?Chapter 579:


    Tracy observed and said, “Rachel, you’re bleeding. Did a fork prick you?”


    Without hesitation, Andres took her hand and brought it close to his lips, poised to address the wound. Rachel quickly withdrew her hand. “Andres, stop, that’s unsanitary!”


    Andres, taking the bowl from her, insisted, “Stop cleaning now. Let’s take care of that cut.”


    Rachel gently held Andres back, lowering her voice. “Thank you. I know you’re just looking out for me, but Brian’s right. He’s the only one who can help Jeffrey now. For my brother’s sake, I can take whateveres my way.”


    Seeing the unwavering resolve in her eyes, Andres chose not to argue. Rolling up his sleeves, he knelt beside her, his tone soft and understanding. “Then let me help you clean up.”


    Rachel instinctively shook her head, about to turn him down, but he beat her to it. “Don’t. Please—let me do this, in my own way. Is that okay?”


    Reluctantly, she gave in. “Alright.”


    With Andres pitching in, the room was tidied up much faster. But the sight of them working together didn’t sit well with Brian. So when Andres finally prepared to leave, Brian silently hoped he’d vanish from sight.


    But then Rachel turned to him, her voice cautious. “Mr. White, may I walk him out, please?”


    Brian was about to deny her, but she quickly added, her tone soft and imploring, “I promise I’ll be back in five minutes. It won’t affect my care for you… that is, if you’ll allow me.” Her deliberate humility curbed his refusal.


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    Checking his watch, he muttered, “Five minutes. Not a second more.”


    “Thank you!” she said gratefully.


    Knowing her time was short, Rachel only escorted Andres to the hospital’s first floor. She hesitated, feeling guilty. “Thanks foring, but…”


    He stopped her with a warm smile. “No need to exin. We don’t do formalities, remember? Go back up. Don’t worry about me.”


    “Alright! Take care!”


    The staircase was packed with people moving in and out. Rachel waited patiently until an elevator finally arrived.


    Just as she stepped in, a strained voice called out from behind. “Excuse me, everyone. My wife isn’t feeling well. Would you mind letting us take this elevator first?”


    The line of waiting passengers fell into silence. These elevators were notoriously slow—sometimes taking several minutes per trip. Most people had been waiting a while, and few were willing to give up their spot.


    Seeing no response, the elderly man gently supported his frail wife. “Maybe it can fit two more. Let’s give it a try.”


    The couple hesitantly stepped in, but the moment they did, the elevator beeped—overloaded.


    Faint grumbles rippled through the crowd, though no one openly protested since it was an elderly couple.


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