Chapter 1253

Rhett barely had time to process what was happening before a gorgeous woman flung herself into his arms.

Completely caught off guard, he shoved her away on instinct.

She hadn't expected him to reject her, and the move sent her sprawling to the floor, limbs tangled, dress slipping just enough to reveal a bare shoulder. She looked up at him, eyes wide and shimmering, the picture of helplessness.

Rhett couldn't believe Makiko had actually tried to seduce him. The thought made his skin crawl. Frowning, he glared at the woman on the floor. "Stay the hell away from me!"

Right then, another beautiful woman approached, giving him a playful, teasing look. "Relax, handsome. You're out to have fun, aren't you? There's no one else around. Whatever happens here, stays here."

"Don't even think about coming closer," Rhett barked. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Once outside, Rhett pulled out his phone and dialed Makiko's number, his hands still shaking with anger.

Makiko barely had a chance to say hello before he started shouting. "Makiko! I honestly thought you were a decent person, but I guess I was wrong. If your husband or your son are the type to stoop this low, I'm not! Don't you ever try to embarrass me like this again. You might not care about your reputation, but I have mine!"

He hung up, still fuming.

When Rhett finally looked up, he realized an elderly man was standing nearby, quietly watching the whole scene.

Feeling awkward, Rhett turned away and hurried off.

He had no idea that the old man was Brandon. Brandon and Bennett had overheard

everything Rhett said—and they knew exactly who he was talking about.

Brandon's face was stone-cold. Bennett quickly guided him to a bench.

"Sir, this must be a misunderstanding," Bennett said softly.

Brandon let out a bitter, humorless laugh. "A misunderstanding? I doubt it."

...

Makiko walked into the office, tense, and sat down with her husband and son. The three of them could barely look at each other after Rhett's furiouscall, each word still hanging in the air. The silence was suffocating.

Then Makiko's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and immediately picked up.

Brandon's voice came through, stern and serious. "Makiko, what exactly have you been up to behind Cole's back? I just heard a young man lay into you, and trust me, he didn't hold anything back."

Makiko froze, feeling like disaster was following her everywhere. She scrambled for words. "Dad, it's not what you think!"

"Oh? Then what is it? The guy didn't even know who I was. He called you, and I just happened to walk by. I'm not eavesdropping on anyone, but your name was loud and clear-I couldn't ignore it."

Makiko wanted to disappear. Every problem seemed to crash down on her at once. "Dad, Rhett was just talking nonsense. He's a tech guy! hired. Ple suddenly quit, and toled offer him a bonus to stay, buthe refused and then started yelling at me. I'm the one who should be upset here!"

Brandon was silent for a beat. “He quit?”

That was news.

"So, what, there's trouble at Wilder's company now?"

Makiko didn't answer. Things were getting out of hand fast.

Cole grabbed the phone. "Dad, it's really not as bad as it sounds."

"Cole, you know better. If this isn't serious, then what is?" Brandon shot back. Cole had no reply.

Brandon's voice was final. “Figure it out yourselves. The company's Wilder's problem now—I'm staying out of it." And then he hung up.

Cole dropped into his chair, looking completely worn out. He tossed his phone onto

the desk, his eyes dark with frustration.

"Was it Oliver? Or Josefina?" Makiko muttered, her mind racing. She couldn't think of a third person who would do this.