Chapter 134
Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)
Lillian felt like she was on the brink of a breakdown, both emotionally and physically. She had fought tooth and nail for everything she had, only to see it crumble to pieces.
If it wasnât for Brielle⦠If it wasnât for that bitch!.
Her eyes were bloodshot, her nails digging into her palms so hard they drew blood. She wished she could just take Brielle down with her, right then and there.
Her breath was hot and heavy; her forehead had even left a bloody mark on the hardwood floor. But she couldnât stop. She was terrified of being cast aside.
She was used to the high life, had had her fill of scraping by, and if the Haywoods cut her off. sheâd be worse off than a beggar on the streets.
She had to hold on tight.
In this moment, Lillian realized the stark difference between herself and Brielle, much as she hated to admit it. Brielle had been tossed aside by the Haywoods early on, yet she was thriving at Dorsey International. Without the Haywoodâs backing, Brielle still managed to shine, drawing a hefty salary, living the life of a polished corporate queen.
Realizing this only deepened Lillianâs resentment. Why did Brielle get all the breaks? While she. Lillian, was left to live like a worm in the dark, desperately hoping someone would spare her a glance.
The overhead lights seemed to grow brighter, casting an unreal glow that seemed to trap her in place.
She awaited the Haywoodsâ verdict. Like a condemned prisoner, clinging to a sliver of hope for survival.
If only she were queen of the hill, with everyone else under her heel. Her eyes were rimmed with red as she thought this.
The tension in the room was palpable, silence heavy.
The phone rang at this moment, and she almost anxiously looked up at Miranda and Robert. As expected, a hint of dissatisfaction appeared on both of their faces:
Like a frightened animal, Lillian scrambled to silence her stillâringing phone. Why would the director call her now? Of course, he must be looking for Brielle, she thought bitterly. He always favored her. She felt sick to her stomach.
âRobert, I know things have come to a head and thereâs no easy way out. I just canât bear to lose you all.â
She was gambling, playing her last card, but before Robert could respond, the doorbell rang.
Who would visit the Haywoods at such a time?
Bewilderment crossed everyoneâs faces until they saw Faith come in. Faith was livid, instantly aware of the charged atmosphere as she entered. âWell, isnât this a merry gathering?â
Miranda and Robertâs faces fell, but given Faithâs status, they had no choice but to receive her with strained politeness.
Faith moved to the side as if she were in her own home. âAbout that annulment I mentioned last time, what have you decided? Youâve seen the video. I canât accept a daughterâinâlaw like Brielle.â One more scandal like that and her son might never recover.
Miranda and Robert were also critical of Brielleâs role in leaking the video. After all, airing dirty laundry was bad form, and now the scandal was the talk of Beaconsfield, leaving everyone embarrassed. But to call off the engagement would complicate business between the Haywoods and the Dorseys.
âMs. Faith, this incident was certainly Brielleâs fault, and Iâll have does that sound?â
her apologize to you. How Apologize? A sneer appeared on Faithâs face. Could an apology restore her sonâs reputation?
âHer apology is worthless. My son has become the laughingstock of the town, and whoâs to blame for that? And Lillian, sheâs one of yours too.â
Just moments ago, Miranda and Robert had been acting superior, but in front of Faith, they were like schoolchildren caught misbehaving.
Faith didnât truly dislike Lillian, but someone had to take the fall. If Lillian had the sense to admit that she was the one who seduced Spencer, that it was a moment of weakness for him, then the public outrage might shift to her. Spencer could then wash his hands clean of this mess.
But clearly, Lillian wasnât ready to make that sacrifice.
Faith sneered, looking at the three before her, âSpencer and Brielleâs engagement must be broken. And his new fiancée will not be Lillian. I wonât let a homewrecker into my family.â
Hearing this, Lillianâs face went ashen. Faith used to show her some favor, but these words were a clear sign she was being abandoned.
Her hands trembled by her sides. If Robert turned her away and Faith insisted Spencer to cut ties, sheâd have no one to turn to.
Could she lean on Cameron? After that video went viral, Cameron hadnât even bothered to call her.