Chapter 167 Brian’s Sick
Brian’s entire demeanor frosted over instantly. A palpable chill surrounded him as he locked eyes with Tracy.
“Tracy, look directly at me and repeat what you said. Is it genuinely true?” he demanded, his voice cutting through the silence.
Tracy nodded, her eyes widening with calculated innocence. “Brian, don’t you trust my word?” she asked, deliberately biting her lip to convey hurt feelings.
She promptly retrieved her phone and displayed the call log to Brian.
“Even if you suspect I’m fabricating this, the evidence speaks for itself.”
The sight of Rachel’s name on the screen sent a jolt of disbelief through Brian.
Tracy, recognizing her strategy was working, pressed further. “When I arrived, rain was pouring down and your clothes were completely drenched. I noticed an abandoned umbrella nearby. Rachel brought that for you, didn’t she? She still harbors concern for your wellbeing.”
These calculated words intensified Brian’s anguish, particularly as he recalled that a security guard, not Rachel -had provided the umbrella.
Due to his compromised health, Brian had been confined to hospital care for two days.
Throughout this period, Tracy demonstrated exceptional attentiveness, meticulously managing everything.
What satisfied her most profoundly was Brian’s acceptance of her assistance.
On Rachel’s first day back at work, a previously arranged executive meeting was suddenly canceled.
As she contemplated the reason, Samira entered with information. “Rachel, I’ve heard Mr. White has fallen ill, so all appointments have been postponed for the next few days.”
This revelation immediately transported Rachel’s thoughts to his drenching in the downpour.
“What’s his condition?” she inquired, striving to maintain professional composure.
“He consumed excessive alcohol and suffered a stomach hemorrhage,” Samira explained.
Learning his illness wasn’t weather–related somewhat alleviated Rachel’s feelings of responsibility.
However, as Samira concluded her report and turned to leave, she hesitated noticeably.
“What is it? Please speak freely,” Rachel encouraged as she closed her folder.
Samira exhaled with relief. “I really want to share this with you. But Rachel, promise you won’t be distressed.” Rachel nodded in agreement.
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Chapter 167 Brian’s Sick
“I’ve heard Mr. White drank on Tracy’s behalf, and she’s been personally attending to him in the hospital.”
Rachel had anticipated this development, so her reaction remained subdued.
Samira, however, expressed surprise. “Doesn’t that provoke jealousy?”
“Our relationship has ended. What grounds would I have for jealousy?” Rachel responded with equanimity.
Samira acknowledged this. “That’s valid. With your combination of beauty and intellect, you should swiftly attract someone new. Since he moved on so rapidly, you certainly could do the same.”
“If only I hadn’t allowed Trey to resign back then. You two could have formed a couple, driving that jerk absolutely mad,” Samira said furiously.
Rachel couldn’t suppress a smile. “Aren’t you concerned he might overhear you?”
“He’s hospitalized and unwell. Besides, I reserve such comments for private conversations. I wouldn’t dare criticize him openly–I’d lose my position,” Samira replied, playfully extending her tongue.
After Samira’s departure, Rachel remained alone in her office.
The following day, midway through her tasks, Ronald appeared personally.
He carried a document Rachel had recently submitted.
All procedural requirements had been fulfilled, lacking only Brian’s final authorization.
Ronald’s appearance at this crucial moment wasn’t to deliver a signed document.
Only one possibility existed.
As expected, Ronald addressed her, “Ms. Marsh, I apologize, but Mr. White has requested you deliver this to him personally for his signature.”
Rachel opened the document to discover the unsigned signature line.
Taking a measured breath, she composed herself emotionally.
Due to Brian’s hospitalization, all documents requiring his signature were routed through Ronald, who then delivered them to the patient’s bedside.
Rachel knew with certainty that Brian had approved documents from other departments without hesitation, provided they contained no errors and satisfied all requirements.
Yet hers alone remained conspicuously unsigned.
“He’s deliberately creating obstacles,” Rachel concluded, closing the document with measured restraint. What defense could Ronald offer? He merely repeated the formal instruction, “Ms. Marsh, Mr. White indicated that if this matter requires immediate attention, you should personally bring it to him.”
Rachel exhaled deeply, working to maintain her professional composure; anger would serve no purpose now. “Very well, I understand. Please provide me with the hospital address.”
Armed with the location details, Rachel gathered all pending documents requiring Brian’s review and signature and departed for the hospital.
Chapter 167 Brian’s Sick
Upon reaching the reception desk and inquiring about his room, she proceeded directly to the designated ward.
She discovered, however, an immaculately maintained but completely vacant room–the bed linens were precisely folded with hospital–standard corners, showing no sign of recent occupation.
With diminishing patience, Rachel waited for a considerable period.
Yet after thirty minutes had elapsed, no one had appeared.
She attempted to contact Brian by phone but received no response.
After three unsuccessful calls, the realization dawned that he was intentionally avoiding communication.
A suspicion formed that he might have already been discharged.
Rachel returned to reception to inquire, “Excuse me, has Brian White been released from care?”
The nurse appeared momentarily puzzled before responding, “No, his discharge hasn’t been processed. His girlfriend accompanied him for a walk. They’re currently in the hospital’s rear garden.”
“Thank you for the information!”
Rachel swiftly collected her documents and hurried toward their location.
In the oppressive summer heat, her brisk movement left her slightly winded. As she approached the garden area, she immediately identified Brian and Tracy among the visitors.
Without hesitation, Rachel advanced toward them.
“Mr. White, I apologize for the interruption, but could you please authorize this document?” Rachel requested, efficiently turning to the signature page and even removing the pen cap in anticipation.
Brian merely cast a cold glance downward, offering no movement toward the proffered materials.
“Mr. White…” Rachel repeated, maintaining a strictly professional demeanor.
Brian remained stationary, not extending his hand, leaving Rachel awkwardly holding the pen and document suspended between them.
A profound silence enveloped their interaction.
Rachel attempted once more, “Could you…”
Finally, Brian deigned to respond: “Ms. Marsh, I remain unwell, currently a patient, and this is designated as my recuperation period.”
Previously, news of his illness would have triggered immediate concern and anxiety in Rachel.
Now, however, those emotions failed to materialize.
She assured him with professional detachment, “Mr. White, this requires only your signature. The process will be momentary and will not significantly impact your recovery. Please be assured, once you’ve signed, I’ll depart immediately and cause no further disturbance.”
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