?Chapter 372:


    “Have some—it might ease your throat for the next round of reprimands!” Tracy mocked.


    Rachel gave her a cold look, fully aware of her ploy. “Don’t pretend I’m unaware of your games.”


    At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside the door.


    Tracy made her move, carelessly dropping the ss from her grasp.


    Instantly, the sound of shattering ss filled the room.


    Brian swung the door open and hurried inside.


    Surveying the broken ss and spilled water, he quickly focused on Rachel. “Are you hurt? Did the hot water scald you?”


    He then fetched a ss of warm water and handed it to Rachel. “Next time you need water, just let me know. Don’t go getting it yourself.”


    Tracy, her lips pressed tightly together, simmered with anger. Brian hadpletely overlooked her presence, assuming Rachel was responsible for the ident.


    “Brian…” she murmured tentatively.


    “Have you brought all the required documents?” Brian inquired, barely ncing her way.


    “Yes, I have them,” Tracy responded.


    “Good, you may leave now.” He dismissed her with a detached tone.


    “I’ve burned my hand. Could you help me find some ointment?” Tracy requested, disying her reddened, swollen hand.


    She pursed her lips, managing to look both distressed and convincingly innocent.


    “What happened here?” Brian asked.


    Tracy hesitated briefly before responding, “I was trying to get Rachel some water because she looked so frail. Unfortunately, I wasn’t careful enough and the ss slipped, sshing the hot water on me.”


    For once, Tracy refrained from implicating Rachel in her ount. Her original intent had been to me Rachel, but observing Brian’s concern shifted her strategy.


    Opting for a different approach, she took a risk.


    The best reads are at g?lnσν???s?c?m


    Brian then addressed Rachel. “Do you still need some water?”


    Rachel returned the ss to him with a gentle shake of her head.


    Their long history together had given her a deep understanding of him. She could almost read his mind without him speaking.


    “You should do what you feel is right. I won’t dictate your choices,” she said calmly.


    “Take some rest. I’ll be back shortly,” Brian reassured her.


    Rachel acknowledged with a nod and settled back into her bed. Turning to Tracy, Brian cautioned, “Next time, be more careful. Let’s go get that treated.”


    Tracy’s spirits lifted as she linked her arm with his. “It doesn’t feel painful with you by my side.”


    Side by side, they departed, their silhouettes visible through the frosted ss.


    From her position, Rachel observed them in silence.


    Brian proceeded at a measured pace, silently hoping Rachel would call out to him. He had resolved not to leave if she expressed any hesitation or asked him to stay.


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