Chapter 335

“That was a bit reckless,” she mused aloud.

After freshening up, she deliberately pulled her collar higher and opened the door, finding Wesley still waiting outside.

“Ms. Brielle, why don’t you head down for some hot soup to chase away the chill? Mr. Dorsey instructed me, before he left, not to let you step out of Premier Palace. Mr. Kenzo is still recuperating in town, and if the Barnes clan traces his last known whereabouts to you, I reckon they might drag you into this mess.”

A bitter taste spread in Brielle’s mouth; Kenzo had met with disaster because of her. She glanced at her frail form and wondered if she could withstand the wrath of the Barnes family should they decide to come after her for this incident.

As she sipped her soup, her mind was racing. Twice now, she’d been targeted, yet the assailant left no clues. Who could it be? With her status, how could she have attracted such a vendetta?

She almost immediately concluded that it was her connection with Max that had brought this peril upon her.

Beaconsfield seemed like a gaping maw, ready to swallow her whole, an insignificant player in its grand scheme. She didn’t want to sit around like a sitting duck, always waiting for Max to return. Besides, Max had never made any promises about choosing her.

If she truly cared for Max, she was willing to sprint towards his world, to bridge the gap between them at all costs, but the one thing she couldn’t do was muster the strength to make a move if he didn’t care for her in return.

So long as he harbored some affection for her…

She needed a game plan.

After finishing her soup, she called up Tiffanie. Tiffanie was out in the boondocks, a place an unbridled heiress like her had never experienced before.

Tiffanie’s eyes lit up when she saw Brielle’s call, and she hit the answer button with enthusiasm.

“Brielle, what’s up? Got another thrilling task for me?”

Brielle couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s excitement but quickly regained composure. “Is Mason gone?”

“Mason, huh.” Tiffanie glanced at the man mingling with a group of kids nearby, her heart softening just a touch. “Nope, we’re down in a rural part of Beaconsfield. Let me tell you, this place is dirt–poor. Cars can’t even get through. Mason wanted to hike it, but I just called in a chopper. And would you believe it, he didn’t even thank me.”

Tiffanie sounded a bit aggrieved. “It’s not my fault I’m rich. Honestly, I get him here faster, and he distances himself from me.”

After her little rant, she regained her composure. “So, what do you need Mason for?”

“I’m thinking of investing in his company, In my own name.”

A sharp glint passed through Tiffanie’s eyes. “Got it. We’ll head back tonight. Want to meet up?” “Sure, I’ll wait for you guys at Pearl Estate.”

Tiffanie nodded, hung up the call, and looked over at Mason, who was still chatting with the modestly dressed children. Her extravagant appearance, complete with tattoos and bling, probably intimidated the local kids, as none dared to approach her.

She walked over to Mason and tapped his shoulder. “Brielle says she wants to invest in you. Your startup is just getting off the ground, right?”

Mason brushed off her hand. “Brielle?”

He stood up, his impression of Brielle bringing a sparkle to his eyes. “Investing in her personal capacity, huh.”

Tiffanie’s mood soured at once. “I offered to invest before, and you flat–out refused. Now Brielle wants in, and you’re all starry–eyed.”

Mason patted one of the kids on the head and handed over the clothes, toys, and furniture he’d bought to the village chief. “You and her… you’re different.”

Tiffanie crossed her arms. “What’s the difference? We’re both women, with two nostrils and a mouth.”

Mason gave her a look and strode back to his temporary quarters.