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.

Get lost in stories on gⱯlnσν𝒆ℓs﹒𝓬𝓸𝓶

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

down her face, but there was no time to react to her own pain. “Maddox,

stupid. The company doesn’t forgive

steady despite the fear in her eyes. “But someone else does. Mr. Brian White has

in Maddox’s darkened eyes. His rage, though still simmering, settled just

him. Five

pulling in a lungful

me—if you don’t stop now, you’ll only make

than being backed into a corner, especially when it came to business. Even if Maddox got the upper hand today, Brian

“Shut the fuck up!”

he pulled out

blade pressed against Rachel’s throat, its icy edge biting into her skin. His eyes darkened with vicious determination. “Try anything,

going now!” Samira didn’t waste another second. She turned and

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

was the perfect chance—how could she let

right here at work, with no way to trace it back to her,

she

in? I

not,” Tracy answered

him—it’s a matter of life and death.” Samira wasn’t easily deceived. As she

serious? How dare you!” she

not here.

with irritation, but

the only thing that mattered. And judging by Tracy’s reaction, Brian was

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

her guard

next second, Samira lunged forward, shoving Tracy aside and dashing toward the office. “Mr. White! I’m Rachel Marsh’s assistant! I must see

Samira, yanking her toward

through the hallway. “Ms. Marsh is being held

thrown out, Brian ended the teleconference. The inner door swung open, and he strode out, his tall frame casting

steel, cut through the tension. “Say that again.

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

“Take me there. Now.”

stepped forward, determined

about to enter the elevator, it

do? Maddox said he’d only wait five

like to see him try,” Brian growled, his fists

dim emergency lighting, Tracy’s lips curved

Brian, her voice gentle, almost

lose your head. Rachel’s still in his hands. If we panic, she’s the

hesitate. “We’re

took the lead, his strides purposeful and

down the stairs, Samira quickly