Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 12

Chapter 12:

Rachel wanted to speak, but her face had turned a deep, suffocating red. She could barely draw in a breath.

Maddox’s voice was a furious snarl. “Bitch! You forgive everyone else, but you’re determined to ruin me. I gave you a chance—you threw it away. Fine. If that’s how you want it, don’t blame me for what happens next. You brought this on yourself.”

Rachel’s vision blurred as her lungs burned for air. Her body felt weightless, and consciousness slipped from her grasp.

But in that moment of desperation, her gaze landed on her phone.

The call to Brian hadn’t disconnected.

With the last of her strength, she reached out, her fingers trembling, and forced out a strangled whisper. “Brian… save me…”

On the other end, voices stirred.

Tracy’s light, casual tone broke through. “Brian, your phone rang. I picked up for you—hope you don’t mind.”

“Who was it?” Brian asked, sounding disinterested.

“Rachel. Probably work-related.”

Annoyance flickered across his face. Lately, all their conversations seemed to revolve around work. He wasn’t in the mood.

“I accidentally hung up. Maybe you should call her back,” Tracy said breezily.

But Brian’s phone was still connected.

Rachel knew that Tracy had intentionally let her overhear their conversation.

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It was a deliberate move meant to drive a wedge.

And it worked.

Brian’s voice came through, indifferent. “Forget it. If it’s important, she’ll call again.” Since it was just work, he figured Rachel would eventually reach out. “Okay.”

With a bright, sweet smile, Tracy ended the call and handed the phone back to Brian.

Rachel closed her eyes. A quiet, crushing despair filled her chest.

A single tear slipped down her cheek.

She stopped struggling. Maddox wasn’t going to let her go.

“Rachel, go to hell!”

ready

open. She took in the scene, blood still dripping down her face, but there was no time to react to her own pain. “Maddox, don’t be reckless!” she shouted. “We can talk this through. You’re not desperate for money,

a cold, mocking laugh. “Talk? About what? I’m not stupid. The company doesn’t forgive

the fear in her eyes. “But someone else

a flicker of hope in Maddox’s darkened eyes. His rage, though still simmering, settled

coldly, “Go tell him. Five

in a lungful

accept, but listen to me—if you don’t stop now, you’ll only make things worse. Let me

into a corner, especially when it came to business. Even if Maddox got the upper hand today, Brian would crush him

“Shut the fuck up!”

warning, he pulled

Rachel’s throat, its icy edge biting into her skin. His eyes darkened with vicious determination. “Try anything, and I’ll

waste another second. She turned and

on the door—only to come face-to-face with Tracy. Tracy, having already overheard the phone call, knew exactly what

was the perfect chance—how could she

work, with no way to

was no way she was

White in? I need

Tracy

matter of life and death.” Samira wasn’t easily deceived. As she spoke, she subtly craned her neck, trying to get a

serious? How dare

you—he’s not here. Can’t

dripped with irritation,

now, saving Rachel was the only thing that mattered. And judging

That was rude of me. I’ll take my leave.” Her voice

her

next second, Samira lunged forward, shoving Tracy aside and dashing toward the office. “Mr. White!

Samira, yanking her toward

fought back, her voice ringing through the hallway. “Ms. Marsh is being held at knifepoint! Please, you have

about to be thrown out, Brian ended the teleconference. The inner door swung open, and

through the tension.

knife to her throat,” Samira stammered, her breath unsteady. “He said…

“Take me there. Now.”

too.” Tracy stepped forward, determined to

about to enter

do? Maddox said he’d only wait

him try,” Brian growled, his fists clenching

emergency lighting, Tracy’s lips curved into the

turned to Brian, her

don’t lose your head. Rachel’s still in his hands.

hesitate. “We’re taking

took the lead, his strides purposeful and

down the stairs, Samira quickly filled him