Chapter 323

*I didn’t know, so I didn’t prepare a gift or anything in advance, but here, this is for you.” He handed her a tiny jewelry box, probably containing a necklace or something similar.

Brielle tried to decline quickly. “No need, really, thank you.”

Kenzo chuckled and placed it in her hands anyway. “I was planning to give it to my sister, but got held up and couldn’t go back. Running into you must be fate, so take it.”

To push further would be impolite, so Brielle accepted it with gratitude. “Thank you.”

Hanging out with Kenzo wasn’t awkward, but Brielle was still curious. What was Kenzo doing here? It seemed too much of a coincidence.

Perhaps her confusion was too apparent, as Kenzo offered a light–hearted smile. “A family member has been feeling under the weather, and a buddy mentioned this place is quite miraculous. Since I happened to be out of town, it was convenient to come by.”

That explained it.

“You’re so thoughtful. I’m sure your family will bounce back in no time.”

As they chatted, they continued walking inside, just as a priest came out to invite them for a meal.

Brielle had just taken a seat at the table when Kenzo’s phone rang. Without stepping away, he answered the call. “Alivia?”

Brielle’s hand paused mid–motion, and then she quickly pretended to be engrossed in her food.

Kenzo laughed softly. “Dining with Max? How is it? I can’t make it back now; I’ll probably return tomorrow. Ran into an old friend and decided to stay another night, yeah.”

Brielle was worried Kenzo might’ve mentioned her by name. It wasn’t guilt she felt but rather a desire not to draw further attention from Alivia. Noah’s reaction the other day had made it clear he was acting under Alivia’s influence. That meant Brielle had already caught Alivia’s eye. And since her involvement with Max had ended, there was no reason for Brielle to remain a target of Alivia’s spite.

Fortunately, Kenzo didn’t bring her up during the call. Brielle let out a sigh of relief and quietly continued with her meal, but she couldn’t help but notice that the rice seemed to have taken on a bitter taste.

From the snippets of Kenzo’s conversation, Brielle deduced that Alivia was with the Dorsey family and that they were likely dining together, which was why Max hadn’t been able to join her at the Radiant Light Church.

“Let’s talk about the engagement when I get back. It all depends on how you and Max feel, Alivia. What’s meant to be will always find a way.”

Kenzo spoke with calm assurance. Even just hearing him talk, made Brielle feel envious of Alivia for having such a brother.

With his distinguished family background, impressive education, and good looks–just as Tiffanie Harkins had said–Alivia truly was a golden girl.

After hanging up. Kenzo noticed Brielle had only nibbled at her food and slid a plate of greens her way.

“If you fancy a burger or steak, there’s a place on the next hill over. The blossoms there last longer than anywhere else. Maybe we’ll see a whole hillside of wildflowers. I plan to snap a few shots. Care to join?”

A photography trip?

Kenzo, being a screenwriter, was always hunting for inspiration. Brielle’s eyes lit up with envy. and all traces of her earlier despondency were gone. “Is it really that beautiful?”

Kenzo feigned contemplation before breaking into a grin. “Well, I find it beautiful. I’ve been there before. It’s not a tourist spot, untouched by developers. The hotel there is owned by a friend. It’s exclusive and doesn’t open to the public.”

“I’d love to go. Thanks.”

Brielle’s spirits lifted, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Kenzo’s gaze flickered, then shifted away. “Finish up, and we’ll head out.”

Brielle nodded, forced a few more bites, and declared she was full.

They took Kenzo’s car, and Brielle had brought the ceramic urn. She volunteered an explanation, “This contains my grandfather’s ashes. I thought, since the place is so beautiful, it’d be nice for him to see it too.”

“You’re thoughtful. Let’s go.”

She got into his car, and they set off toward the other hill.

After a three–hour drive, they arrived just as the evening was setting in, with the moon shining unusually bright over the hills.

The hotel Kenzo mentioned was more like a boutique lodge, beautifully secluded. Yet the owner was nowhere to be found, and the place felt like a hidden paradise, only known to those led there by someone in the know.

“Kenzo, where’s your friend?”

Kenzo glanced around and chuckled ruefully. “Looks like we picked the wrong time. He must be out. No worries, they never lock up here. There’s no one around for miles.”

Brielle couldn’t shake a shiver of fear. What kind of person runs a hotel in such a remote mountain?

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