?Chapter 316:


    Rachel took a deep breath and tried to maintain herposure. “Mr. White, rules can be flexible. Besides, you’ve already approved documents from other departments.”


    Brian’s voice rose slightly. “Oh? So you believe I’m deliberately causing problems for you?”


    The truth seemed obvious, but Rachel chose not to confront it directly. “You have your reasons. I won’t press the matter further.”


    Brian released a coldugh as he regarded her. “Is that so? In that case, you may leave. I’m feeling unwell and my hand is in pain. I cannot be bothered to sign anything today.”


    “Alright.”


    Rachel forced a polite smile, shoving her emotions into a tight, locked box. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Please take care.” Brian didn’t respond.


    Instead, frustration coiled tight inside him like a storm cloud ready to break. Had he not made himself clear? He wasn’t feeling well. Yet, she had brushed right past that, not a flicker of concern crossing her face.


    She hadn’t always been this way. She used to be different—softer, warmer. Now, she was all business, as if she had been rebuilt from the ground up into someone he no longer recognized. Documents, deadlines—was that all she cared about? Was she a machine?


    “Just leave! Even if youe tomorrow, if I’m not better, I still won’t sign.”


    “Then the day after tomorrow.” Her voice was calm, almost amused. “You’re strong. A couple of days and you’ll be fine.”


    Brian was momentarily at a loss for words. She had to be doing this on purpose—needling him until he was ready to explode.


    A cold breath escaped him. “Until I see some real sincerity from you, I won’t be signing anything.”


    The sharp p of paper hitting the floor shattered the tense silence. Rachel had mmed the documents down. She had yed nice. She had tried patience, negotiation, and reason. But enough was enough. Fixing Brian with an unflinching stare, she shot back, “You’re not just sick, you’repletely unhinged. You expect me to believe you’re not deliberately messing with me? Really? You signed every single document Ronald sent you—except mine. And you want to lecture me about sincerity? Fine. Here I am, in person, documents in hand, pen at the ready. All you have to do is move your hand and sign. You’re not on your deathbed!”


    Brian felt his blood pressure spike. The nerve of her.


    Rachel wasn’t finished. “What’s stopping you? You haven’t lost an arm.” Tracy looked shell-shocked, her eyes stretched wide. Rachel’s words had been a series of daggers, each one finding its mark.


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    Brian exhaled sharply, gritting his teeth. “Rachel Marsh, I can hear you just fine. No need to shout.”


    “Sign it or don’t. Either way, I’m done begging. If this contract falls through, it won’t be on me. If you’re so eager to pay the penalty fee, knock yourself out—but don’t drag me into your mess.”


    And with that, Rachel turned on her heel, not sparing him another nce as she walked away.


    “Come back! Rachel Marsh, I saide back!” Brian’s voice rang out, sharp and almost frantic, but she didn’t even break stride. As far as she was concerned, she hadn’t heard a thing.


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