Chapter 525

Brielle could feel the buzz of Beaconsfield’s social circles reverberating through the air, as Max’s words and the rampant online chatter painted a clear picture of the town’s current preoccupation. Michael was probably on tenterhooks by now.

With a nod and a pat on the seat beside him, Max signaled for Brielle to sit down. “So, you want me to head over to the Dorseys?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Alright, I’ll go. Is there anything I need to prepare?” Her agreement was swift and fearless, a portrait of courage.

Max chuckled, “No prep needed; just leave it all to me.”

Michael, a titan in the business world, had been quiet since that tumultuous night at the hotel. Now, with him calling, it was anyone’s guess what he had up his sleeve.

Brielle, the junior in the game, had once kept up with Michael’s business ventures. His ruthlessness and cold–blooded strategies were on par with Max’s, but even she had to admit that Max’s vision and reach were broader and higher. That was why he had the audacity to make a name for himself on Wall Street at such a young age.

Brielle was done hiding in his shadow, done letting him shield her from the storm and, at the same time, smother her from the sunlight. She had to face the music herself.

The Dorsey International website was in a frenzy, bombarded with inquiries like never before. All because of the CEO’s personal affairs, it had seen millions of hits in a single day. Everyone wanted to know who the shameless mistress was.

Meanwhile, Tessa was still in the hospital, taking perverse pleasure in the unfolding news. The humiliation from the previous night was so intense that the mere mention of Brielle caused her physical pain.

She was blissfully unaware of the karma swiftly making its way back to her. The larger the stir she caused now, the more exposed she would be later on.

Just the thought of Brielle soon facing a public siege sent shivers of excitement through Tessa. She dialed Alivia, who always had a game plan, possibly knowing exactly how to double down on Brielle’s misery.

Alivia picked up quickly, her voice dripping with feigned concern. “God, I never thought Brielle had it in her. How are you holding up?”

“Much better, Alivia. You’ve seen the news, right? Should I ieak Brielle’s name now? Let everyone go after her?”

A sly grin crossed Alivia’s face. She would let the two of them duke it out while she reaped the benefits.

15:27 “Yes, and you should target not just Brielle, but also Aubree. Hit them both. That’s how you really twist the knife. With your status, taking down an unwanted Clements foster child should be a breeze, right?”

Tessa straightened up, her pride swelling. “Of course. The Clements are all hoping I tie the knot with Andrew soon. And I’ve subtly hinted at Aubree’s little seduction game with her brother. They’re already guarding against her, not even letting her through their doors. You know how much Andrew’s mother adores me. Aubree’s just an outcast now. She probably doesn’t even know where she’ll spend the holidays, just like her friend Brielle–both of them are orphaned strays!”

Tessa felt she had to make up for the previous night’s disgrace by stomping on Brielle at any opportunity.

It was like treading water. Push it down, and you rise. In any social hierarchy, those lacking confidence often asserted their status by oppressing those they deemed inferior. Unwilling to admit her insecurities, Tessa was determined to crush Brielle underfoot, to erase the shame of last night’s debacle.

“Then go on, attack Brielle while you’re at it, and take Aubree down too. It should be easy for you.”

A triumphant gleam flickered in Tessa’s eyes, her chest boiling with anticipation. “Will do.”

The door to her room swung open as soon as the call ended. It was Andrew, bringing her lunch. in a familiar lunch box–wasn’t that the one Aubree bought for Andrew? Her lips curled into a smile, and she couldn’t resist teasing, “You bought this lunch box yourself?”

“No, Aubree got it. She made this, too. I liked the look of it, so I brought it over for you to enjoy.” Such a brazen act was classic Andrew.

Tessa, barely able to contain her glee, urged him, “Open it. Let me see.

Andrew sat down and lifted the lid. Aubree’s cooking skills were admittedly impressive.

After snapping a few photos, Tessa ate her meal without further ado. “Aubree’s cooking is way better than our family chef’s. Maybe she can cook for me every day while I’m recovering. Someone’s got to take care of me, and I’m sick of the Rowland family’s chef’s dishes.”

If she was going to trample Aubree, she might as well use Andrew to do it, to ensure that Aubree couldn’t rise again. She would leave her and that wretch Brielle out in the cold together. Andrew hesitated only for a moment before nodding. “I’ll ask her.”