Trapped By Tainted Love

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 lvy 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.

even ask for my side of the story; he just ordered

a mental eye roll,

Victor saw the look in her eyes, he

hated the most about Rachel! That infuriating woman was so stubborn that

threatening voice, one that would send the bravest

to Ivy, Rachel!" Rachel didn't move

turned

Victor.She lowered her head and barely managed to utter, "Mr....Mr.Sullivan, it's all my fault.I am the

Ivy, ready to bow her head,

"Stop it, Abby."

was so strong and commanding that everyone turned to look at her

Abby's wrist and moved the girl behind her,

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,

"Very good.Rachel! Well done!"

there with identical expressions of fury and challenge

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

a note to the HR department! All the cleaners get

charge of cleaning all the bathrooms

off work until she is done and if anyone helps her, he or

this building? That was

floors, and there were at least half a dozen bathrooms in

was a woman of good breeding, her family one of the most

clean bathrooms- both ladies' and men's- was clearly an attempt to humiliate her

think that this was taking it a

tried to talk Victor out

a

could never resist a

is unfair, I can always make an exception and let you

am I to tell you what to do with her?" Carson said raising his hands in a placating manner and

and

there,

"Wait for me!"

them

when he could no longer stand the boredom, he tried his best to persuade him to go out for a drink, preferably in the company

"One more drink, Mr.Scott?"

brunette asked, as she snuggled in Carson's arms, holding a glass of wine

and held