Chapter 197 Tense
Atmosphere
Andres also raised his eyes to meet Brian’s gaze.
Their eyes locked.
Brian’s look was piercing and daunting, as if he was ready to challenge anyone who crossed his path.
On the other hand, Andres offered a gentle, inviting stare.
“Why is he here? I thought Yvonne was looking after things?” Brian directed his question at Rachel, his voice laced with jealousy.
Rachel had no plans to respond, but Jeffrey, sensing potential confusion, quickly interjected.
“It was Yvonne who was helping out, Brian, but she had to rush off for an emergency.”
“I see.”
Brian’s expression finally softened a bit.
Yet, the sight of the extravagant meal before them reignited his irritation.
Rachel had only recently left the hospital and should be on a light diet. She shouldn’t eat any seafood.
Clearly, the meal was intended as a special indulgence for Andres.
Was such an extravagant meal really necessary for Andres? They might as well have thrown a grand banquet.
Seeing Andres seated to Rachel’s left, partaking in the meal, made Brian feel even more constrained.
“Quite the timing–I’m quite hungry myself. Mr. Garrett, would you mind if I joined you for dinner?”
Andres responded with a welcoming smile, “Of course not. However, this is Rachel’s place. It’s best to ask her.” “That’s unnecessary. Rachel and I are practically family already.”
“You must be joking. Haven’t you and Rachel already…” Andres paused, catching Rachel’s stern look.
It appeared that Jeffrey was still unaware that Rachel and Brian had recently ended their relationship. If that weren’t the case, he wouldn’t continually refer to him as “Rachel’s boyfriend“.
“Already what?” Brian pressed, confident Andres wouldn’t spell it out, prompting him to probe further.
“Like family already.”
Rachel exhaled in relief and shared a thankful glance with Andres.
The truth was bound to surface eventually.
Chapter 197 Tense Atmosphere
Yet, she understood Jeffrey all too well. He firmly believed that she would end up marrying Brian, viewing Brian as his future brother–in–law.
Jeffrey’s loyalty ran deep, just like hers.
More importantly, Rachel was aware that Doris’s previous comments had deeply affected Jeffrey.
Discovering her split with Brian would likely lead Jeffrey to irrationally blame himself, believing his own troubles had strained their relationship to the breaking point.
The thought of Jeffrey consumed by such guilt was unbearable for her.
Recalling the distressing memory of Jeffrey’s past breakdown, where he had dangerously scaled a bridge, Rachel shuddered. That image was a nightmare she couldn’t shake.
Thus, even the slightest risk to Jeffrey’s well–being was unacceptable to her.
At this point, she was clinging to very little.
Losing anything more was a risk she couldn’t bear.
Shortly after, Jeffrey approached with an additional chair.
There was a spare set of dinnerware at the table, initially set for Yvonne. Since she was gone, Brian claimed it.
Still, Brian was displeased with his seating arrangement.
He looked over at Jeffrey and suggested, “Let’s swap seats, Jeffrey.”
His reasoning was straightforward: Andres occupied the seat to Rachel’s left, and Jeffrey was on her right.
Brian was set on securing a seat to Rachel’s right.
Rachel gave Brian a look that clearly said, “Don’t push it.”
“Go ahead, Brian, just take the seat next to my sister,” Jeffrey suggested casually and moved to let Brian sit.
“Mr. Garrett, with such an exquisite dinner before us, perhaps some drinks to accompany?” Brian suggested, raising the stakes.
Andres was quick to respond, nodding, “Of course. Would you prefer wine or whisky?”
“Let’s have both.”
“Sounds good.”
The two men engaged eagerly, showing no signs of backing down as they planned to drink until one conceded defeat.
They began with wine, going head–to–head, each matching the other’s pace.
Soon finding wine too mild, they simultaneously opted for whisky.
They made a point of clinking glasses with each drink.
Rachel was at a loss for words.
Chapter 197 Tense Atmosphere
The dinner was becoming uncomfortable for her.
Stuck in the middle, she felt it difficult to catch her breath.
As the drinking continued, Andres thoughtfully offered her some food. “Rachel, you look too slim. You should
eat more.”
Not to be outshone, Brian chimed in quickly, “Yeah, a bit more weight wouldn’t hurt. It might feel more comfortable when we cuddle.”
Rachel, clearly annoyed, pinched Brian sharply. He must be dreaming. They were not together anymore!
Brian felt the sting from the pinch but kept his discomfort to himself, bearing it silently.
Despite his efforts to conceal it, he couldn’t entirely hide a wince of pain.
Jeffrey might have missed it, but Andres caught it. “Mr. White, something the matter? Is the whisky too much for you?”
For any man, acknowledging weakness was often seen as a defeat.
Without hesitation, Brian gulped down his whisky in response.
Andres matched his actions, quickly finishing his own glass.
Rachel saw that both men were becoming inebriated and wanted to say, “Enough with the alcohol!”
However, they were already pouring another round.
The tension in the room had escalated.
Andres then delicately prepared a piece of fish, carefully removing the bones before offering it to Rachel. “This fish is both nutritious and soft, ideal for you right now.”
“Thank you!”
Brian scoffed at this display, seemingly unimpressed.
He then peeled a shrimp, dipped it in sauce, and deliberately placed it before Rachel, his actions clearly challenging Andres.
Andres intervened at just the right moment. “Mr. White, perhaps you’ve forgotten, given how well you’re usually looked after, that seafood isn’t suitable for someone fresh out of the hospital.”
Caught off guard, Brian realized his mistake.
The mood at the table turned awkward.
It was then that Jeffrey chimed in, “Brian, you really shouldn’t be drinking either. I forgot to mention earlier. How are you feeling? Any dizziness?”
“Why shouldn’t I drink?” Brian asked, confused.
Jeffrey was momentarily embarrassed, then explained, “Well… because you were recently treated for a dog bite, right? People who’ve had the rabies shot shouldn’t consume alcohol.”
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Requiem of A Broken Heart
