Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 532:

Seeing her defend Brian without hesitation—and noticing the fresh injury on her forehead—Hector couldn’t bring himself to reprimand him any longer.

“Take her upstairs and get that wound looked at,” he finally relented, his tone softening.

Without a word, Brian extended his hand, gently guiding Rachel toward the stairs.

The moment they entered the room, she shoved his hand away. “Why did you protect me?” Brian stepped toward her with an intensity that made her chest tighten.

She averted her gaze, feigning indifference. “I told you I’d cover for you in front of Hector and Carol, didn’t I? I gave my word, and I kept it. Simple as that.”

Her head lifted, her eyes sharp and unwavering. “I didn’t take that hit for nothing. There’s a price.”

Brian’s brow arched, his interest piqued. “Oh? Name it.”

Without missing a beat, Rachel gripped his tie, her tone cool and businesslike.

saved Tracy’s too. Considering the weight of that favor, it’s only fair I get compensated. Given your status, I’d say

scoffed, utterly incredulous. “Seriously? You took that blow… for a hundred

him a faint, almost mocking smile. “Of course. What did

expression cold and unreadable as he fixed his eyes

spoke calmly. “Once Hector and Carol head to their room to

a hurry to

???

reason to linger where I don’t belong.” Rachel wasn’t

had learned to

her forehead, concern flickering in his gaze. “How’s the wound?” he

fine. The swelling will fade in a couple

even the smallest cut would have her running

flinched, and

instinctively.

rejection firm. “That

hands found her waist, his voice unyielding.