?Chapter 315:


    Rachel exhaled deeply, working to maintain her professionalposure; anger would serve no purpose now. “Very well, I understand. Please provide me with the hospital address.”


    Armed with the location details, Rachel gathered all pending documents requiring Brian’s review and signature and left for the hospital.


    Upon reaching the reception desk and inquiring about his room, she proceeded directly to the designated ward. She discovered, however, an immactely maintained butpletely vacant room—the bed linens were precisely folded with hospital-standard corners, showing no sign of recent upation.


    With diminishing patience, Rachel waited for a considerable period. Yet after thirty minutes had psed, no one had appeared.


    She attempted to contact Brian by phone but received no response. After three unsessful calls, the realization dawned that he was intentionally avoidingmunication.


    A suspicion formed that he might have already been discharged. Rachel returned to reception to inquire, “Excuse me, has Brian White been released from care?”


    The nurse appeared momentarily puzzled before responding, “No, his discharge hasn’t been processed. His girlfriend apanied him for a walk. They’re currently in the hospital’s rear garden.”


    “Thank you for the information!”


    Rachel swiftly collected her documents and hurried toward their location.


    In the oppressive summer heat, her brisk movement left her slightly winded. As she approached the garden area, she immediately identified Brian and Tracy among the visitors. Without hesitation, Rachel advanced toward them.


    “Mr. White, I apologize for the interruption, but could you please authorize this document?” Rachel requested, efficiently turning to the signature page and even removing the pen cap in anticipation. Brian merely cast a cold nce downward, offering no movement toward the proffered materials.


    “Mr. White…” Rachel repeated, maintaining a strictly professional demeanor.


    Brian remained stationary, not extending his hand, leaving Rachel awkwardly holding the pen and document suspended between them. A profound silence enveloped their interaction.


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    Rachel attempted once more, “Could you…?”


    Finally, Brian deigned to respond: “Ms. Marsh, I remain unwell, currently a patient, and this is designated as my recuperation period.”


    Previously, news of his illness would have triggered immediate concern and anxiety in Rachel. Now, however, those emotions failed to materialize.


    She assured him with professional detachment, “Mr. White, this requires only your signature. The process will be momentary and will not significantly impact your recovery. Please be assured, once you’ve signed, I’ll depart immediately and cause no further disturbance.”


    Rachel believed she hadid her sincerity bare for Brian to see. Yet, somehow, he remained unmoved, his expression as unreadable as ever.


    “And why should I grant you preferential treatment?” His voice was cool, calcted, each wordnding like a precision strike.


    Rachel’s lips parted, but she stopped herself when she considered what she was about to say. During their rtionship, he had never given her preferential treatment. Now that they had separated, it seemed even less likely.


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