?Chapter 532:


    Seeing her defend Brian without hesitation—and noticing the fresh injury on her forehead—Hector couldn’t bring himself to reprimand him any longer.


    “Take her upstairs and get that wound looked at,” he finally relented, his tone softening.


    Without a word, Brian extended his hand, gently guiding Rachel toward the stairs.


    The moment they entered the room, she shoved his hand away. “Why did you protect me?” Brian stepped toward her with an intensity that made her chest tighten.


    She averted her gaze, feigning indifference. “I told you I’d cover for you in front of Hector and Carol, didn’t I? I gave my word, and I kept it. Simple as that.”


    Her head lifted, her eyes sharp and unwavering. “I didn’t take that hit for nothing. There’s a price.”


    Brian’s brow arched, his interest piqued. “Oh? Name it.”


    Without missing a beat, Rachel gripped his tie, her tone cool and businesslike.


    “I didn’t just protect your reputation—I saved Tracy’s too. Considering the weight of that favor, it’s only fair I getpensated. Given your status, I’d say it’s worth at least a hundred grand.”


    Brian scoffed, utterly incredulous. “Seriously? You took that blow… for a hundred thousand?”


    Rachel shed him a faint, almost mocking smile. “Of course. What did you think it was for?”


    Brian’s lips remained firmly pressed together, his expression cold and unreadable as he fixed his eyes on Rachel. The tension between them was almost suffocating.


    Breaking the silence, Rachel spoke calmly. “Once Hector and Carol head to their room to rest, I’ll leave right away.”


    “In such a hurry to go?”


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


    “I have no reason to linger where I don’t belong.” Rachel wasn’t as naive as before.


    She had learned to see things clearly.


    Brian’s eyesnded on the bruise on her forehead, concern flickering in his gaze. “How’s the wound?” he asked before he could stop himself.


    “It’s fine. The swelling will fade in a couple of days.” The indifference in her voice unsettled him.


    Before, even the smallest cut would have her running to him, asking him to treat it.


    Now, she barely flinched, and somehow, that hurt him more.


    Brian stepped closer, reaching out instinctively. “Let me take a look.”


    Rachel stepped back instantly, her rejection firm. “That won’t be necessary.”


    “Stay still.” His hands found her waist, his voice unyielding. “I’m just trying to help. Sit tight for a second.”


    A momentter, he returned with an ice pack in hand.


    Sitting beside her, he pressed the cool pack against her forehead with careful precision.


    The coldness spread across her skin, numbing the ache almost instantly.


    After a short silence, she finally spoke. “I should get going.”


    “I’ll drive you,” he said without a second thought.


    .


    .


    .