?Chapter 171:


    Rachel blinked, caught off guard.


    Their first encounter at the bridal shop had left a very different impression—she had pegged Natalia as an entitled richdy, the kind who only cared about herself.


    But now, she seemed like a kind and innocent soul.


    “Bringing me to the hospital was already more than enough,” Rachel murmured. “You don’t have to do all this.”


    Natalia met her gaze without hesitation. “Maybe, but that’s just how I am. If I hadn’t been involved, fine. But since I was, I like to see things through.” She gestured toward the food. “The doctor said you’re weak and need something nutritious, so hurry up and eat.”


    Rachel tightened her grip around the spoon, her voice steady with gratitude. “Thank you.”


    Natalia leaned back, casually twirling her fork. “Don’t get the wrong idea. This doesn’t change anything—I still see you as a rival.”


    She met Rachel’s gaze head-on, her tone unwavering. “I like Brian, and that makes uspetitors. But I’d rather y fair. I don’t do cheap tricks.”


    Midway through their meal, the door swung open, and the doctor stepped in. His gaze lingered on Rachel longer than necessary, his expression unreadable.


    “Rachel Marsh, correct?”


    “Yes!”


    He gave a small nod, then spoke in a measured tone, “After eight o’clock tonight, no food or drink. Given your symptoms, I strongly rmend a full examination tomorrow.”


    Rachel’s stomach twisted, a sudden unease settling over her. She gripped the edge of her nket and hesitated before asking, “Doctor… is there something wrong with me?”


    “We should proceed with the examination first and assess the results afterwards,” the doctor suggested cautiously.


    Your next adventure is at g  al n ovels . con


    “Alright, thanks so much, doctor!”


    Across town, Tracy was pinned down on a couch.


    Her blouse was ripped, revealing her shoulder, which only heightened her vulnerability.


    With her long hair disheveled and her head bowed in defeat, she pleaded, “Please, stop! I can’t handle any more alcohol.” However, no one listened to her pleas.


    Her resistance only seemed to turn them on, their eagerness to dominate her growing.


    “Come on, Tracy, show us what you’re made of! Two more bottles should be easy for you. Or do you think we’re not worth your time?”


    Tears rolled down her cheeks, enhancing her woeful appearance.


    “I’m telling the truth. I’m not good with alcohol. Drinking more might kill me.”


    She hoped her honesty would soften their approach.


    Yet, Simon Prescott merely scoffed, hisughter booming.


    “Scared? Don’t be. At the very least, I can have a doctor and an ambnce ready. Should anything happen, I’ll cover your hospital expenses ten times over.”


    Despite Tracy’s continuous rejections and pleas, Simon’s patience thinned. He grabbed her chin forcefully with one hand and thrust a ss of wine to her lips with the other.


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