Chapter 175

Inside the police station, Brielle was diligently answering an officer’s questions.

She had handed over Sophia’s photo to the authorities, hoping they could glean some clues about her whereabouts from the background scenery.

The police quickly got in touch with the Rowland family and forwarded them the photograph.

Since it was Brielle’s lead, she wasn’t excluded from the conversation with the Rowland family.

The one who answered the phone was Tessa. Upon hearing it was Brielle’s photo, her first response was, “Why haven’t you arrested Brielle?”

The officer, caught off guard, glanced reflexively at Brielle and replied somewhat defensively. “Ms.

Tessa, you might have misunderstood. It was Miss Brielle who provided the photo, and she is the kidnapper’s next target.”

“Officer, you say Brielle is the next target, but what connection does she have with my cousin? If the kidnapper’s motive is to abduct wealthy young ladies, then Brielle certainly wouldn’t be on their list.

Besides, everyone knows there’s bad blood between Sophia and Brielle, and it was at last night’s banquet that Sophia disappeared. Everyone is fully aware of how Brielle strutted around at the banquet.”

Tessa’s tone was full of conviction, “Brielle is the most likely suspect for Sophia’s abduction. If you don’t arrest her, I’ll take this to court and have a subpoena delivered to her doorstep.”

The officer was at a loss for words, unprepared for such a blunt accusation from the Rowland family.

Brielle took the phone from the officer, “Ms. Tessa, if the subpoena reaches me, I’ll surely sign my name neatly. I hope you keep your word.”

Tessa hadn’t expected Brielle to be there, let alone overhear her.

Feeling a touch of embarrassment, Tessa’s voice chilled, “Do you know who you’re speaking to?”

In the social circles of Beaconsfield, Tessa held considerable sway, which was why Tiffanie had advised Brielle not to cross her.

Tessa had a loyal hound in Andrew, ready to clear any obstacle at her whim.

Except for a few teenage years when health issues almost relegated her to the countryside. Tessa had always been at the center of social circles, never before subjected to such mockery. Stunned by Brielle’s retort, Tessa was momentarily speechless. By the time she composed a reply, the line had gone dead.

It was like punching into a cushion–frustrating and unsatisfying.

14:10 Coughing in irritation and clenching her teeth, Tessa glared at her phone.

Sophia was right; Brielle was indeed infuriating.

After hanging up, Brielle looked up at the officer, “Sorry about that, the call dropped. I’ve finished giving my statement. Can I go home now? The police will be keeping watch around my apartment, right?”

The officer nodded, “Don’t worry, our colleagues will be on the lookout for any suspicious individuals near your residence.”

Brielle sighed in relief, then remembered she should probably call Dorsey International to inform them.

Instead of being on a business trip, she found herself at the police station.

Until the kidnapping issue was resolved, her personal safety couldn’t be guaranteed. For now, she had to set aside the matter of the business trip.

She decided to text Max, briefly explaining that an urgent matter had come up and her trip would be postponed.

There was no immediate reply from Max, but Brielle didn’t linger on it.

On the ride back to her apartment in the police car, her phone pinged with a news alert about Max.

-The Dorsey family in talks with the Barnes family over a significant matter? Speculations. arise about a potential marriage.

The headline was clear–cut, accompanied by photos of Max’s car at the airport and him. chatting with Jose Barnes.

As the premier family of Beaconsfield, the Dorseys were always under media scrutiny. especially when it came to the prospect of a merger between two wealthy dynasties.

Beneath the article, comments were filled with blessings, sparked by Alivia’s social media post flaunting her rosary and a cryptic poem hinting at affection for someone.

The comments from netizens were all full of blessings.

[How romantic! Is this what romance looks like between big shots?]

[They’ve known each other since childhood, true childhood sweethearts, and both graduated from top universities. They’re a match made by fate.]

[I’m so jealous of Alivia. She can gaze upon Max up close.]