Rachel watched Samantha struggle with the hand gestures , and couldn't help but smille mockingly . " You don't have to go through all that trouble , Ms. Judd , " she said I can read lips . As long as what you're saying isn't too complicated , I can understand . " Watching Samantha fumble around with awkward , clumsy motto was almost funny . She didn't seem tired from all that flailing , but Rachel got tired just watching her . Samantha stopped mid - sign and asked , " If you can read lips , then why does William always use hand signs with you ? " Rachel raised an eyebrow , not bothering to hide the dry look on her face . " You want to know ? " Samantha shoved her hands into her coat pockets and shrugged . Just curious , " ' Well , ' Rachel mused , ' you asked . ' " When I lost my hearing because of him , he went and learned sign language . But just because he was willing to do that , doesn't mean everyone else around me has to . Over time , I got used to reading lips and picked it up myself . But he was worried that I might struggle with lip - reading , and since signing was quicker and easier for me , he just kept communicating with it . " Samantha's expression flickered between shades of anger and shock , and she dropped the topic quickly . " So , why are you here ? " " I wanted to talk about Cecilia . " Samantha slowly stood from her chair , her face full of hesitation . " Rachel , you really should be talking to William about that , not me . Besides , " she added , sounding innocent at first - until she leaned in closer , her tone turning half - joking . " Cecilia saying those things to my face in front of William ... That wasn't your idea , was it ? " Rachel met Samantha's eyes . For a second , the cool calm in her expression turned sharp . Then she let out a soft , amused laugh . " Of course not . Mr. Lewis personally brought you into the company . Everyone knows how capable you are . Cecilia's just an employee - she can be blunt sometimes , but she doesn't mean harm . " Rachel continued calmly , " This all started because of you , so I think you should end it . I'm asking you to let Cecilia off the hook . I can promise you she won't say anything like that again . " Samantha frowned slightly , then blinked her big , innocent eyes and gave Rachel a playful wink . " Oh , Rachel ! You've been with William for so many years - you should know how he is . Once he's made up his mind , not even you , his wife , can change it . What makes you think I , his former classmate , could ? " Rachel gave a small sneer of annoyance , but it only flashed for a moment before her usual cool expression returned . " You're underestimating yourself , Ms. Judd . If you said something . I believe Mr. Lewis would listen . " Samantha covered her mouth in mock surprise . " Rachel , you're giving me too much credit ! Are you saying I have more influence over William than you do ? " She leaned against the desk , waiting for Rachel's reply with a half - smile . Rachel knew exactly what Samantha was getting at . The woman just couldn't help but compete - she had to win , even in this kind of conversation . Rachel didn't mind . Pride wasn't worth much to her , and besides , Samantha wasn't wrong . She had to adinit that right now , William probably did care more about Samantha . " Yes , " Rachel said without flinching . " Mr. Lewis values you . That's why you're in a better position to help . So I'm asking you- 1/2 Chapter 42 +25 BONUS please talk to him for Cecilia . She hasn't signed anything yet . There's still time to turn this around . " Samantha looked pleased with the answer , but she still wasn't willing to help . She lowered her gaze , thinking for a moment , then looked back up at Rachel with wide , innocent eyes. " It's not that I don't want to do you a favor , " she said sweetly , " but Cecilia said those things about me in front of everyone . If 1 go and ask William to let her stay , won't that just make me look weak ? I just started this job ... and honestly . " +25 BONUS Chapter 43