Chapter 451

Brielle dragged herself to the office that day, mustering just enough energy to feign normalcy.

Losing a child had taken a toll on her spirit. She had barely eaten anything in days. Her appendix scar was healing but still caused her pain with every move. The doctor had. suggested she rest a few more days, yet Brielle insisted on leaving.

Only upon her departure did she realize she had been at a high–end clinic, impressed that Sydney had managed to find such a place.

Without suspicion, she went to her apartment at Pearl Estate, changed into fresh clothes, and headed straight for the office.

For most of these past days, she had been alone. The silence was too much, and her thoughts often drifted to the emptiness where her unborn child had been. Bedridden and in pain from the appendicitis, she’d become numb, as if the baby had never existed. Yet the memory of those two little lines on the test kept reminding her of the life that had been there, a life that vanished before having a chance to see the world.

Brielle yearned for the distraction of a bustling environment, to avoid sinking further into her thoughts.

Brielle entered her office and Sydney followed close behind, while Spencer was left waiting outside.

But Spencer wasn’t upset. On the contrary, he was eager to see what Brielle would do next. After losing a child because of Max’s mother, could she really continue to be with Max with no hard feelings?

It seemed inevitable that they would fall out.

At that moment, Spencer felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction, barely containing the smirk on his face.

Inside the office, Brielle took her seat at her desk.

Sydney couldn’t help but recall her first time with Spencer, right there in that very office. A sneer–of mockery flashed in her eyes as if she had triumphed over Brielle. If Brielle knew, she’d surely be disgusted, right?

Brielle’s expression remained impassive as she looked at Sydney. “Has Spencer done. something inappropriate to you?” She had noticed something off in Sydney’s gaze towards Spencer and wondered if it was just her imagination.

Sydney’s heart skipped a beat, but she was undeniably thrilled. If it weren’t for Spencer’s explicit instructions to keep their affair secret, she might have already shouted it from the rooftops, “Your ex–

fiancé has been addicted to sleeping with me lately.”

But she dared not. She had no power to contend with the Dorsey family.

“No, Ms. Haywood, you’re overthinking.” Sydney replied quickly, handing over some files. “By the way, Ms. Haywood, you’ve been under the weather and probably in a bad mood. Why not go out for a meal, watch a movie, or do some shopping? The other ladies in the department love shopping, but I’ve noticed you don’t go much.”

Brielle had always been preoccupied with work and deeply committed to the company. Was it because of this dedication that the CEO had taken notice of her?

As Brielle pondered Sydney’s words, Sydney scrutinized her calm and delicate face, which seemed aloof when silent.

Sydney internally despised her, thinking it was all about the face. What was so special about that face other than being a bit dolled up? Despite inwardly belittling Brielle, Sydney couldn’t stop observing her.

Brielle showed little interest in movies or shopping, having rarely indulged in such activities. “I’ll keep the files. You may go,” Brielle said coolly, her gaze returning to the pile of documents on her desk.

Sydney had no choice but to leave.

Once alone, Brielle massaged her temples. She hadn’t yet informed Max of her return to work. unsure of how to face him. Max had done nothing wrong from the start. He didn’t even know what she had gone through.

But she couldn’t let go and, therefore, couldn’t face him.

However, she knew she couldn’t avoid it forever. After work, her phone buzzed with a message from him. [Come up.]

The tone seemed somewhat angry.

Brielle hesitated in her office chair, sitting stiffly for half an hour without going upstairs. Her eyes listlessly scanned the messages on her computer screen.

It wasn’t until two hours later, at ten o’clock at night, that her office door swung open, and Max’s tall figure appeared in the doorway.

Brielle’s heart skipped a beat, pretending to keep her eyes glued to the computer as if unaware of his arrival.

Max’s expression was calm, almost serene, as he approached her while she continued to stare at her screen, fingers trembling slightly as she typed.

Standing behind her, he remained silent. The two engaged in a silent battle of wills, each testing the other’s endurance.