Chapter 114

Brielle was familiar with the company Book and wasn’t quite sure if Max’s interest was intentional or accidental. After all, Book’s operations were strikingly similar to Alpha’s. Was he considering investing in Book? If that was the case, Alpha was definitely out of the running. Ryan’s little show was over before it even began.

The thought of Ryan’s misfortune brought a wicked smile to Brielle’s face. She spent an evening gathering information on Book, but her schadenfreude was cut short when she saw Alivia’s name among the related personnel. The rumors online seemed to be true–Max was ready to spend a fortune for his lady love. It was probably the first time in Max’s career that his heart weighed in on a business decision.

Brielle felt a brief pang of jealousy, but she shook it off and put together a comprehensive file.

The next morning, after rubbing her tired eyes, she sent the file off. Even after a long nap, there was no response from Max.

Not wanting to wait passively for a message, she decided to keep herself busy. After tidying up her apartment, she glanced at the fridge. It was as empty as a ghost town, which gave her the perfect excuse to head out.

Slipping into her jacket, Brielle was about to leave when she caught a local news update about Sunflower Children’s Home. Her heart skipped a beat, and she rushed out to her car.

The home wasn’t in the heart of Beaconsfield but rather on the outskirts–a two–hour drive away.

She left at seven and arrived by nine. The familiar sight of the long, sycamore–lined street leading to the home, with its warmly lit windows, brought a sense of warmth to her heart.

Parking outside, Brielle noticed several older kids sitting on the steps, wiping away tears. Upon seeing Brielle, they put up a cautious front, arms spread out as if to block the entrance.

“Who are you? What do you want?”

During her first year on the job, she had visited the home. The children had been so welcoming, but now all she saw in their eyes was wariness. She had rushed over without any sweets and had to explain, “I’m looking for the director. What happened here?”

One of the boys, with his rosy cheeks stained by tears, realized Brielle meant no harm and his eyes reddened further. “Some drunk guys showed up and started shoving us around. Thank goodness the director shielded us, otherwise…” His voice trailed off into sobs.

Brielle hurried inside and saw the director, Mark, in his seventies, bandaged arm and all, consoling a crying toddler with an apple.

“Mark!” She called out and quickly strode over.

Mark stood up, and his eyes lit up when he saw her, “Brielle, what brings you here?”

17:18 She felt a lump in her throat, noticing a bunch of roses by the window–a tradition of the director, who loved to grow roses in the plot behind the home, and kept fish in a small pond. This haven of tranquility was her personal utopia.

Even in the toughest of times, when meals were scarce, and despite witnessing many so–called elites with ulterior motives, this place remained a beacon of beauty. That was why Brielle never hesitated to donate her monthly salary, keeping just enough for living expenses. She would even sign a dubious contract with Faith for the sake of this kind man and his children.

“I saw the news and couldn’t rest easy until I checked on you.”

Mark chuckled and gestured to a chair, “It was nothing serious, just a few drunks causing trouble.

They’ve been taken away and won’t come back. Brielle, you’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”

“Lillian was here just a moment ago. You girls, always worrying me. You should’ve called before coming.”

Brielle’s stomach churned at the mention of Lillian’s name. The director thought they were still as close as sisters, speaking with such affection.

“Lillian was so thoughtful, even brought her boyfriend along.”

Brielle glanced at the pile of gifts on the table, undoubtedly from Lillian, who always had impeccable presentation. Compared to Brielle, Lillian indeed seemed more considerate, but Brielle didn’t care, nor did she want to discuss dirty secrets in front of the director.

“Director, it’s not safe for you to be here alone. Maybe I should look into hiring some security guards.”

Just as she finished speaking, the children’s excited voices could be heard from the entrance.

“Lillian, you’re back!”

“Are those guys with you bodyguards?”

Their innocent voices were filled with joy and a touch of coaxing. Then came Lillian’s comforting words, “Yes, after tonight’s scare, I was worried about your safety. So, I arranged for some security guards to come. They’ll protect you if anyone tries to cause trouble again.”

Of course, Lillian had enlisted Spencer’s help for the bodyguards.