?Chapter 517:


    “That’s really none of your business, is it?”


    Brian shot back, his voice clipped, “How is it not? We’ve been together for so long—can’t I be concerned about you?” Rachel’s tone turned colder. “I don’t need you to be.”


    Before their argument could escte, another car rolled to a stop nearby.


    Tracy stepped out, exuding elegance in her high heels. But the moment her eyesnded on Rachel helping Brian, her face darkened. rm shed in her gaze as she hurried over. “Brian! What happened? Are you hurt?”


    “Pulled a muscle in my back,” Brian muttered, but his sharp re remained locked on Andres, his resentment barely concealed. Given how sensitive the back was, the situation practically invited misunderstanding.


    “Your back?” Tracy’s voice faltered, her concern giving way to suspicion. “Did you… strain it while sleeping or something?” Her gaze darted between them. “So you and Rachel—what exactly were you two doing?”


    Brian didn’t hesitate. “Yes. We were together.”


    But his words weren’t meant for Tracy. His eyes burned into Andres, a possessiveness ring within him at the mere thought of Rachel being close to another man. That knowledge gnawed at him, amplifying his dissatisfaction.


    Tracy visibly stiffened. “But… didn’t you and Rachel break up? Then why are you—”


    Her voice cracked, her expression crumbling like she was moments away from crying.


    “Tracy, you’re misunderstanding. Brian and I stayed in the same room, but nothing happened,” Rachel exined, gently nudging Brian toward Tracy. “Since you’re here, you should take care of him. I’m leaving.”


    Andres approached Rachel, his voice low and considerate. “I reserved us a ce for lunch.”


    Rachel offered a small smile. “Alright.”


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    Brian’s fists curled at his sides, his frustration simmering beneath his skin.


    “Agh…” he suddenly groaned, clutching his back.


    Tracy’s eyes widened in rm. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”


    “Just—yeah, it hurts… I think I twisted it again,” he muttered, though his gaze stubbornly followed Rachel.


    But she barely hesitated before continuing toward Andres.


    “Agh…” Brian groaned louder, hoping she’d turn around.


    Tracy panicked, her voice trembling. “Brian, please don’t scare me like that! We need to get you to a hospital right now.”


    “It’s not that serious. Just hurts a little,” Brian replied, though his eyes were still fixed on Rachel.


    Rachel simply opened the car door and looked back once. “Let’s go.” Without another nce, she slid inside and rolled up the window.


    Brian watched helplessly as the car vanished down the driveway.


    Andres finally broke the silence. “Doesn’t that bother you?”


    Rachel took a steadying breath, her voice detached. “He has someone else by his side now. I don’t have the right to feel anything. Besides, he’s not dying.”


    The scenery outside the window blurred, but the ache in her chest stayed sharp and clear. She stared ahead, her feelings a tangled mess of sorrow and detachment.


    “By the way, what did you want to talk about today?” she asked, her tone carefullyposed.


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