Chapter 185 Refusing To
Leave
As soon as Rachel saw Brian, her first instinct was to shut the door.
However, he quickly intervened, wedging his hand to stop the door, his voice resolute, saying, “Let me in!”
“Mr. White, this simple place is hardly suited for someone of your status,” Rachel responded sharply, clearly rejecting his entrance.
Yet, Brian persisted, pushing past her into the apartment.
Despite her efforts, she was no match for his strength.
Her face turned red with the strain, yet she was unable to stop him from entering.
Once inside, Brian casually crossed his arms and settled onto the couch.
“You’re intruding,” Rachel said heatedly.
She braced for a retort, but instead, he casually observed the clutter, including dishes left on the table.
He then said calmly, “I’m quite hungry. I haven’t had anything to eat.”
“Skipping a meal won’t harm you!”
“Skipping one might be okay, but I’ve missed all my meals today.”
“It won’t kill you,” she responded bluntly.
At that, Brian grimaced, holding his stomach. “Then at least let me have a glass of water. I’ll go after that.”
“Is that a promise?”
“Absolutely.”
Rachel handed him a glass of cold water, but Brian hesitated. “Actually, could it be warm? My stomach is aching.
Shortly after, he sipped the warm water provided.
Still, he continued to hold his stomach, appearing miserable. “Any chance there’s some food I could take for
the road?”
Rachel kept her exasperation to herself.
Clearly, he was testing her patience. And she realized he was becoming more and more thick–skinned.
“All I have are some junk snacks that probably won’t suit your refined tastes.”
0.0%
15.40
Chapter 185 Refusing To Leave
“I’m definitely not picky. And I don’t need luxury in every part of my life.”
He had made his position clear. To deny him now would appear heartless.
Rachel searched through her pantry and passed him some snacks.
Brian quickly tore open a packet and started eating, his hunger seeming real, not fake.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be just water and then you’d leave? Now that you’ve got food, it’s time to go,” Rachel
said, eager to see him out.
“Let me finish these and I’ll have some water afterward.”
Rachel was ready to object, but paused as he suddenly dropped the snack bag, clutching his stomach with a grimace.
He did look noticeably pale.
“What’s the matter?” she asked, moving closer.
“My stomach… it really hurts!” He was holding his stomach, his voice quivering with each word.
Rachel examined the snack and realized it was extremely spicy. These were Yvonne’s favorites; she kept them stocked even though she didn’t eat them herself. She hadn’t considered the variety when she hastily offered them. And Brian had choose the hottest one.
Typically, spicy food shouldn’t cause such distress unless his earlier claim of not eating all day was true.
“Have you really not eaten anything today?” Rachel inquired, seeing his discomfort increase.
“Yes,” Brian answered, his forehead now slick with sweat.
He tried to get up, his face contorting with effort.
Rachel was so concerned about his condition that she feared he might faint any second.
“What’s going on here?” she inquired.
Struggling for breath, he replied, “Wasn’t I supposed to leave after I had some water? I’m trying to keep my promise.”
“In your current condition? Do you plan on collapsing outside and leaving me to handle the fallout?”
Brian paused, not responding right away. He was taken aback by her sharp wit. Moreover, her knack for delivering biting remarks was unmistakable.
“I see!” Brian responded lightly, immediately, returning to the sofa to lie down.
Noticing the empty snack packet, Rachel said, “That was the spicy one. I should have warned you. Let me make it up to you with some noodles. After that, you’ll need to go.”
Brian agreed without hesitation.
Shortly after, Rachel appeared, wearing a floral apron, with a steaming bowl of noodles that emitted a tempting
aroma.
Considering Brian’s delicate stomach, she kept the dish bland but added a poached egg for flavor. It was simple
25.3%
Chapter 185 Refusing To Leave
yet appetizing.
Brian took one look and started eating enthusiastically.
It didn’t take long for him to finish everything, even sipping every last drop of the broth.
sipping every last drop of the broth.
“Make sure you eat regularly from now on. Skipping meals isn’t good for you. Plus, with the scale of White Group, any health issue you have could jeopardize many jobs.”
She mentioned this as she collected the bowl to clean it.
Feeling refreshed after the meal, Brian approached her. “Rachel, it seems you do care about me!”
“Don’t read too much into it. I’m just looking out for the you were unwell.”
fare of employees like myself who’d be at risk if
Brian found himself at a loss for words.
“Now that you have finished your meal, it’s time to honor your promise. I won’t be escorting you out!”
“I understand, but there’s something I need to resolve first.”
“What might that be?”
“I noticed it was Natalia’s driver who dropped you off today.”
He stated this as a fact, not a question.
Rachel didn’t contradict him, merely acknowledging with a subtle nod.
A shadow fell over his face as he gripped her shoulders. “Why won’t you listen to me? Rachel, I’ve told you to stay away from her.”
She shrugged off his hands. “Let’s get one thing straight–we’re not together anymore. Moreover, my friendships are my own to decide. You don’t get to dictate that.”
His tone grew firm as he said, “This isn’t just anyone–it’s Natalia. The Carpenter family is not to be messed with.”
His disapproval only fueled her defiance. “What are you really worried about? That I can’t handle the Carpenter family, or that Natalia’s interest in you might complicate things if we’re friends?”
Brian asked, “Is that what you think?”
“What else should I think? That you’re concerned for me, that you care as you do for Tracy? I’m not that gullible. I know my place and have no illusions.”
With no further words, Rachel forced him out the door.
His pleas continued from the other side, “Please open up. We need to talk.”
“That’s enough! Let’s keep things strictly professional. Please don’t reach out to me again.”
She dreaded the heartache that might follow.
More importantly, she dreaded the thought of hesitating when it really was time to say goodbye.
62.4%
15.40
Chapter 185 Refusing To Leave
After closing the door, a sudden, sharp pain overwhelmed Rachel.
In moments, she was wracked with an unbearable agony, leaving her speechless with pain.
100.0%
