?Chapter 22:


    Ronald’s investigation yielded nothing but dead ends and silence.


    The emptiness of his findings haunted him as time slipped away.


    When Brian’s calls finally burst through, they came like rapid gunfire, one after another, each more urgent than thest.


    Ronald drew a deep breath before answering with measured words. “Sir, I haven’t managed to locate Ms. Marsh yet.”


    “If you can’t find her no matter what, you’re fired.”


    “I’ll try my best to locate her.” The line went dead before Ronald couldplete his response.


    Dawn found Rachel huddled in the police station’s holding cell, where she had endured the endless night.


    The cold had seeped into her bones, painting her cheeks crimson while violent shivers wracked her frame. Light spilled into the cell as an officer swung open the door, announcing, “Rachel, you have a visitor.”


    “Who could it be?” she inquired, maintaining herposure despite her circumstances.


    “Yvonne Jimenez. She ims to be a friend of yours.”


    The moment their eyes met, Yvonne’s heart shattered at Rachel’s state, prompting her to strip off her own coat and scarf, wrapping them protectively around her friend’s trembling form.


    Rachel’s failure to return home the previous evening had nted seeds of worry in Yvonne’s mind. Her instincts had led her to this precinct, where her worst fears were confirmed upon discovering Rachel’s detention.


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    “Rachel, please tell me what happened.”


    Rachel unveiled the entire confrontation with Moira, holding nothing back.


    Yvonne’s brow creased as she processed theplexity of the situation. Her expression soon brightened with determination. “I’ll secure legal representation and ensure your release.”


    “Thank you. How is Jeffrey faring?” Rachel’s thoughts turned to her brother. “He’s making excellent progress. The physicians expect to release him within days.”


    Relief softened Rachel’s features as a ghost of a smile graced her pallid lips. “That’s wonderful news.”


    Yvonne hesitated at the threshold before departing, wrestling with one final question. “Has Brian been informed of your situation?”


    “I remain uncertain.”


    “Should we make him aware?”


    A touch of resigned bitterness colored Rachel’s smile. “If he truly wishes to know, he possesses the means to find out; if not, any notification would merely serve as an irritation.”


    Yvonne absorbed the wisdom in those words. “Iprehendpletely.” After departing the station, she arranged trustworthy guardians for Jeffrey’s hospital care.


    Her next destination was the Burke Group headquarters.


    Norton’s corporation boasted an elite legal department, particrly the distinguished attorney, Eric Riley.


    Years of marriage to Norton had earned her certain privileges, and now seemed the perfect moment to exercise them.


    Eric’s recognition of her position facilitated an unexpectedly smooth dialogue. “Ms. Jimenez, consider your friend’s case my highest priority.”


    Yvonne found herself momentarily stunned. Could eptancee so easily? Wasn’t Eric notorious for his rigid adherence to Norton’s directives alone? “You’re truly agreeing? Without consulting Norton first?” disbelief colored her tone.


    Eric offered an elegant nod. “Naturally, as his wife, youmand considerable authority.”


    Unknown to her, Norton’s grandfather had explicitly mandated that Yvonne’s requests receive their fullest support.


    “However, since this case falls outsidepany matters, I must inform Mr. Burke.”


    “That seems reasonable.”


    Norton’s shock resonated through the phone line. “Did you say Rachel Marsh?”


    “Indeed. Does this presentplications?”


    “None whatsoever.”


    The moment the call concluded, Norton immediately contacted Brian. “Are you really going to marry Tracy Haynes?”


    Confusion clouded Brian’s response. “Norton, just drop those silly jokes. Speak directly.”


    Rachel’s continued absence weighed heavily on his mind.


    Frustration had taken root deep within him.


    She had be like smoke, impossible to grasp.


    He silently vowed that upon finding her, he would teach her the folly of attempting to escape his reach.


    “Are you truly prepared to cast Rachel aside?”


    “Who spreads such nonsense? What whispers have reached your ears?” Norton’s lips curved knowingly. “Moments ago, Eric epted a case through my wife. The defendant? Rachel.”


    Brian’s entire being froze in that instant.


    Rising to his full height, barely containing his fury, he demanded, “What?”


    “She’s been arrested for assaulting her stepmother. Don’t pretend ignorance, Brian.”


    Brian snatched his coat, bolting toward the door while bellowing, “Ronald, prepare the car now.”


    As he settled into the car’s leather interior, Brian radiated a dangerous energy that warned against challenge. His gaze held enough intensity to shred steel.


    How dare anyone imprison his fiancée? They must possess nerves of steel.


    “Drive faster! Ten minutes or your employment terminates tomorrow.”


    Ronald’s jaw clenched as he pressed the elerator to its limits.


    Rachel’s heart lifted at the news of another visitor, assuming Yvonne had returned.


    The sight of Brian’s towering silhouette in the doorway, however, stole her breath and scattered her thoughts.


    Her body moved instinctively, turning away from his prating gaze.


    She battled the familiar sting of tears threatening to fall.


    Since falling under love’s spell with him, her emotions had be an untamed river.


    This bittersweet reunion painted a stark contrast—his immacte appearance in perfectly tailored attire against her disheveled state, eyes puffy from a sleepless night’s torment.


    Everything about her screamed exhaustion. Everything about him remained impable.


    Rachel slowly crouched down, curling into herself in the corner of the cold, cramped room.


    What could she even say at this point? The sound of his footsteps drew closer. Then, suddenly, warmth. A gentle hand wrapped around hers, firm yet tender. Brian knelt beside her, pulling her small frame into his arms. His voice was softer than she had ever heard it. “Come on. I’m taking you home.”


    Rachel tilted her head up, disbelief flickering across her face. “Brian, look at me,” she murmured. “I’m a mess. I’m not calm, I’m not smart, I cause trouble, and I get jealous. Are you really sure you want to marry someone like me?”


    Brian didn’t answer with words. Instead, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms. As they stepped out of the police station, his voice drifted down to her, steady and unwavering. “I’m sure. More than sure. Rachel, I told you—I don’t agree to this breakup, and I meant it.”


    His face was so close, his breath brushing against her skin.


    Every word he spoke carried an unshakable certainty.


    But Rachel couldn’t understand. He had always been so fond of Tracy. Now that Tracy was finally back and single, and Rachel had willingly stepped aside to let them be together, shouldn’t he be happy? Then why…


    “Brian, what do you want?” His arms tightened around her.


    “A lifetime by your side, without interruption or departure.”


    “But—” His lips captured her protest, initially meant to silence her doubts. The kiss transformed into something more profound, as if Rachel possessed an enchantment that stripped away his legendary self-control.


    One hand cradled her head as Brian surrendered to raw emotion, his usual restraint reced by urgent passion.


    These days apart had carved an aching void within him.


    Only when Rachel swayed, breathless and light-headed in his embrace, did Brian finally break away.


    His fingers traced her features with infinite tenderness as his gaze softened. “Rachel, some words need never be spoken. And know this, today’s events have left me deeply troubled.”


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