?Chapter 796:


    An parted his lips, his voice faint but steady. “It’s a chronic issue. Nothing to worry about.”


    Rachel swept her eyes around the room. The curtains were drawn so tightly that barely a sliver of light seeped through. The air felt thick, stagnant. She stood and pulled them open.


    “It’s a beautiful day outside—bright and sunny. When you’re unwell, fresh air and sunlight help.”


    A faint smile curved An’s pale lips. “Just letting the sun into the room isn’t enough.”


    Rachel caught the meaning behind his words instantly. “Then let’s go outside for a bit.”


    The VIP room was fully equipped, including a wheelchair tucked in the corner. After giving it a quick wipe-down, Rachel rolled it to his bedside.


    “Come on, An. Let me help you into it.”


    An hesitated. “Shouldn’t we call Alban? He—”


    Rachel knew exactly what he was thinking. He doubted she had the strength to support him.


    She met his gaze, her voice unwavering. “I can handle it. I’m just helping you up, not carrying you in my arms.”


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    The second she said it, she regretted it. Why did she have to say carrying?


    Ignoring the heat creeping up her neck, she focused on the task. She carefully draped one of his arms over her shoulder, then steadied his other arm, letting him lean into her as she helped him up. But she hadn’t expected this—he waspletely limp against her, his entire weight pressing into her shoulder.


    Her breath hitched, but she gritted her teeth and steadied herself, carefully guiding him into the wheelchair, inch by inch.


    However, as she eased him down, she lost her bnce and lurched forward, her lips grazing his cheek by ident. At that exact moment, Alban stepped into the room.


    Rachel stiffened, her face burning as mortification crashed over her.


    “Uh… I—” Rachel floundered,pletely at a loss.


    Sensing her embarrassment, An quickly interjected, his tone calm and unruffled, “Alban, take me outside for some air.”


    “Right away, Mr. Vance.”


    Rachel remained frozen as they exited, leaving her alone in the quiet room. She exhaled slowly, pressing her hands against her warm cheeks.


    Once she managed topose herself—at least enough to not look utterly flustered—she followed them out.


    Just as she reached the rehabilitation area, she faltered. A strange feeling prickled at her, like someone had just called her name. She turned sharply, scanning the crowd, but there was no familiar face in sight. Did she imagine that?


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