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!”

grip tightened, ready to

in the scene, blood still dripping down her face, but there was no time to react to her own pain. “Maddox,

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

said quickly, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. “But someone else does. Mr. Brian White

flicker of hope in Maddox’s darkened eyes. His rage,

him. Five

pulling in a lungful of

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

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

“Shut the fuck up!”

pulled out a

His eyes darkened

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

door—only to come face-to-face with Tracy. Tracy,

it was the perfect chance—how could she let it go

were to die right here at work, with no way

was no way she was

White in? I need to see

Tracy answered

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

serious? How dare

already told you—he’s not here.

tone dripped with irritation, but Samira held her

mattered. And judging by Tracy’s reaction, Brian was

me. I’ll take

let her

Tracy aside and dashing toward the office. “Mr. White! I’m Rachel Marsh’s assistant! I must see

yanking her

Marsh is being held at knifepoint! Please, you

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

cold as steel, cut through the tension. “Say that

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

“Take me there. Now.”

too.” Tracy stepped forward, determined

just as they were about to enter

we do? Maddox said he’d only wait five minutes—if you’re

try,” Brian growled,

emergency lighting, Tracy’s lips curved into the faintest

Brian, her voice gentle,

in his hands. If we

hesitate. “We’re taking the

lead, his

down the stairs, Samira quickly