Chapter 255

Patrick thought he was hearing things. Just a minute ago, Max had been as nonchalant as ever. “I saw Ms. Brielle with red–rimmed eyes running out. She must have been crying.”

Max’s fingers froze around the spoon, his heart feeling like it had been pricked with a needle. He stared at the bowl of soup in front of him, wondering if Brielle had slipped something into it.

Had Ryan instructed her to do so, and she complied, all for Spencer’s sake? Would she do anything for Spencer? The realization made him distinctly uncomfortable, and his stomach clenched in response..

Catching the shift in Max’s expression, Patrick quietly excused himself and stepped out. After a moment’s hesitation, he dialed Brielle’s number.

Brielle hadn’t even gotten into her car yet; she was sitting on a bench just outside the hospital entrance.

The ring of the phone elicited no immediate reaction from her. She just gazed blankly ahead.

She should’ve left immediately, but her mind was in turmoil, and she needed a moment to calm her thoughts.

The phone kept ringing, as if it wouldn’t stop until she answered. Her body moved slowly, like a piece of rusted machinery, as she pulled out her phone and saw Patrick’s name on the screen.

Was he calling to tell her to hand in her resignation at Dorsey International?

Brielle bit her lip and, with resignation, hung up the call. If Max wanted her out of Dorsey International, what would she do?

She had anticipated that their ambiguous relationship would end eventually, but not this soon. A bitter taste filled her mouth as she leaned back on the bench, her eyes half–closed. She couldn’t afford to stop now; stopping would mean dwelling on the complexities of her relationship with Max. She needed to do something to occupy herself.

Brielle took out her other phone, the one she always carried, and sent a message to Ryan. [Spencer’s life for the life of Mark. Fair trade, right?]

Ryan had already reported Spencer missing and had his own people searching alongside the police.

The message furrowed his brow, and he sent a quick reply. [Brielle?] Who else would care about that old man’s well–being enough to kidnap Spencer?

Brielle knew it was only a matter of time before she was exposed, but as long as she didn’t confess, Ryan had no proof it was her doing.

A venomous look crossed Ryan’s eyes. Brielle used Spencer to threaten him. He took a deep breath and ordered his bodyguard, “Bring her in, and check her recent whereabouts. We need to find Spencer quickly.”

The bodyguard nodded and hurriedly got into the car..

Meanwhile, the news of Spencer’s disappearance had spread throughout the Dorsey family.

“Sir, many from the Dorsey family are out looking for Spencer. He’s been reported missing.”

Max frowned, his confusion apparent as he asked, “What?”

Unable to contain himself, Patrick repeated, “Spencer’s missing. He’s been kidnapped.”

Max’s mind sparked like a short–circuit, and he immediately called the hotel manager. The last time Brielle had stayed at that hotel, Max had made it clear to the staff that if Brielle was there. they were to delete all surveillance involving her. It was a form of protection for her, and he didn’t need to be consulted about it.

Now, considering Spencer’s disappearance, he couldn’t help but suspect Brielle’s involvement.

The hotel manager had been waiting for his call and answered promptly. “Sir, Ms. Brielle checked in last night with a man, but this morning she only ordered breakfast for one. The hallway cameras show they haven’t left, and there’s been another woman keeping watch next door. I’ve deleted all footage of Ms. Brielle’s stay, as per your instructions to protect her.”

Max rubbed his temple and gave his instructions, “Has Brielle returned?”

“Ms. Brielle went out this morning and hasn’t come back yet.”

“Check the room and report back to me with any updates.”