?Chapter 468:


    Rachel bit her lip, unable to contain herself any longer. A solitary tear cascaded onto her hand, burning like fire.


    Fortunately, standing within the shadows concealed this from Brian’s notice.


    Fearing discovery, she dared not wipe away the tear, allowing it to linger, scorching her very soul.


    “If you’re genuinely unwell, don’t conceal it. Tell me,” Brian pressed when Rachel maintained her silence.


    Rachel kept her gaze downcast, yet her heart churned with a turbulent mix of emotions. During their rtionship, he had never demonstrated such attentiveness. Now, with their rtionship over, he suddenly seemed to monitor every small detail.


    In this moment, all she could do was sigh to herself.


    The ache intensified, nearly unbearable.


    She inhaled deeply, yet the bitterness in her heart remained overwhelming. Her eyes stung fiercely.


    “Are you truly unwell? Why have you fallen silent?”


    Rachel finally responded, “I’m fine, just suffering from a sore throat that discourages speech. I’ve already obtained medication, thank you for your concern.”


    Noticing her indifference, Brian grew frustrated. “Never mind. Just ignore me,” he muttered irritably, striding toward the door.


    “One moment.” Abruptly, Rachel turned and called out.


    “Is there something else on your mind?”


    Brian’s heart swelled with anticipation. Even the slightest disy of kindness or softening of her stance would have delighted him. But his hopes were misced.


    “Mr. White, I’ve been ill these past several days. Might I request a brief leave of absence?”


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    Brian’s expression sobered instantly. “Is that all you wished to say?”


    “Yes.”


    Noting his continued displeasure, she cautiously added, “I promise I’ll return to work immediately upon recovery. I’ll continue working remotely during this period and won’t impede progress. I hope you will grant this request.”


    “Do as you please.”


    With that, Brian stormed away, his patiencepletely evaporated. This departure carried unmistakable finality. His tall silhouette gradually diminished, bing increasingly distant and indistinct against the backdrop.


    Rachel watched him until her eyes burned with strain, only averting her gaze when his figure hadpletely disappeared from sight. “I should seek out Mr. Carpenter now,” Rachel resolved inwardly.


    When she encountered Wilson again, his demeanor had softened perceptibly. Perhaps her recent punishment had satisfied his need to avenge Natalia, or maybe she had unknowingly passed some implicit test of loyalty. Whatever the reason, Wilson no longer projected the severe, intimidating presence that had previously characterized him.


    “I must admit, you’ve proven quite surprising,” Wilson initiated the conversation.


    Fighting through her physical difort, Rachel responded, “Mr. Carpenter, do you require anything further from me?”


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