . No voice calling her name . The hope she'd been holding onto dropped with a thud in her chest . It seemed she had miscalculated . Tyler wasn't someone whose mind could easily be guessed . He didn't play by anyone's rules . With a sigh of disappointment , Rachel left the building . As she reached the door , her phone buzzed with a call from Cecilia . What she heard next was the last thing she wanted to happen . " My god , where are you ? We've got a huge problem ! Samantha took the Trinity Project from us . And did you know she saw you at LS Enterprise today ? " Rachel groaned , rubbing her forehead . " I didn't know . " Cecilia didn't hold back . " That little sneak went straight to Mr. Lewis and told him … " She switched her tone , imitating Samantha's voice in a mocking tone , making Rachel cringe . " I saw Rachel at Mr. Hunt's company this morning . Doesn't she know LS Enterprise is our competitor ? She can't just waltz in there like that . People are talking . William , you need to have a word with her . " Cecilia paused , then added , " Or maybe Rachel wants to switch companies now that she thinks I've secured the Oasis Project . If she's thinking of leaving us , what about the project she's handling ? " Cecilia groaned , then switched back to her normal voice as she continued , " Next thing you know , everyone's whispering about you ditching us for LS Enterprise. When the team revolted against you leading the Trinity Project , Mr. Lewis gave it to Samantha . 11 Rachel's heart sank . Great , just great . She hadn't made any progress with Tyler , and now , not only had she failed to secure the Oasis Project , but her own work was at risk of being taken too . " I'll be right back ! " she said , hanging up the phone . She rushed back to the office , her mind racing . Inside , William stood at the center of the room , his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone like an eagle scanning for prey . " Has Ms. Lloyd returned yet ? " he asked , his voice cold . One of the employees hesitantly spoke up : " Cecilia's gone to get her . " As Rachel reached the door , she could immediately feel the tension in the room . She took a deep breath , steeling herself . 1/2 Chapter 23 +25 BONUS " I'm back , " she called out as she entered . William's face tightened . His eyes , once warm , now burned with irritation . This wasn't the same calm man she was used to . He was genuinely angry now , and didn't even bother to sign when he spoke to her . " Ms. Lloyd , it's time for our meeting with Trinity Enterprise . What were you doing at LS Enterprise ? Planning to switch companies ? " he said sharply .