Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 577:

Rachel was momentarily stunned, her breath catching as Andres steadied her. For him, the brief moment felt like a rare treasure, his hand lingering gently on her waist. Tracy observed the scene with a quiet intensity; her expression was unreadable, but her eyes were sharp.

The stillness was broken by Brian’s cold, cutting voice. “This isn’t the place for romantic displays. If my terms are too harsh, Rachel, you’re welcome to leave.”

Embarrassed, Rachel turned to Andres, her voice soft but sincere. “I’m sorry for involving you,” she murmured before quickly stepping away to fetch the water.

Discovering the kettle empty, Rachel decided to bring room-temperature water instead, thinking it might be safer after Brian’s earlier choking incident. But as she handed him the glass, his piercing gaze met hers, his tone sharp and unyielding.

“Rachel,” Brian said firmly, “I was clear. I asked for hot water.”

Rachel replied without hesitation, taking the glass back with

moments later, carefully carrying a steaming glass of hot water, and handed it to Brian,

from the glass, only to slam it down moments later, his voice cutting through the air.

to!” Rachel quickly apologized, her face flushing with embarrassment. “Let me

the water, lowering its temperature before handing it back to Brian, her hands trembling

thrill

hot enough,” he said,

wasn’t the temperature of the water; it never was. This was his way of testing her patience, of making her jump through hoops. And she was running out of strength to keep

had been nothing but calculating, a man who always saw everything through the lens of profit and loss. He didn’t act without a reason and certainly never out of kindness. She had underestimated him, thinking she could make him

me to do?” she asked, the words coming out quieter than she

could answer, Andres stepped forward, his presence a protective shield. He gently took Rachel’s hand, pulling her behind him with an air of quiet authority.