Chapter 247 Chastising
Brian For Rachel’s Benefit
Rachel stepped back, instantly creating space between her and Brian.
“Is there anything else you require?”
Her resistance shone so clearly that Brian couldn’t possibly overlook it.
He softened his voice. “My grandma hasn’t seen you for ages, and she misses your
presence.”
“Have you not informed her about our separation?”
Brian shook his head. “No, I’ve kept it quiet. You understand how deeply she wishes for our marriage. If she discovered the truth, I fear the shock might overwhelm her. Please do me this favor. Act as though we remain together briefly in her presence, and you may request anything in return.” He lowered himself, beseeching her.
Rachel paused momentarily before agreeing with a nod. “I can accept those terms, but I hope you’ll do the same before Jeffrey.”
“Without question.”
They reached Carol’s place just as dinner preparations concluded.
Daylight still lingered as dusk approached, with the expansive sunset transforming the sky into a tapestry of crimson and rose, resembling an exquisite masterpiece.
Having missed such spectacular vistas for some time, Rachel halted involuntarily to
absorb the scene.
She exhaled deeply, “It’s absolutely breathtaking!”
“Indeed, truly magnificent,” Brian responded, his attention focused on her features, enhanced by the sunset’s radiance.
In the next instant, he naturally clasped her hand.
<Chapter 247 Chastising Brian For Rachel’s Benefit
“What are you doing?” Rachel turned immediately, startled by his gesture.
“My grandma notices everything. This way, she’ll harbor no suspicions.”
Rachel yielded without protest, silently acknowledging the necessity.
Certainly, if they maintained too much distance, anyone would detect something amiss.
“Would you prefer to admire the sunset longer, or shall we proceed inside?” Brian inquired, following her preference.
“Let’s enter now. Carol is likely growing impatient.”
“Sure.”
Brian tightened his grip on her hand ever so slightly.
They walked several minutes more before approaching the mansion’s entrance.
Debby had anticipated their arrival, and upon spotting them from afar, her joy bubbled
over.
However, as they drew nearer and she noticed their interlaced fingers, her expression
froze.
After all this time, how could Rachel still hold Brian completely captivated?
Then she contemplated how everything would conclude today, how Rachel would face Carol’s scorn, and anticipation surged through her.
Debby rushed forward, barely containing her excitement. “Oh, you’ve finally returned! Carol has waited endlessly! Come inside!”
In the living room, Carol indeed waited, her demeanor unusually severe compared to her
normal manner.
Sensing this, Brian and Rachel approached with deference, greeting her.
Carol maintained her cold, serious expression. She raised her hand and struck her cane forcefully against the floor, fixing her gaze on Brian.
“What? Must I personally summon you for visits? Otherwise, you’d forget my very
existence!”
“Grandma, why would you say such things? Work has consumed me lately, causing my neglect. Please don’t worry, I’ll visit more frequently and compensate for lost moments,”
said Brian.
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Chapter 247 Chastising Brian For Rachel’s Benefit
Typically, even when Carol simmered with anger, a few tender words from Brian would soothe her temper.
But now, her displeasure persisted unabated.
Her cane struck the floor with a resonant thud, and her expression hardened further. “Don’t attempt to deceive me. I may be elderly, but neither deaf nor blind.”
“Grandma…”
“I haven’t finished speaking.” Carol’s anger intensified, her gaze piercing. “What actions do you plan regarding Rachel’s situation?”
Brian answered honestly, “I’ve removed the viral topics, and our PR department will issue clarification shortly. I’ll ensure Charlie Garza faces severe consequences.”
“Your company’s inadequate management not only harassed Rachel but injured her and thrust her into public scrutiny.”
“Rest assured, I’ll implement thorough internal reforms.‘
”
“This incident could have inflicted permanent damage. Had that occurred, I would have shown Charlie Garza no mercy. Such a disgraceful individual deserves harsh punishment to prevent him from harming another woman.” As a fellow woman, Carol spoke with
passionate indignation.
“I’ll have Eric Riley personally oversee this case, and we’ll spare no effort.”
As Brian outlined his approach to the situation, Carol’s anger gradually receded, her expression softening around the edges.
“At least you’ve formulated a plan, otherwise my displeasure would have known no
bounds.”
With that acknowledgment, she immediately gestured for Rachel to approach. “Come here, Rachel.”
“Of course.”
Upon closer inspection, Carol studied Rachel with deepening concern. “It’s been far too long since we last met, and you’ve grown noticeably thinner. Has work become overwhelming recently? Or perhaps Brian has behaved poorly, mistreating you and causing your distress?”
Before Rachel could formulate a response, Carol continued her gentle interrogation, “Never hesitate to reprimand him or advocate for yourself. Whatever circumstances arise,
remember you can always seek my counsel. I shall remain steadfastly by your side.”
Rachel clasped Carol’s hand firmly, experiencing warmth flowing both through her fingers and into her heart.
She rested her head against Carol’s shoulder with familial affection, remarking playfully, “With your protection surrounding me, how could Brian possibly dare to mistreat me? Carol, I truly wish you were my grandmother.”
The latter sentiment escaped unbidden from her lips.
Carol patted her hand reassuringly. “Silly girl, why speak such unnecessary words? Once your marriage to Brian is formalized, I shall become your family in truth. Rachel, my affection for you will surpass even that of your biological grandmother.”
Listening to these heartfelt declarations, Rachel felt emotion constrict her throat while her nose tingled with impending tears, rendering her momentarily speechless.
How could she possibly reveal to Carol that her relationship with Brian had dissolved, that they no longer shared a future together?
She might never experience the privilege of becoming Carol’s granddaughter–in–law.
This realization manifested as genuine sorrow, an irreparable regret.
“Carol, may I join you for dinner?” Rachel deftly changed the subject.
“Certainly. Anticipating your return, I instructed the cook to prepare all your favorite dishes.”
“Your thoughtfulness knows no equal!”
Hand in hand, they proceeded toward the dining table.
Meanwhile, Debby observed from a distance, her mind struggling to process the unexpected scene unfolding before her.
What precisely was transpiring? Wasn’t Carol supposed to be consumed with fury, prepared to confront Rachel and nullify her impending wedding with Brian? How had
circumstances evolved in this unforeseen direction?
Carol exhibited no anger toward Rachel whatsoever; instead, she treated her with the reverence reserved for precious treasures, even chastising Brian for her benefit.
Throughout the entire exchange, she had protected Rachel with extraordinary devotion.
Debby felt her grip on reality slipping perilously. It seemed she had inadvertently
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< Chapter 247 Chastising Brian for Rachel’s Benedi
orchestrated her own downfall
After all her machinations, Carol’s displeasure targeted Brian exclusively, completely bypassing Rachel.
Thus, her premature celebration proved groundless, serving only to inadvertently strengthen Rachel’s position.
At the dining table, the longer Carol observed Rachel, the greater her sympathy grew.
Consequently, she directed another disapproving glare toward Brian. “You should cherish and spoil your girlfriend. Look at Rachel, she’s much thinner. I shall grant you two months to restore her health fully, or you shall bear the consequences personally.”
At this juncture, Debby hastened forward.
Already agitated beyond endurance, she could no longer contain her frustration.
“Carol, while favoritism is understandable, surely there are reasonable limits! What significance does Rachel truly hold for you? She remains fundamentally an outsider. Brian represents your grandson. How can you criticize your own flesh for an outsider’s sake?”
