Chapter 10 His Deception
As soon as Rachel spoke, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
But she quickly blinked them away, brushing them aside with a swift movement of her
hand.
Then, she shoved Brian away, her voice laced with defiance. “I don’t need you fussing
over me. I can take care of myself.”
Brian’s grip remained firm as his voice took on a steely edge. “Stay still. Don’t move. You should know by now that my patience has its limits.”
His legendary temper, particularly when provoked, was no secret to anyone.
Rachel felt herself shrinking under his intensity, becoming as still as a statue.
She perched there, docile as a schoolgirl, while a comforting warmth spread across her
ankle from his careful examination.
Rising to his feet, Brian announced, “Wait here while I check the kitchen. Don’t move
an inch.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
When he returned moments later, an ice pack clutched in his hands, She instinctively
recoiled.
His touch remained gentle as he steadied her foot. “The cold will be uncomfortable at first, but your ankle’s swelling needs this. Just endure it briefly I’ll work quickly.”
Rachel found herself nodding without conscious thought.
–
After applying the ice, Brian’s gaze swept over her with grave concern. “Are there other injuries I should know about?”
“No.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.”
Chapter 10 His Deception
He didn’t look convinced. His hand moved as if to unbutton her sleeve. “No, I need to
check for myself.”
He knew she had a habit of getting hurt and keeping quiet about it. What could be more
foolish?
After ensuring there were no other injuries, he finally eased back.
His voice dropped into a low murmur, “From now on, don’t be stubborn. If you’re hurt, tell me. Don’t try to hide it.”
Tell him? She had wanted to. But back then, all his attention had been on Tracy. His thoughts, his heart–everything revolved around another woman.
Even if she had spoken up, it would have been useless. She would have been overshadowed, dismissed like an afterthought.
After all, Tracy was the one he had loved for years, the one he had placed on a pedestal.
And she herself? She was nothing more than a practical choice.
She was not someone he loved.
That bitter truth twisted something inside Rachel, and before she could stop them, tears slipped down her cheeks.
Brian was in the middle of applying ointment when a drop of warmth landed on his
hand.
He looked up and saw the silent sorrow in her eyes.
“Does it still hurt?” His brows furrowed. He assumed she was crying because of the
pain.
She hurriedly wiped her face. “No, I just… thought of something.”
But Brian, convinced she was simply being stubborn, made his decision without
hesitation.
Without another word, he scooped her up into his arms. “We’re going to the hospital.”
“There’s no need.” But her protests fell on deaf ears–he had already made up his mind.
At the hospital, the doctor prescribed medication for sprains, advising Rachel to rest for several days and avoid unnecessary movement.
Chapter 10 His Deception
For the next few days, Brian was unusually attentive.
Even for something as small as getting to the bathroom or taking a bath, he carried her.
It almost felt like they had stepped back in time–to the best days of their relationship.
Tracy’s name never once came up.
And especially on the night her ankle finally healed–he kissed her again and again, his body burning against hers as he held her close, as if he wanted to pull her into himself
and never let go.
She just closed her eyes, melting into his embrace as she wrapped her arms around his neck, their breaths intermingling.
Together, they ascended to heights of shared ecstasy.
Afterward, she nestled against his chest, finding comfort in the steady rhythm of his
heartbeat.
The night seemed made for such intimate moments.
The harsh ring of his phone shattered their perfect silence.
Tracy’s name illuminated the screen.
Rachel turned away, feigning ignorance, but to her astonishment, Brian declined the
call.
When Tracy persisted with a second attempt, he answered while holding Rachel close.
Tracy’s voice carried through the speaker, deliberately sultry despite her apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning. I think I’ve had too much to drink. Please
come get me.”
“Send Ronald your location. He’ll pick you up,” Brian replied firmly.
“But I need you,” Tracy whined, her voice honeyed with practiced charm. “Remember how you used to take care of me when I drank too much? I’ve always felt safest with you.” Tracy wielded her words with expert precision, knowing exactly how to appeal to Brian’s protective nature.
“I’m with Rachel right now. It’s not possible.” Brian ended the call decisively.
Rachel’s heart swelled with quiet triumph as she drifted into the deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d known in ages.
Chapter 10 His Deception
But in the dead of night, a chill roused her.
Instinctively, she reached for Brian’s familiar warmth, finding only empty space.
Her searching hands confirmed what her heart refused to believe.
When she finally switched on the light, bitter laughter caught in her throat at the sight of his vacant pillow.
The irony cut deep–he had deliberately shown her his rejection of Tracy’s call, lulling her into a false sense of security before sneaking away in her sleep.
His deception was like a dagger stabbed into her heart.
Most painful was how readily she had believed him.
Sleep proved impossible.
Rachel arrived early at the office the next morning.
After the morning meeting, Samira entered with a stack of files, her expression grave.
“Ms. Marsh, our investigation is complete. That woman’s boyfriend, Maddox Clarkson, worked in our department for six years. His dedication earned him access to the Titan
Innovations project.”
Rachel frowned. “But the design was incredibly complex, and he only viewed it once
during that meeting.”
“What you might not know is that he possesses an eidetic memory. He can perfectly recall anything he sees. The design his girlfriend had must have come from his perfect
recollection.”
Rachel’s expression darkened. The situation was more complicated than she had initially thought.
“Why would he do something like this?” she asked, her voice sharp.
Samira hesitated before answering. “I heard he’s recently developed a gambling problem. He’s drowning in debt. Titan Innovations wanted to secure the contract at a lower price, and they probably promised him a cut of the profits in exchange for the design.”
“Idiotic,” Rachel muttered. It was the only word that fit.
Selling out the company, betraying trust–it was the most unforgivable crime in the corporate world.
CO BOL
21.19
Chapter 10 His Deception
And at White Group, such things weren’t just frowned upon–they were dealt with swiftly and severely.
Maddox hadn’t just crossed a line. He had practically walked into his own downfall
with open arms.
Rubbing her temples, Rachel exhaled. “Bring him in. I want to hear what he has to say
for himself.”
Just as she finished giving the order, her phone buzzed.
It was Brian calling.
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