Chapter 234 Showing His
Concern
Rachel felt a sharp constriction in her chest, an inexplicable tugging sensation that swelled within her heart.
She swiftly regained her composure and offered a smile. “Natalia has acknowledged me as her sister and requested her father arrange employment for Jeffrey. I’m deeply appreciative. That’s why I personally prepared some soup and brought it for them to enjoy. Though modest in value, the sentiment behind it matters most. Natalia genuinely
adores it.”
As Rachel spoke, the expectation illuminating Brian’s face gradually dimmed.
He released a frigid snort, his tone crystallizing. “She values relationship, unlike certain individuals.”
His implication hung unmistakably in the air.
Rachel endured a crushing weight descending upon her heart. She clenched her teeth and withstood the accusation without uttering a single word in her defense.
“Mr. White, would you please release me now?”
Her condition had deteriorated alarmingly, and she feared imminent collapse.
She dreaded even more that he might detect something amiss with her.
“Why is your hand so cold?” Brian suddenly inquired.
Rachel’s pulse faltered momentarily, and she hastily withdrew her hand.
This time, he relinquished his grip.
Concealing her hands behind her back, she replied evenly, “If you had truly paid attention, you’d realize that throughout our time together, I’ve consistently feared the cold. Regardless of season–winter or summer–my hands remain icy.”
Brian’s gaze darkened.
Chapter 234 Showing His Concern
Indeed, he conceded that his knowledge of her fell woefully short of what it should have
been.
“Why does your voice sound so hoarse? You appear remarkably frail.”
Brian knew his persistence was unnecessary. She had explicitly stated her indifference toward him, yet he stubbornly exhibited concern.
“It’s nothing significant, merely a cold. I’ll recover within days.”
“Have you purchased medication? Is anything else troubling you?” His voice softened.
Rachel bit her lip, unable to contain herself any longer. A solitary tear cascaded onto her hand, burning like fire.
Fortunately, standing within the shadows concealed this from Brian’s notice.
Fearing discovery, she dared not wipe it away, allowing the tear to linger, scorching her very soul.
“If you’re genuinely unwell, don’t conceal it. Tell me,” Brian pressed when Rachel maintained her silence.
Rachel kept her gaze downcast, yet her heart churned tumultuously with tangled
emotions.
During their relationship, he had never demonstrated such attentiveness.
Now, with their relationship over, he suddenly monitored every minute detail.
In this moment, she could only sigh to herself.
The ache intensified, becoming nearly unbearable.
She inhaled deeply, yet the bitterness permeating her heart remained overwhelming.
Her eyes stung fiercely.
“Are you truly unwell? Why have you fallen silent?”
Rachel finally responded, “I’m fine, merely suffering from a sore throat that discourages speech. I’ve already obtained medication, thank you for your concern.”
Noticing her indifference, Brian was extremely frustrated.
“Never mind. Just ignore me,” he muttered irritably, striding toward the door.
“One moment.” Abruptly, Rachel turned and called out.
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Chapter 234 Showing His Concern
“Is there something else in your mind?”
Brian admitted that in this instant, his heart swelled with anticipation.
Even the slightest display of kindness or softening of her stance would have delighted him.
But his hopes were misplaced.
“Mr. White, I’ve been experiencing illness these past several days. Might I request a brief leave of absence?”
Brian’s expression sobered instantly. “Is that all you wished to say?”
“Yes.”
Noting his continued displeasure, she cautiously added, “I promise I’ll return to work immediately upon recovery. I’ll continue working remotely during this period and won’t impede progress. I hope you will grant this request.”
“Do as you please.”
With that, Brian stormed away, his patience completely evaporated.
This departure carried unmistakable finality. His tall silhouette gradually diminished, becoming increasingly distant and indistinct against the backdrop.
Rachel watched him until her eyes burned with strain, only averting her gaze when his figure had completely vanished from sight.
“I should seek out Mr. Carpenter now,” Rachel resolved inwardly.
When she encountered Wilson again, his demeanor had softened perceptibly.
Perhaps her recent punishment had satisfied his need to avenge Natalia, or maybe she had unknowingly passed some implicit test of loyalty.
Whatever the reason, Wilson no longer projected the severe, intimidating presence that had previously characterized him.
“I must admit, you’ve proven quite surprising,” Wilson initiated the conversation.
Fighting through her physical discomfort, Rachel responded, “Mr. Carpenter, do you require anything further from me?”
“During your earlier journey, did you observe everything thoroughly?”
Chapter 234 Showing His Concem
“Yes, I witnessed everything with complete clarity,”
Rachel answered with straightforwardness.
“In that case, I sincerely hope those punishments will never be directed toward you in the future. Consider this instance both the first and final occurrence.”
Rachel acknowledged this with a nod. “I know your intention and I too have no desire for such a day to materialize.”
“My intention? Then enlighten me–what is it?”
Clenching her teeth, Rachel enunciated each word deliberately: “The reason you arranged for me to witness those scenes was to instill fear and to ensure I thoroughly grasp that betraying Natalia would exact a tremendous price, correct?”
“Indeed.”
Wilson’s expression reverted to seriousness.
“Natalia is the apple of my eye. She desires friendships, which I cannot deny her, but I must guarantee her safety. Remember this, Rachel Marsh–should you ever harm my daughter, cause her distress, or inflict any suffering upon her, I will respond with unmitigated severity and ensure your suffering.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
With those words, Rachel’s lips curved into an unexpected smile.
“Why this amusement?”
“Please don’t misinterpret, Mr. Carpenter. I merely envy Natalia for having a father whose love runs so deep.”
Unlike her own father, who bequeathed her nothing but bitter smiles and mockery.
Some thoughts were better left unexpressed. Articulating them only amplified the sorrow.
Before departing, Rachel requested a favor from Wilson. “Mr. Carpenter, my injuries aren’t suitable for Natalia’s viewing. Could you arrange for someone to inform her that I’ve already returned home?”
“Certainly.”
Wilson nodded, adding, “Moving forward, addressing me as Mr. Carpenter isn’t necessary.”
Rachel momentarily froze, uncertain about the appropriate form of address.
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Chapter 234 Showing His Concern
Wilson elaborated, “Just call me Uncle Wilson.”
“Sure, Uncle Wilson.”
After bidding farewell to Wilson, Rachel hastened homeward.
Firstly, because the agony radiating from her back had become intolerable.
Secondly, she worried that an extended delay might cause Jeffrey undue concern.
However, what awaited her defied all expectations…
Barely stepping through the gate, she immediately spotted Brian. And beside him stood
Tracy.
