Chapter 319

Brielle’s steps halted and she was utterly confused by what Patrick was trying to say. Her brows knitted together in a frown.

Patrick made a welcoming gesture with his hand. Having received so much help from Patrick. Brielle felt she couldn’t put him in a tight spot and reluctantly nodded.

Entering Max’s office, she saw him seated behind his desk, leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed as if asleep. His scent was always subtle, yet Brielle couldn’t help but recall the steamy nights they’d spent tangled in the sheets. Only then did his gaze burn hot, as if searing. into her soul.

“Mr. Dorsey.” She called out, noting Max slowly open his eyes.

A flicker of puzzlement, then a spark of recognition crossed his face at the sight of her.

“What did you need to see me about, Mr. Dorsey?”

Max hadn’t summoned her, but he guessed Patrick might’ve been overstepping.

As they exchanged glances, Brielle pieced it together, feeling a wash of embarrassment. “If there’s nothing else, then I’ll just-”

Before she could finish. Max cut in, “I have a business trip tomorrow. I’m heading to Oakwood Town.”

Brielle froze, unsure why her boss would need to inform her of his travel plans. After a brief silence, she managed to say, “Oh, well, safe travels, Mr. Dorsey?”

Realizing her response, she added, “But, a trip like that surely doesn’t require you to personally grace the place, does it? Even if it’s to scout for materials or to oversee a new construction, that’s usually a task for the business department to liaise with the local government.”

“Hmm, I’ve heard the Radiant Light Church there is quite famous.”

So, he was going to visit a church? For what?

It probably had nothing to do with her anyway.

Her eyes dropped, and she was about to excuse herself when he suddenly asked. “Would your like to join me?” After beating around the bush, he finally laid out the invitation.

The office fell silent as Brielle pondered whether this trip was a ruse or a genuine offer. potentially her last chance to spend time with Max.

She smiled as she looked up with composed grace. “Sure, I’ll go home and start packing.”

Max grunted in approval; his satisfaction was apparent as he probably deduced that she would no longer be dining with Noah at some couples‘ restaurant.

Once outside Max’s office, Brielle felt like she was floating on air. What was Max’s angle?

Stepping into the elevator, she couldn’t resist touching her cheek, feeling its warmth. This was the first time he’d proposed they go on a trip together, a rare opportunity. She might as well treat it as a fitting end to their relationship rather than a farcical conclusion.

She caught a glimpse of her hopeful reflection in the elevator mirror, and felt a pang of self–reproach.

Was the fledgling hope she’d just snuffed out beginning to stir again?

Back at her apartment, she eagerly began to pack, but paused when she spotted the vial. The last time, Ryan had threatened her into poisoning Max, using Mark as leverage. Now that Mark was safe, Ryan’s plans had stalled.

But if Ryan could threaten her once, he could do it again.

She frowned, feeling it was best out of sight, and tucked it into the back of a drawer.

After finishing packing, she received a call from Aubree. Aubree sounded thrilled, “Bri, it’s your birthday tomorrow! Got any wishes? I just scored big from Andrew, and how about I buy you a villa? Forget working at Dorsey International. We don’t need that grief. Trust me, once I hit it big, you’ll have half of everything I own–except men, of course. But if you want a man, that’s negotiable; I just worry you might turn your nose up at Andrew.”

Brielle smiled, knowing Aubree must have indeed struck gold. With the Clements family’s vast empire and their status as the country’s leading diamond merchants, money was no object.

Only then did Brielle remember that tomorrow was her birthday. Was she gonna spending her birthday with Max at a church?

Her smile grew as her tone softened. “Actually, I’m going to the Radiant Light Church with Max tomorrow.”