Chapter 196 Killing Two
Birds With One Stone
The mention of Brian brought a sudden hush over Rachel and Yvonne.
“He’s quite…”
Before Rachel could finish, Yvonne cut in, “You mean Brian White?”
“Yes, isn’t he the only boyfriend my sister has? Or can there be more?” Jeffrey chimed in, grinning
Both Rachel and Yvonne were caught off guard, momentarily speechless.
“When’s he coming by? I miss seeing him around,” Jeffrey inquired.
“For the time being, he won’t be visiting,” Rachel responded.
“Why not?”
As Rachel hesitated, Yvonne quickly chimed in, “He was bitten by a dog.”
“What?” Jeffrey’s disbelief was evident.
He looked to Rachel for an explanation. “A dog bite injure? But doesn’t he work in a skyscraper? How did that happen?”
Yvonne gave Rachel a meaningful wink.
Realizing she needed to play along, Rachel made up a story. “Yes, there was a disturbance at the office. Someone brought a dog on purpose, and amidst the chaos, he was bitten.”
“How unfortunate.” Jeffrey expressed his sympathy.
Later, after resting, Rachel was surprised by a call from Andres.
“Mr. Garrett, it’s been too long!”
Trying to avoid sounding frail, Rachel adjusted her posture.
“Indeed, it has. Is everything alright?”
“It’s a minor issue, but I’ll be back on my feet and at work within a few days.”
“That’s great to hear. I’m looking forward to that meal you owe me.”
As Yvonne walked in, she caught the tail end of Rachel’s conversation with Andres.
Seizing the moment, she eagerly joined the conversation. “Hello, Mr. Garrett, Yvonne Jimenez’s speaking. Do you recall our last meeting?”
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Chapter 196 Killing Two Birds With One Stone
“Of course, Ms. Jimenez. Our cars have quite the connection.”
“I overheard that Rachel owes you a meal. How about joining us at her place? I’ll handle the cooking.”
Surprised, Andres responded, “You cook?”
“Just enough to satisfy hunger. What do you say we plan something?”
“I’d be pleased to accept.”
“Perfect, Rachel will text you the details soon.*
Once the call ended, Rachel, looking puzzled, inquired, “You’re really inviting him to dinner?”
With confidence, Yvonne responded, “Yeah. Ever heard that true hospitality is serving a meal you’ve made yourself? For someone like Andres, who’s tasted every delicacy, it’s the thought that counts. Remember, your collaboration with his firm? Winning his favor could ease your path considerably. His team will certainly hold you in higher esteem.”
Rachel expressed her gratitude with a nod. “Thanks, Yvonne. You always have a knack for these strategies.”
With a touch to her cheek and a grin, Yvonne said proudly, “Right? I think I’m quite savvy, perfect for the business world.”
Yet, Norton hadn’t seen it that way.
The thought of Norton always stirred her anger.
That morning, Leif had bombarded her with messages detailing Norton’s flight.
It was obvious Norton was expecting her to pick him up.
She had intentionally ignored his messages, leaving them unread to spite him.
Yvonne took on the task of preparing multiple dishes to welcome Andres.
She spared no expense with the ingredients, so busy that she didn’t even pause for a drink of water.
Rachel observed this, feeling thankful yet worried.
Each time she attempted to enter the kitchen, Yvonne would escort her out within seconds.
After being turned away twice, Rachel resigned herself to not intruding again, fearing she might disrupt more than assist.
Yet, when Rachel noticed the exotic seafood and premium ingredients Yvonne was using, she couldn’t help but ask, “Isn’t this a bit excessive?”
“Not at all. It’s precisely what’s needed to show our appreciation,” Yvonne assured her.
Unbeknownst to Rachel, Yvonne had an ulterior motive.
Her goal was to irritate Brian. The more upset he became, the better for her plan.
Yvonne suspected that Brian had orchestrated Norton’s return, expecting her to meet Norton at the airport. She was almost certain Brian would show up tonight.
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Imagining his reaction to their lavish dinner with Andres, Yvonne was convinced he’d be seething with jealousy.
Convinced that seeing Rachel potentially court another would make Brian rueful, Yvonne relished the thought.
This strategy of killing two birds with one stone delighted Yvonne.
Now, all she had to do was wait for both Andres and Brian to show up, hopefully one right after the other.
As they finished setting up, the doorbell signaled Andres’s arrival.
Rachel opened the door and said with a smile, “Mr. Garrett, thank you for making the trip. Please, come in!”
“I happened to be in the area for work, so the timing was perfect.”
Inside, Rachel served him a glass of water.
Taking the glass, Andres said with concern, “You seem a bit under the weather. Are you alright? You look somewhat pale.”
“A bit, yes.”
Rachel couldn’t hide her pale complexion.
Once the table was ready, Yvonne waved Andres over. “Mr. Garrett, have a seat and enjoy the meal I made for you.”
At that moment, Yvonne’s phone interrupted with a ring.
Leif was on the line.
Under the stern watch of Norton, he reluctantly said, “Mrs. Burke, Mr. Burke insists that if you’re not at the airport within the next thirty minutes…”
With Edmond’s support behind her, Leif was clearly reluctant to cross Yvonne.
“What else? Just say it!” Yvonne urged, her anxiety rising.
“He says you might as well not bother returning to work.”
Yvonne’s anger flared at the threat.
“Alright, tell him I’m on my way,” she retorted, her anger evident.
Quickly explaining the situation to Andres, Yvonne snatched her purse and hurried off to the airport.
Meanwhile, Norton had already been waiting there for thirty minutes.
Did he really stay just to ensure she would come?
Clearly, he was adamant about having her pick him up.
Back at Rachel’s, she and Andres had barely begun their meal when the doorbell echoed through the apartment.
Jeffrey, nearest the door, sprang up to answer it.
Peering through the peephole, he exclaimed, “Rachel, it’s your boyfriend!”
Rachel barely managed to whisper, “Don’t let him in,” but Jeffrey had already swung the door open, cheerfully
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greeting, “Brian!”
Stepping aside, Jeffrey gave Brian space to enter.
Brian stepped in and immediately noticed Andres seated at the table.
