?Chapter 419:


    Brian ced a hand on her shoulder, giving it a light pat.


    Initially, he was going to pull away and tell her to rest early, but when his gazended on Rachel, he changed his mind.


    For a brief moment, he found himself wondering—would she turn around? Did she care?


    “What do you want for breakfast tomorrow? I’ll have someone make it for you,” Brian asked, steering the conversation elsewhere.


    Natalia beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Whatever you arrange, I’ll love it.”


    Rachel caught their reflection in therge mirror across the room. They were still hugging.


    She couldn’t deny it—they looked like they fit together perfectly. Natalia’s small frame seemed even more delicate in Brian’s arms, while his towering figure wrapped around her effortlessly.


    As their conversation carried on, Rachel found she couldn’t stand it anymore. Without a word, she turned and walked to the bathroom. She sshed cold water on her face, letting the chill jolt her awake.


    She didn’t step out until the voices faded and Brian was gone.


    The moment Rachel came out, Natalia dashed over, practically glowing with excitement. “Rachel, you’re my lucky charm. After all these years, it’s the first time Brian has been so close to me. He actually let me hug him. I’m so happy I won’t be able to sleep tonight. Tell me, what should I do next?”


    Seeing Natalia so giddy she could barely contain herself, Rachel reached over and gave her cheek a yful pinch.


    “I think your best move right now is to take a bath and get some sleep.”


    “No way! I want to enjoy this feeling a bit longer.”


    “Are you sure you want to show up at the party tomorrow looking tired?” That made Natalia rethink. “Oh, good point. I should get to bed early.” Half an hourter, Natalia was already sound asleep in the room.


    Meanwhile, Rachely awake, gazing at the moon through the window. After a long moment of thought, she pulled on a robe and knocked on Brian’s door.


    Brian opened the door, his expression unreadable. “What are you doing here?”


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    Rachel managed a faint, bitter smile but didn’t respond.


    “It’s the middle of the night, and you’re standing outside a man’s room in a nightgown. What do you think people would assume?” Typical Brian.


    If he wanted to, he could always twist things to put her in an awkward spot.


    “I didn’t think about that. I just need to talk to you about something. May Ie in?”


    “What is it?”


    Brian leaned casually against the doorframe, lookingpletely unbothered.


    Just then, a loud, drunken-sounding knock echoed down the hallway. Rachel hesitated before asking, “Can Ie in? It’ll be easier to talk.”


    Brian smirked. “Say it here. Or is it something that can’t be said in the open?”


    He was clearly being sarcastic just to make things difficult for her.


    Rachel took a deep breath and spoke with quiet sincerity. “Natalia really likes you. Even though shees from a powerful family, she’s a good person at heart. I know your heart belongs to Tracy. But if you have no intention of being with Natalia, it’s better not to give her false hope and let her get hurtter.”


    Brian let out a mocking sneer. “Oh? You’re so considerate of her feelings, but what about yours? Does she even care about yours?” The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable.


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