?Chapter 213:


    Rachel shook her head, her eyes softening with reassurance. “I’m fine. Really.”


    But Jeffrey’s guilt was palpable. He sped her hands, his voice breaking as he continued, “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault. I never wanted to drag you into this… I never wanted you to get hurt. I don’t care about his apology. Let’s just go. I can’t bear to see you in pain because of me.”


    Rachel could feel the weight of Jeffrey’s words, and her heart ached at his sincere remorse.


    With a gentle smile, Rachel patted Jeffrey’s head, her eyes shining with the same strength that had always defined her. “It’s okay. Really, it is. I’m not hurt. And you’re forgetting something, aren’t you?”


    Jeffrey looked up at her, confusion clouding his face.


    “When I used to shield you from Moira’s whip,” she continued, her voice steady but tinged with the ghosts of past pain, “do you remember how she would smear salt on it? It stung like fire, but I was still okay. You’re not the one who got me into this. You’ve always been my priority, my responsibility. So please, stop ming yourself.” Her words carried a soothing weight, but deep down, Rachel felt the familiar pangs of those cruel memories.


    “But…” Jeffrey hesitated, reluctant to relinquish the guilt written inly on his face.


    Rachel’s expression grew somber as she turned to him, her voice steady but tender. “Jeffrey, listen carefully. I know how much you care for me, and I feel that love deeply. But not everyone in this world is as cruel as that man. People will always speak harshly and try to belittle us, but remember, they don’t define us. What matters is that we don’t let their words or actions overshadow the good around us. There are kind, generous souls, like the youngdy who helped us today without hesitation, even though she didn’t owe us anything.”


    Her gaze softened, her smile gentle yet firm. “So promise me, you’ll keep your heart open. Stay positive, stay hopeful, no matter what others may say.”


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    Jeffrey’s eyes searched hers, uncertainty still clouding his features. “But what about the bad ones? What do we do about them?”


    Rachel’s smile widened, warmth radiating from her. “That’s a smart question. When we face those who bring harm, we don’t have to lower ourselves to their level. We have the power to seek justice and to protect ourselves with thew. That gives us strength, knowing we have the means to defend what’s right.”


    As the conversation seemed to settle, Rachel pulled out her phone and dialed Eric’s number.


    “On my way,” Eric’s voice came through the line, calm and efficient. Not long after, both he and Natalia arrived at the scene.


    Rachel’s gaze flickered to Natalia as she stepped out of the car, surprised to see her. Natalia caught her eye and offered a sheepish smile. “I insisted oning along,” she said, her tone light but sincere.


    Given their shared social circles, it was no surprise that Natalia and Eric were acquainted.


    Noticing the deep scratches on Rachel’s face, Eric’s eyes darkened with concern. Without hesitation, he instructed his assistant, “Go, get some ointment for those scratches.”


    “Thank you, Mr. Riley,” Rachel murmured, her voice tinged with gratitude.


    “What happened?” Eric asked, his tone steady butced with concern.


    “Let’s find a quiet ce where you can exin everything.”


    “Okay.” Rachel nodded, grateful for his understanding.


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