?Chapter 516:


    Just as Brian was almost upright, they lost their bnce again and copsed back onto the ground. Rachel let out a startled gasp, once againnding directly on top of him—only making the situation ten times more mortifying.


    “I-I—I’ll get someone to help you!” Rachel blurted, scrambling to her feet.


    “It’ll take too long if you go back and forth. Let’s just… try again,” Brian said, suppressing a groan.


    “O-okay! I’ll do better this time!” she stammered, still flustered. With extra effort, she managed to get him to his feet, and they made their way toward the living room, Rachel still supporting him. Carol, noticing their awkward posture, quickly approached.


    “What happened here?”


    “He, um… strained a muscle in his back,” Rachel exined, her cheeks still burning.


    “Oh dear! Come sit down. I’ll call someone over for physical therapyter.”


    Brian shook his head without hesitation. “No need. It’s not that bad.” In truth, he didn’t mind the slow recovery—if it meant spending more time with Rachel like this.


    At breakfast, his minor injury won him constant attention from Carol, but when the meal was over, it was time for them to leave.


    As they prepared to depart, Carol’s expression turned somber. “You’re both always so busy… it’s hard to see you two together these days. Now that I’m getting older, I can’t help but wonder how much longer I’ll be around… or how many more times I’ll get to see you. So, if you have time, promise me you’ll visit more often, alright?”


    Her voice, frail yet hopeful, stirred something deep in their hearts.


    Rachel’s throat tightened, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Carol… We’ve really been thoughtless, hardly ever visiting you. I promise I’lle by more often to keep youpany.”


    Carol’s face softened with warmth. “That’s all I wanted to hear. I’ll be looking forward to it.”


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    As they made their way toward the estate’s exit, Brian still appeared a bit unsteady on his feet. Recalling how he’d saved her earlier, guilt gnawed at Rachel. “Um… if you don’t mind, I can walk you a bit further.”


    “I wouldn’t mind at all,” Brian answered almost too quickly, his gaze fixed on her.


    When they reached the entrance, they spotted Andres leaning casually against his car, appearing entirely at ease.


    “Rachel!” Andres called out with a bright, easy smile the moment his eyesnded on her.


    Rachel nced between them, flustered. “Uh—just give me a minute.”


    “No rush. Take your time. I’ll be right here.” Andres assured her with a carefree shrug.


    Rachel turned back to Brian. “Is Ronalding to pick you up?”


    “No. He’s tied up with something else today.”


    “Then… how are you nning to get to the office?”


    Brian hesitated, his voice dipping slightly. “Haven’t figured that part out yet.” His attention flickered toward Andres, a trace of jealousy crossing his face. “By the way… how did he even know you were here?”


    “I told him.”


    Brian’s jaw tensed. “Since when did you two get so close?”


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