Chapter 329

Tucked away in the remote countryside, the Radiant Light Church stood in a place where security cameras were considered disrespectful to the deities worshipped within its hallowed walls. The backroads that Max and Patrick had traversed were even less likely to be monitored. Who was Brielle with when she left?

Max whipped out his cellphone and dialed Brielle’s number without hesitation.

No answer.

His expression darkened instantly. “Patrick, get someone on it. Now.”

Patrick nodded, his movements quickening as he began to make arrangements.

Max pondered for a moment before he decided to call Aubree. If Brielle had made plans with someone else to come to the retreat, Aubree would certainly be in the know. But Aubree didn’t pick up her phone either.

A sense of unease gripped Max, stronger than even the night he had found himself amidst the flames of a fire. It was as if a sealed valley had suddenly flung open to let a relentless wind tear through, chilling to the bone.

While waiting for any news, his phone rang urgently. It was Alivia calling. Max didn’t want to answer and contemplated hanging up, but then a text from Alivia came through. Max’s mother had just been rushed into the ER at an overseas hospital.

Max’s pupils contracted sharply, and he called Alivia back immediately.

Alivia was currently at the Barnes family’s estate, and couldn’t help but feel a twisted sense of relief upon receiving the news. Max’s mother’s deteriorating health meant it the time Alivia was needed most. She had been Max’s mother’s most trusted confidante over the years. even more than her own son.

“Max, the attending doctor just called me. Your mother’s mental state isn’t good. If she pulls through this time, they’ll have to increase her medication dosage. But you know the side effects of those drugs.”

Max rubbed his temples wearily. “I’m coming back right away.”

A car would be far too slow. Within an hour, a helicopter dispatched from the nearest base arrived. Max climbed aboard, but not before giving Patrick one last order.

“Stay here and make sure Brielle is safe. I’ve got to go abroad.”

Patrick, recalling that Max hadn’t rested for two nights straight, worried that he might have another spell of discomfort like the last time. “Sir, you must rest when you get there.” Patrick implored.

“Understood.”

Max buckled himself in, paused, and then added, “Call me once you’ve confirmed her safety.” Sleep would elude him every time his mother had a crisis.

As Max’s helicopter lifted off, he looked down to see a car speeding through the mountain. roads, but he didn’t dwell on it, retracting his gaze..

At that same moment, Brielle glanced up and caught the fleeting shadow of the helicopter as it flew overhead. She raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk on her lips. “Who’s flying a chopper out here? Could it be someone scouting for movie locations?”

Kenzo, who was driving, chuckled. “Maybe it’s some rich kid playing around.”

Brielle didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the receding silhouette.

Suddenly, she longed to return to B The retreat offered stunning sunsets and sunrises, but one couldn’t run away forever. She exhaled deeply, and just then, her phone rang. Did she have a signal now?

Surprised, she exchanged a puzzled glance with Kenzo, who, after a few seconds, suggested, “Must be out of the signal–blocking area.”

Brielle quickly checked the caller ID. It was Aubree. “Aubree, what’s up?”

Aubree was frantic, but hearing Brielle’s calm voice helped her relax.

“You have no idea how worried I was. I couldn’t reach you at all. Max called me half an hour ago, but I didn’t pick up.”

She had purposely ignored the call, suspecting Max was inquiring about Brielle. After all, if decisions had been made, there was no need for further dragging of feet.

Brielle fell silent for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Yeah, I know. I’m on my way back now.”

Before she could finish, Kenzo pointed out. “Look at that cliffside.”

Instinctively, Brielle turned to see a pair of cliffs standing in opposition, their towering forms. etched against the sky–a testament to nature’s awe–inspiring craftsmanship.

Aubree perked up at the sound of a male voice in the background. “Who’s with you?”

Brielle hesitated, wary of saying Kenzo’s name. Kenzo and Max moved in the same circles, and with Aubree’s penchant for gossip, there was a chance Andrew would find out, leading to yet another complicated explanation.

“Just a friend,” she said cautiously.

Aubree wasn’t buying it. “Sounds like someone I know. And you won’t say his name because you’re afraid I’ll tell Andrew, right? Is it that man from your college?”

Brielle felt a headache coming on.

“Bri, you’re something else. Alivia snagged the guy you had your eye on; and you just go after 15:09 her brother. Now you outrank her, and I can just imagine her squirming in front of you… must. feel pretty good, huh?”

Brielle could only manage a wry smile when suddenly the car lurched forward–their vehicle had been hit.

After the first impact, a second blow came. It was deliberate!