?Chapter 86:


    Why was he stopping her from speaking her mind? Brian was allowed to be a horrible partner, but she wasn’t allowed to call him out on his behavior? This thought only reinforced Yvonne’s belief that not a single man on earth was trustworthy.


    Yvonne iled, gripping the doorframe with all her strength. She was determined to give Brian a piece of her mind, once and for all. But Norton proceeded to pry her fingers off one by one. Then, he bent over, hoisted her over his shoulder, and hauled her away.


    “Norton Burke! You’re insane! Put me down!”


    Yvonne beat his back and iled her legs, but Norton didn’t stop. He carried her all the way to the stairwell.


    Back in Brian’s hospital room, the ce was aplete mess.


    Ronald said carefully, “I’ll get someone to clean this up right away.”


    “That won’t be necessary. Leave. I want to be alone.”


    Ronald walked out into the hallway and left Brian alone for what felt like an eternity. He was starting to lose his patience when Brian finally called him back in.


    Brian gestured for him toe closer. “Give me a hand and take me there.”


    “Sure.”


    When Brian arrived in Jeffrey’s hospital room, Trey had just returned with lunch. Rachel was fast asleep, her head resting beside Jeffrey’s, her hand sped tightly around his.


    She hadn’t slept well all night, and the emotional toll of recent events had finally caught up to her.


    Trey didn’t wake her when he walked in. He simply adjusted the room’s temperature and then quietly draped his jacket over her.


    Rachel was gently awakened by a slight pressure on her shoulders. She opened her eyes slowly, taking a moment to focus on the person before her.


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    “Thanks,” she said, her voice still heavy with sleep.


    When she tried to get up quickly, a sudden dizziness made the room spin. Fortunately, Trey was quick to support her. “Be careful with yourself,” he whispered gently.


    His hand was ced around her waist, his presence close andforting. The scent of him, undeniably masculine, brought a flush of embarrassment to her face. Regaining her bnce, she cautiously moved away from him. “Thanks for that, Trey.”


    He smiled warmly back at her. “Of course. You must be hungry. Why don’t you join me for some food? I brought your favorites.”


    “That sounds good,” she responded, nodding in agreement.


    As they shared the meal, Rachel lightened the mood by inquiring about his work. Their conversation flowed easily and naturally, which led Rachel to express her deep gratitude once again. “Trey, I can’t thank you enough for what you did for my brother. Diving into the water to save him was incredibly brave. I’m so relieved he’s safe. Please know I’m here for anything you need, ready to return the favor whenever you call.”


    Trey raised his gaze to meet hers. Her skin had paled fromck of sleep, yet the gentle sun cast a soft glow on her features, highlighting her calm and delicate beauty. She looked ethereal, bathed in the warm light that entuated even the stray hairs around her face. It had been a while since he had been so captivated. His heart thudded wildly, a rapid drumbeat against his chest.


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