Chapter 239
Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)
Noah was hellâbent on winning Aliviaâs favor, ready to pull out all the stops to complete his mission.
Alivia was the epitome of perfection in his eyesâif only she could reciprocate his feelings.
He hung up the phone, leaped out of bed, and donned a brandânew suit. Clutching a bouquet of roses, he made a beeline for the hospital.
Rumors had been swirling since last night that Brielle had been hospitalized. People claimed to have spotted her in the ward, accompanied by a man.
Noah scoffed at the gossip, thinking that Brielle just couldnât seem to stay away from men.
Arriving at the hospital reception, he stated Brielleâs name with confidence. The receptionist gave him a onceâover, remembering Maxâs explicit instructions not to disclose any information about patient Brielle. She offered a polite smile. âIâm sorry, sir, but thereâs no patient by that name here at the hospital.â
Noah frowned, contemplating the accuracy of his intel. âCould you check again, please?â
The nurse made a show of searching once more, returning with the same result.
Noahâs expression darkened as he stormed out of the lobby, roses in hand, and dialed his crew. âFind out where Brielle is. I need her location.â
Meanwhile, upstairs, Brielle had already awoken, staring blankly out the window. Aubree. carrying a breakfast tray, entered the room and upon seeing the bandages around Brielleâs wrist, quickly shut the door behind her. âI heard you knocked Tessa out with your words, and youâre still alive to tell the tale.
Pretty badass.â
Aubreeâs words were laced with sarcasm, yet her eyes carefully scanned Brielleâs body, relieved to see her condition wasnât too bad. âBri, thereâs news from the Rowland estate this morning. Tessaâs been hospitalized again, and it sounds more serious than last night.â
A wry smile tugged at Brielleâs lips.
Aubree sat down, spooning soup into her mouth. âI bet the Rowlands wonât let this slide. Max. couldâve left the country anytime, but he chose now, of all times, to leave.â
Brielle coughed weakly. âDonât say that. I canât expect his protection forever.â
Aubree paused, stirring the porridge before speaking, âYou donât like Max?â
âItâs not that. Itâs that Iâm afraid to.â
Facing a man like Max, anyone would be moved. That Brielle hadnât fallen for him was probably a feat only she could achieve.
Aubree chuckled bitterly. âBri, you really are different from me. I used to say youâd understand why I endured so much to stay by Andrewâs side once you were in my shoes. Seems like youâll 14:25 never get there. Come on, eat your soup. Letâs forget about men.
Brielle nodded, but before she could finish her meal, the door was kicked open by an enraged Andrew, with a resigned Kenzo trailing behind.
Andrewâs gaze was fiery as it landed on Brielle. He strode forward and seized her wrist.
Brielleâs wrist was still tender, and his grip caused the wound to burst open, blood seeping through the bandage.
âBrielle! Youâre coming with me. You owe Tessa an apology at her hospital room door.â Andrew was never gentle with women, especially one he despised like Brielle.
Kenzo grabbed Andrewâs wrist, frowning in disapproval, âAndrew, calm down.â
âHow can I be calm when Tessa is fighting for her life in the ICU?â
Brielleâs face paled with pain as she was nearly pulled off the bed.
âBang!â
Aubree had seen enough. She dumped the remaining soup over Andrewâs head. Silence fell. Andrew instinctively let go of Brielle, feeling the warmth drip down his scalp.
He turned to Aubree, his voice dark and menacing after a moment. âAre you looking for trouble?
Aubree inhaled deeply, shoving him out. âYouâd better go check on your fiancée. Iâm afraid she might not make it through this one.â
With that, Andrew yanked Aubree out of the room.
Brielle attempted to follow but Kenzo held her down. âLet them be. Theyâre both willing players in this mess. You donât need to get involved.â
âBut Iâm worried-â
âBrielle, you look worse.â Kenzo spoke softly, noticing the bleeding bandage on her wrist. He pressed the call button, signaling for a doctor.
Down the corridor, Andrew pushed Aubree into the restroom, locked the door, and plunged his head under cold water.
Once the soup was washed away, he grabbed Aubree by the wrist, pinning her against the sink.