Chapter 409

Tiffanie had her reasons for being so wary of Alivia, especially since she’d seen firsthand how Alivia tormented any woman who showed interest in Max.

Alivia was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and her path as the darling of high society was set from the moment she drew her first breath. She was nothing like Tessa. The Rowland family hadn’t given Tessa much attention until recently, so she cherished her newfound influence all the more.

As for Alivia, she believed the world revolved around her, and Max was tailor–made to fit into her orbit.

Still, her brand of arrogance was unlike most; at least to elders and peers, she lived up to the label “exceptional.”

Had Tiffanie not witnessed Alivia, in a fit of spite, crush the hand of a young, promising pianist with her stiletto heel, she might have been fooled into thinking Alivia was mild–mannered.

The pianist was touted as the next big thing, a veritable prodigy, but after that incident, her career was over, and she disappeared from the public eye. Everyone whispered about an accident, but Tiffanie knew it was sabotage.

Alivia was cold–hearted and a master of disguise, and Brielle was no match for her.

Despite Tiffanie’s warnings, it was too late. Alivia had already removed her rosary, a clear sign. she knew about the missing one from Max’s wrist. It was evident she’d come back to square things up with Brielle.

“Tiffanie, thank you,” Brielle said, her voice tinged with gratitude.

The corners of Tiffanie’s mouth turned up in a small smile. “Don’t mention it. Just remember, I’ve always got your back.”

Brielle’s thoughts drifted to Mason, and she couldn’t help but probe. “How are things between you and Mason?”

There was a brief silence before Tiffanie let out a forced laugh. “You don’t seriously think we’re an item, do you?”

Brielle frowned, puzzled by her response. Weren’t they together?

“I admit, I’m drawn to his looks, but the idea of being tied down to one guy for life? Please, I’ll probably move on once the thrill fades. Dustin’s a catch, though I bet he’s out of my league.”

Whether Tiffanie spoke the truth or jest, Brielle couldn’t tell Tiffanie was never one to hide her affections; her crushes were as blatant as billboards. Now she spoke of non–commitment. leaving Brielle at a loss for words.

Tiffanie could sense Brielle’s confusion and sighed. “I tried, you know. But I can’t do monogamy. I can’t learn to love in the way most people do. I need something more… universal. Not the ‘you’re the only one for me‘ kind of love.”

1257 Universal love meant the ability to care for someone while equally capable of caring for others, just with a bit more passion for one person. But love, unlike friendship or family affection, was exclusive.

Brielle couldn’t blame her. In their circle, who had truly experienced love? None of them. The capacity to love was either innate or forever out of reach.

Tiffanie was genuine, but her genuineness didn’t equate to faithfulness. In fact, it could be profoundly hurtful.

Her relationship with Mason was a “fauxmance.” filled with activities befitting a couple–dining out, watching movies–yet emotionally hollow from Tiffanie’s perspective. Her desire for a relationship was a yearning for intimacy, but her verbal denials signaled a deep–seated fear of 1. it.

So, when she claimed they weren’t dating, she found a balance between longing and trepidation.

But this was not love; it was an imitation of it–a superficial intimacy crafted by Tiffanie to stave off loneliness and shield herself from potential heartache.

Realizing this, Brielle felt a wave of sadness and sympathy wash over her. After hanging up. she sat lost in thought until it was time to leave work. As she was about to head home, a text from Max buzzed on her phone. [My mother is returning stateside soon. I have to handle her discharge paperwork. Take care of yourself.]

Brielle’s heart warmed as she replied with a simple acknowledgment. She thought that’d be the end of their exchange for now, but as she reached her car, another text from Max came in. [Keep your distance from Dustin.]

A chuckle escaped her lips. She was curious about what Dustin had said to Max to provoke such caution. [Understood.] She sent her reply and approached the Dorsey Tower entrance.

“Crash!”

A potted plant, half a meter tall, shattered behind her, scattering soil and shards across the pavement.

Had she been a moment slower, it would have concussed her.

Her expression turned icy as she noticed William exiting the building, flanked by executives. He greeted her with his usual warmth. “Seems like we’ve got a mighty wind here in Beaconsfield this month, Ms. Haywood. Are you alright?”

“Is it the wind of Beaconsfield that’s strong, or is it your ambitions, Mr. William?”

Brielle met his gaze with a defiant smile, unflinching in the face of danger.