?Chapter 496:


    None of that did anything to quell Brian’s anger. He turned to his employees and barked, “Didn’t I make it clear that I don’t want Rachel’s name to be on the trending list again? You have five minutes. If it’s not gone by then, you are all fired.”


    With that, he strode out of the room in a huff.


    Everyone jumped back behind their desks, tripping over themselves to get the job done.


    When Brian returned to his office, he found Tracy waiting for him.


    She was still wiping her tears as she handed him a cup of coffee. “Here, I made you your favorite blend. I’m truly sorry, Brian. I was too naive earlier, but I only really meant to help you and Rachel. Don’t be mad anymore, okay?”


    Rachel’s name did drop from the trending list at a rapid rate, cooling off Brian’s mood somewhat. “I might have misunderstood you, but don’t interfere with work matters again.”


    Tracy nodded. “I understand.”


    Meanwhile, Debby was lounging on the sofa, all smiles as she browsed through the inte, clearly pleased with the current trending topics.


    Carol happened toe downstairs just then. “What are you smiling about?” she asked casually.


    Debby seized the opportunity, hurrying to her side with her tablet. “Look, this is today’s trending topics. A few of them are about your beloved Rachel. Why don’t you take a look?”


    Carol noted Debby’s cheerful expression and assumed it was good news. However, no sooner had Carol finished reading the headlines than she mmed the tablet down onto the table. “Call Brian,” she dered in a voice that rang out with absolute authority. “Tell him toe see me immediately!”


    Debby expected Carol to hold Rachel ountable. Approaching with a reassuring smile, she said, “Alright, I’ll call Brian right now. Please don’t worry.”


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    “I’m running out of patience. Hurry up!” Carol’s voice was tight with anger, her irritation palpable.


    Debby wasted no time dialing Brian’s number. “Brian, your grandma wants to speak with you.”


    “I’m in the middle of something, Mom. Tell her I’ll be thereter,” Brian’s voice was distracted, almost dismissive.


    Before Debby could respond, Carol grabbed the phone from her hand with a swift motion. “You listen to me, Brian. You need toe back immediately, and bring Rachel with you.”


    The authority in Carol’s voice left no room for debate. Brian’s resistance melted away in an instant. “Alright, I’ll be there right away.”


    “And don’t even think about showing up without Rachel,” Carol added firmly, her tone unwavering.


    Brian exhaled, clearly resigned. “Understood. I’ll be there.”


    After Carol ended the call, Debby’s heart lifted in quiet satisfaction. Her earlier intuition had been spot on; Carol was furious. This could be her opportunity to unravel the wedding and free Brian from his connection to Rachel.


    A sly smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but she quickly masked it, recing it with sweetness. “Carol, can I get you some water?” she offered, her voice dripping with insincere kindness.


    Carol let out a frustrated sigh, pressing her palm to her forehead. “No need,” she muttered, her voice thick with difort. “I have a headache. Just… quiet, please.”


    Debby seized the moment. “I could give you a massage,” she suggested, her tone oozing false concern. “It’ll help with the tension.”


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