Chapter 10 I'll Support You from Now On

• Rachel's POV:
• Once I got home, I dove headfirst into my design work.
• The week sped by, and I managed to submit my designs to Alvin. That evening, Alvin sent back the good news: The boss had approved everything, and I was to come in the next day to finalize the contract.
• Feeling a wave of relief, I could finally relax a little.
• To be honest, I was really worried about whether the designs would meet their expectations.
• Alvin also informed me that in a month, Etienne would host an anniversary event. The magazine planned to use this occasion to hold a press conference, showcasing its new jewelry line to the media.
• In addition to the necklace I had designed, the main pieces also included a bracelet and a ring.
• Determined not to mess up the launch, I didn't take a break. I spent every day at home, designing and choosing materials for the jewelry.
• I needed to create the prototypes myself, and after the press conference, I would send them to the factory for mass production and release.
• With all this activity, I completely forgot about the divorce proceedings with Dean.
• I had no idea when he came back from his trip, but he hadn't reached out to me since then.
• As I put my pen down and prepared to take a break, my phone on the desk started vibrating.
• I looked at the caller ID and saw it was Barclay.
• Frowning, I waited for the phone to ring a second time before answering.
• "Rachel, Nathan's set to take his college entrance exams next year. The teachers say he needs to attend extra classes, but I'm short on cash. Can you lend me some?"
• "How much do you need?"
• "Let me think … Extra classes are quite pricey these days. Could you give me 200 thousand dollars? I'll use the rest for his tuition next semester."
• I responded calmly, "First, Nathan's actually taking the exams this year. Second, he's performing very well in school and doesn't need additional tutoring. Third, I've never heard of any institutions charging that much for extra lessons."
• Barclay, caught off guard, sounded irritated. "Why are you making excuses? Just give me the money."
• "I don't have it."
• "Then ask your husband. He's so wealthy; 200 thousand is nothing to him."
• "No one's money just falls from the sky. His money belongs to him. Besides, I'm divorced from him now and have no reason to ask him for anything."
• "What!" Barclay shouted angrily on the other end. "Who agreed to your divorce? Did I approve it? Even if you're divorced, he should give you half of everything. How can you be broke? Rachel, have you grown wings and decided to abandon your old man? Send me 200 thousand immediately, or there will be consequences!"
• I sighed. "I don't have a penny."
• Without saying another word, I ended the call.
• Shortly after, Nathan called. "Did Barclay ask you for money? Don't give him anything, no matter what he says. He's been gambling again, piling up hundreds of thousands in debt, and now he's hiding out."
• "I know. I haven't given him anything."
• Years ago, when I had bailed him out of that million-dollar debt, I made it crystal clear—if he ever gambled again, his fate, whether good or bad, would no longer concern me.
• But Barclay clearly didn't take my words to heart. Over the years, he's cooked up countless excuses to ask for money—claiming he had a broken leg that needed surgery, or that Nathan had been in a fight and the other party required compensation.
• He knew that, despite my attempts to ignore him, I would never ignore my brother.
• At first, I fell for his tricks a few times, but soon enough, I grew accustomed to his schemes.
• I smiled and asked Nathan, "Have you decided on which university you want to go to?"
• "I have," he replied.
• An idea struck me, and I tentatively suggested, "Nathan, have you thought about studying abroad? I still have some money left. It might be enough to cover your expenses overseas, and you might even get a scholarship—"
• I wanted to send Nathan away, to offer him a chance to escape Barclay's influence, at least so he wouldn't be caught in this mess like I was.
• Nathan cut me off, saying, "No need. I'm staying here, not going anywhere."
• I sighed, feeling a bit powerless. "Do what you think is best. Let me know if you need money."
• "Keep the money for yourself. I'll earn what I need," Nathan said. "By the way, how's Dean treating you?"
• Hearing him mention Dean, I fell silent for a moment before answering, "Not bad. Nathan, I'm planning to divorce him."
• Nathan didn't seem shocked. "It's probably for the best. I'll support you from now on."
• I laughed, "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Focus on your studies."
• After ending the call, I left my room and found Jane curled up on the sofa, looking pale and drained.
• "Jane, what's wrong? Are you feeling ill?"
• Jane shook her head weakly. "Just got my period. I'll be fine soon."
• I poured her a cup of warm water. "You can't just lie here like this. I'm going downstairs to get you some painkillers. Is there anything else you'd like to eat?"
• Jane perked up at the mention of food and eagerly placed her order. Then she slumped back onto the sofa. "Rachel, you're the best. That guy must be blind not to see how amazing you are."