?Chapter 70:


    If she had more power, Jeffrey wouldn’t have to suffer like this.


    “Rachel…” Jeffrey suddenly threw his arms around her. “You’re the best sister ever.”


    To him, Rachel was nothing short of an angel.


    In the back of his mind, he felt like he was the one who should be saying sorry. He’d brought her so much trouble, after all. If he weren’t around, her life would be so much simpler.


    “I love you too,” she whispered, holding him close. “Jeffrey, there’s something I want to ask. Remember Carol—the olddy we met today? She is really kind to me, and I care about her a lot. Today’s her birthday. Do you think we could stay until the celebration is over?”


    Jeffrey gave her a warm smile and nodded. “Of course. Whatever you want, Rachel.”


    “That’s my good boy,” Rachel murmured, touched by his kindness.


    The tension from earlier still lingered, but no one seemed willing to stir it up again.


    After all, it was Carol’s special day, and they all wanted her to be happy.


    At dinner, Carol invited Rachel to sit beside her, but Rachel politely declined. “Your family should be the ones keeping youpany.”


    Rachel preferred to keep a low profile rather than draw attention at such a big event.


    With everyone’s cooperation, the birthday banquet went off without a hitch. As soon as the banquet wrapped up, Rachel approached Carol with a soft smile. “I’lle visit you again soon.”


    “How much longer will work keep you away?” Carol asked, her sharp gazending on Brian, displeasure evident in her eyes. “Why did you send Rachel so far away? Is that how you treat your wife-to-be?”


    Rachel managed a weak smile. “Carol, it was my own decision. I’m aiming to sharpen my skills, so I stepped up for the role.”


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    Carol squeezed her hand reassuringly.


    “It’s wonderful to see your drive and personal aspirations. I’m behind you all the way. A woman needs to prioritize her ambitions, rather than orbit around a man. Otherwise, some might lose sight of their own significance,” she said, casting a meaningful nce at Brian as a gentle rebuke.


    Brian was rendered speechless.


    As Rachel made to depart, Carol clung to her, eyes moistening. “Rachel, have you sorted out the situation with your brother and Doris?”


    Holding back tears, Rachel gave a nod. “Yes.”


    It wasn’t that she wanted to keep Carol in the dark; she simply aimed to spare her additional worry.


    Carol’s years were advancing. A recent doctor’s visit had revealed a slight elevation in Carol’s blood pressure.


    Carol had been vibrant throughout the day. Discovering the day’s earlier conflicts would likely distress her. Rachel couldn’t bear the thought of Carol’s health suffering from such news.


    As Rachel and Jeffrey readied themselves to leave, Carol turned briskly to Brian. “Rachel is about to go. Won’t you drive her home?”


    “Let me drive you,” Brian suggested, stepping closer.


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