Chapter 173 Brian’s Anger
“Apologies, Mr. White, I didn’t intend to interrupt,” Rachel said, moving towards the exit instinctively.
“Leaving so soon, without finishing the work report?” Brian called out to her from behind.
“I shouldn’t bother you two while you’re occupied. I’ll return in an hour,” Rachel responded, her tone even, carefully masking any underlying emotions.
Despite her composed expression, Brian felt irritation bubbling up within him.
“Just stay here; it won’t take long,” he insisted abruptly.
“I prefer to wait outside. I’ll come in once you guys are finished.”
“Don’t leave this room. I’m not giving you permission.” Brian’s voice hardened, an icy edge slicing through the previous warmth.
Standing taller, Rachel responded firmly, “I’m not here to watch. It might also make Tracy Haynes
uncomfortable.”
Her words almost pushed Brian to the edge.
Rachel kept walking, yet Brian’s voice halted her again, saying, “If you are determined to defy our company’s policies, as for the design department’s bonus, I’m afraid I might need to…”
Rachel understood what was likely to follow. He might strip the design department of their performance bonus.
She would not let her team’s earnings be compromised.
Brian’s manipulation was downright despicable.
Rachel halted, her fists tightening involuntarily. For a fleeting moment, she considered leaving in a fit of anger. However, she knew she couldn’t drag others down with her.
Thus, she suppressed her frustration and chose to sit on the couch and wait.
The large office fell silent, the air heavy with things left unsaid.
Then Tracy completed her task of adjusting Brian’s tie. “Is this to your liking, Brian?”
He gave a nod of approval. “It’s perfect, thank you.”
Seizing the moment, Tracy smiled warmly. “I’m glad you like it. Just say the word, and I’ll be here to assist you anytime.”
Rachel turned her gaze out the window, pointedly ignoring their exchange.
It wasn’t without reason; she had once offered similar sentiments.
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Chapter 173 Brian’s Anger
But now, someone else was there to do it.
Unable to hold back, she let out a self–deprecating laugh.
That chuckle drew Brian’s attention. He looked over at her and asked, “Is something funny?”
Rachel got up and moved to the floor–to–ceiling window, peering down.
Though the view from the skyscraper was obscured, she gestured subtly and said softly, “You may not have seen the flowers by the road when you came in, but I noticed them. They’re bursting with color, a delight to the eyes. It’s been almost a decade since I started at White Group, and it was those very flowers. Even after all these years, it’s the same flowers. Yet…”
She faced Brian, her words filled with meaning, saying, “Each year, the flowers are consistent in their bloom, yet people, they change.”
While the surroundings stayed the same, the individuals within them had changed.
Brian’s heart suddenly felt as if it were being tugged.
He turned to Tracy and said, “I think you should leave now.”
Though hesitant, Tracy acquiesced. “There’s an alumni reunion this Friday night. Would you like to join me?”
Brian’s eyes drifted to Rachel without thinking. Her expression stayed blank, revealing no trace of emotion. “Brian, this isn’t about us dating; it’s just that the rumors about my situation are rampant at school. If you’re not there, I’ll be a laughingstock.”
Tracy saw Brian’s hesitation and sensed an opening. She continued earnestly, “Please, Brian, help me out here. I can’t bear the thought of facing them alone.”
Yet, Brian still didn’t respond.
Noticing this, Tracy also looked towards Rachel, her eyes brimming with tears. She pleaded, earnest yet distressed, “Rachel, it’s all for show. I’m not trying to take him for real. Please don’t get it wrong. Right after the event, he’s yours again.”
Tracy seemed unaware of their recent breakup. That explained why she felt comfortable making such a request. As Rachel stayed quiet, Tracy’s plea grew more desperate. “Rachel, I really need your help!”
“It’s fine with me!” Rachel agreed suddenly,
Tracy and Brian were both taken aback by her response.
Tracy was nearly speechless, having braced for a tougher negotiation, expecting outright rejection, yet Rachel had agreed swiftly.
While Tracy felt relieved and thrilled, Brian was visibly upset and disappointed.
Was Rachel really letting go so easily?
What used to matter so much to her seemed irrelevant now.
This change left Brian profoundly uneasy,
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Chapter 173 Brian’s Anger
“Tracy, if there’s nothing more, I think it’s time for you to got,” Brian said, clearly eager for her to leave.
“Just so you know, I’ll let you know in advance. And Rachel, thanks for being so understanding.”
Tracy left with a smile on her face.
The office door had barely clicked shut when Rachel felt an abrupt pain in her wrist. Suddenly, Brian had pulled her towards him.
Trying to regain her composure, Rachel quickly stepped back, creating some space between them.
This move, however, only intensified Brian’s irritation.
He stepped forward, gripped her chin firmly, and lifted her face to meet his gaze. “Since when do you get to make decisions for me? What right do you have? Do I have to go along with whatever you say just because you think so?”
Brian was indeed furious.
Rachel tightened her fists, trying to stay calm, and then looked him in the eye. “Would you like to hear the truth?”
“Go ahead.”
“It’s well–known you have a soft spot for Tracy Haynes. You would have agreed to her request eventually. So, whether I say yes or no, it won’t change a thing.”
With that, Rachel bowed her head slightly. Her posture was that of a subordinate facing a superior.
Yet, this demeanor only fueled Brian’s anger further. Hadn’t she been defiant just yesterday? Why was she so submissive today?
Brian found the drastic change aggravating.
Over the past few days, he had been questioning which version of her was real.
“Do you actually want me to go?” Brian looked deeply into her eyes and asked once more.
Hearing his question, Rachel let out a cynical laugh.
“You must be joking. I have no power to sway your decisions. I never did before, and I certainly don’t now.”
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