?Chapter 502:


    Rachel bit down on her lip, fighting to keep herposure and hold onto her dignity. But deep inside, her emotions were in turmoil.


    Even though she had broken up with Brian, hearing such cruel words from Debby still stung. It was a mix of frustration and sadness she couldn’t shake.


    Carol’s hands shook with fury.


    Rachel immediately reached out, gently rubbing Carol’s back infort. “Please don’t get worked up. Your healthes first.” Brian hurried over as well.


    Debby scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I know your health isn’t the best, but that doesn’t mean you can keep using it as an excuse. Once or twice, fine, but don’t expect me to fall for it every time.”


    “Enough!” Brian’s sharp voice suddenly cut through the tension, putting an end to it.


    Debby stiffened, caught off guard by her son’s unexpected outburst. She stood there for a moment before the shock finally registered. Turning to Brian with teary eyes, she gasped, “You’re ming me now? Oh, God! Even my own son has turned against me. I have no ce in this family anymore. My mother-inw hates me, my own child mes me—I’m all alone!”


    And just like that, she broke into a fit of dramatic sobs.


    Meanwhile, Rachel and Brian helped Carol to the sofa and handed her a ss of water. After taking a few sips, Carol’s breathing steadied.


    But when Debby noticed that no one was paying her any mind, her wailing grew even louder. “How am I supposed to go on like this? Everyone dislikes me—even my own son is turning against me!” Brian ran a hand down his face,pletely at a loss for words. He could only sigh in frustration.


    Just as he was about to speak, Carol gently held him back.


    Debby, seeing this, became even more displeased. “Carol, you’ve really been bewitched by Rachel, haven’t you? I have no idea what kind of spell she’s put on you, but the way you defend her… anyone would think she’s got you under some kind of magic.”


    ???????? ???????????????? ????????: g???????ν?????????????


    Carol had just started to calm down, but Debby’s words sparked her anger all over again. This time, Rachel took a step forward and stood in front of Carol like a shield.


    Carol had protected her more times than she could count, but she couldn’t always hide behind that protection. It was her turn now.


    “Debby!” Rachel’s voice was calm yet resolute as she stepped closer. “I’ve never exined myself before because I believed the truth would eventually speak for itself. But now, I see I have to make things clear. The reason I wanted to marry Brian isn’t what you think. I love him. I want to be his wife and build a family with him. Yes, his family is powerful, and many would fight for the chance to stand by his side. But I never pursued him for his wealth. I chose him for who he is, not for what he has.”


    Rachel’s eyes were steady, and her words carried absolute certainty.


    “Humph!” Debby scoffed, her eyes filled with disbelief. “Who would buy that story? Rachel, even you don’t believe what you’re saying, right?”


    Rachel let out a dryugh. “I know you won’t believe me, but…” She hesitated for a moment before finishing, “It doesn’t matter now.” After all, she wasn’t going to marry Brian anymore. So whether Debby believed her or not no longer made a difference.


    “Why doesn’t it matter? Exin yourself,” Debby demanded.


    “It’s nothing,” Rachel said, shaking her head.


    .


    .


    .