Captivation: Want Nothing But You novel Chapter 43

The corners of Rachel's lips twitched and even Ivan couldn't suppress a chuckle.

‘'She really does look quite different.It's not just her look; she seems to have had a personality make over.That's why it's so hard for people to recognize her “  Victor thought to himself, as he looked at Carson with apprehension.

"No, that would be impossible.No procedure of that magnitude could have such a short recovery time, right? By God, Rachel, you…"

Carson kept babbling as he walked around Rachel, examining every inch of her face and body.

"Mr.Scott, I assure you there is nothing of that sort.I simply changed my makeup routine.I decided to keep it as light as possible," Rachel said shrugging and she took a step back to put some distance between her and Carson.

Arms crossed in front of his chest, Carson marveled, "Well I'll be damned! The clothes really do make the man… and a woman! Rachel, what were you thinking before, putting on so much make up? That stuff only covered your beauty! You look so pretty now that even I would…"

Carson felt Victor's stare ready to poke a hole on the back of his head.

He felt a shiver running down his spine and immediately stopped talking before he said something he would regret later.He swallowed hard and wiped off a drop of sweat that had formed on his forehead.

‘'What the hell was I thinking? I almost blurt out that I would love to take Rachel out.I need to get a grip! She is Victor's woman and I'm his best friend.Even if they broke up, she used to be his wife! She is off limits” Carson berated himself.

"What's going on here?"

Victor glanced first at Ivy, who looked like a mess, and then fixed his eyes on Alice.He didn't even acknowledge Rachel's presence.

"Mr.Sullivan…"

Alice started recounting the whole story, in a small, trembling voice, her eyes lowered all the time.

Although, she conveniently left out the part where Ivy had poured coffee on Abby on purpose.

When she finished, Victor's face was set in a frown.He immediately turned to Rachel.

"What the hell were you thinking, spilling hot water on her?" he shouted angrily, pointing at Ivy.

"Apologize this instant!" Rachel stared back at him boldly, one eyebrow raised.

‘'Reaching conclusions without enough evidence again, Victor? Your specialty” Rachel thought angrily 

‘'He didn't even ask for my side of the story; he just ordered me to apologize”She gave a mental eye roll, disgusted by his attitude.

When Victor saw the look in her eyes, he grew even angrier.

This was what he hated the most about Rachel! That infuriating woman was so stubborn that she never backed down.

Victor spoke again in a cold, threatening voice, one that would send the bravest of men running.

"I asked you to apologize to Ivy, Rachel!" Rachel didn't move a muscle.

Abby's face had turned pale with fear.She walked forward and stood right in front of Rachel, facing Victor.She lowered her head and barely managed to utter, "Mr….Mr.Sullivan, it's all my fault.I am the one that should apologize to Ivy."

She then turned around and looked at Ivy, ready to bow her head, but before she could do that, Rachel spoke up.

"Stop it, Abby."

Rachel's voice was so strong and commanding that everyone turned to look at her simultaneously. She grabbed Abby's wrist and moved the girl behind her, shielding her from view.

She looked into Victor's eyes as she said in a steady, clear voice, "I did nothing wrong.No need to apologize for me.If anyone thinks an apology is in order, they should make it themselves."

Blue veins were bulging out on Victor's neck, his eyes as frosty.

He was gritting his teeth so hard that he barely managed to get a few words out.

"Very good.Rachel! Well done!"

The two of them just stood there with identical expressions of fury and challenge on their faces.

"Miss Bennet, it's okay.I don't mind apologizing.I don't want you to get in trouble.Really…" Abby said, anxiously looking between the two people in front of her, ready to spew fire from their eyes like some mythic creatures of old.

Without taking his eyes off Rachel, Victor barked, "Ivan, send a note to the HR department! All the cleaners get the day off.Rachel will be in charge of cleaning all the bathrooms in the building today.She can't get off work until she is done and if anyone helps her, he or she will be fired!"

Abby gasped in shock.

All the bathrooms in this building? That was too much.

The Sullivan Group had sixty-six floors, and there were at least half a dozen bathrooms in each floor.