Chapter 17

Strangely, a bout of discomfort washed over Brielle’s heart.

Spencer was in a hurry to find Lillian, so after exchanging pleasantries, he and Cameron took their leave. As soon as they left, Andrew lowered his head to light a cigarette.

ins “Speaking of Alivia, you two really are in sync, wearing the same black rosaries for so many years.”

Brielle looked down and stepped back.

Andrew, ever the stirrer, couldn’t resist a jibe, “This little canary, up close she really is a looker. No wonder you haven’t snuffed her out He didn’t miss the marks on Brielle’s neck, clearly the handiwork of Max’s roughhousing.

Brielle managed a smile, quickly composed herself, and with feigned delicacy, she clung to Max’s arm, “Uncle Max, I was so nervous, afraid that my fiancé or my brother would catch wind of our little dalliance.”

Her comment sent a flicker of amusement across Max’s eyes, and made Andrew’s cigarette drop to the floor. Andrew’s face showed rare frustration, his gaze towards Max indescribable. The girl might be pretty, but she was a bit too affected for his taste. He really didn’t get what Max saw in her.

Max leaned in slightly, murmuring, “Your choice of words is impeccable.”

Brielle rolled her eyes inwardly. He really fell for that act. The romantic thoughts climbing in her heart shattered at the mention of Alivia. She adjusted her clothing. “Uncle Max, if you have business to discuss, I’ll get going.”

However, a strong hand reached out, pulling her deeper into the corridor.

Meanwhile, not far off, Cameron stood amidst the crowd, his brow furrowed, feeling that the woman had a resemblance to Brielle. Disdain flashed in his eyes as he dialed her number. He rarely contacted this sister; after all, he had been the sole heir to the Haywood family’s fortune until this interloper came along to share the pie.

Obviously, he wasn’t pleased, but Brielle’s only use was that she brought back Lillian, the woman he adored.

Before the call connected, a frail voice came from behind him. “Cameron…”

His irritation vanished as he put away his phone and turned around, wrapping his arms protectively around her shoulders.

“I told you not to work here, didn’t I? Lillian, why don’t you use the credit card I gave you?”

Lillian’s lips quivered, her eyes reddening, “The Haywood family has been so good to me. How could I spend your money? And… and Bri and I had a falling out.”

“Cameron, I want to pay off my debt to the Haywoods as soon as I can. Spencer got me a membership here, and I only found out it costs a million. I don’t know how to face him now Cameron’s heart softened. He loved Lillian’s straightforward nature, “It’s just a million. Use my card to pay it off. Lillian, I-‘

He cut off as Spencer approached with a few others, and Cameron fell silent.

Cameron had confessed his feelings to Lillian before. She hesitated greatly, eventually saying that if she really got together with him, it would make things awkward with Brielle. Best friends since childhood would suddenly become sisters-in-law. With Brielle’s temperament, it was unlikely she’d accept it. So, Cameron found Brielle even more distasteful, feeling she couldn’t stand to see Lillian happy.

Elsewhere in the Haywood family living room, Miranda sighed as she ordered the room to be cleaned.

Sitting across from her was her husband, Robert. The mention of Lillian brought a pang to her heart.

“That’s the situation. Brielle must have been provoked somewhere to slander Lillian like that. I feel like I don’t even know her anymore.”

Robert held a newspaper in his hands and frowned at his wife’s words. “Hasn’t she always been obedient?”

“Yes, she has won so many awards and graduated from Beaconsfield College. I think maybe she has always looked down on Lillian. Lillian is kind but weak, and has always been a bit slow. We hired so many tutors for her, and in the end, we had to pay into a university. So deep down, she feels inferior.

Imagine how hurt she must b hearing Brielle’s words.”