?Chapter 383:


    Andres intervened at just the right moment. “Mr. White, perhaps you’ve forgotten, given how well you’re usually looked after, that seafood isn’t suitable for someone fresh out of the hospital.”


    Caught off guard, Brian realized his mistake.


    The mood at the table turned awkward.


    It was then that Jeffrey chimed in, “Brian, you really shouldn’t be drinking either. I forgot to mention earlier. How are you feeling? Any dizziness?”


    “Why shouldn’t I drink?” Brian asked, confused.


    Jeffrey was momentarily embarrassed, then exined, “Well… because you were recently treated for a dog bite, right? People who’ve had the rabies shot shouldn’t consume alcohol.”


    After Jeffrey’s words hung in the air, an ufortable silence ensued.


    “Mr. White was bitten by a dog?” Andres asked, his tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of amusement.


    Brian, taken by surprise, replied, “Why am I the only one who didn’t know I was bitten by a dog?”


    Jeffrey looked visibly confused.


    “Who told you that?”


    Struggling with his honesty, Jeffrey stammered, “Yvonne mentioned…”


    “Yvonne’sments were…”


    Brian attempted to rify but was cut off as Jeffrey added, “And my sister, they both mentioned it.”


    Finding himself at a loss for words, Brian attempted to exin, “They weren’t careful with their choice of words. It was a close call, not an actual bite.”


    “That’s good to hear,” Jeffrey responded with relief.


    With that, the misunderstanding seemed to resolve.


    Yet Brian’s attention remained intensely on Rachel.


    Feeling responsible for spreading the rumor, Rachel felt a pang of guilt. She avoided Brian’s steady gaze and set down her utensil.


    “I’m done eating. I need to get some water.”


    She left the table swiftly, almost as though escaping something.


    Her rush took her straight to the kitchen.


    While Andres and Jeffrey didn’t notice her abrupt exit, Brian did.


    As she walked away, Brian took a slow sip of his drink and nced at the leftover dishes.


    “Now that Rachel’s finished, I might add a little kick to this. You don’t mind, do you, Mr. Garrett?”


    “By all means,” Andres responded with a gesture of approval.


    “Let me assist you with that, Brian!” Jeffrey offered eagerly.


    “Thanks, but I’ve got it. I know my way around the spices.”


    With those words, Brian picked up a dish and made his way to the kitchen.


    The sound of the door creaking open made Rachel jump, and before she could react, Brian had his hand over her mouth.


    His breath was warm as he whispered close to her ear, “Everyone’s still outside. Do you really want them to think we’re sneaking around in here?”


    .


    .


    .