Chapter 584

In the wee hours of the morning, around 3 a.m., the doctor came looking for Max with news that Martha had refused further medication.

Max slowly lifted his head, his tone steady. “Inject her with a sedative.”

The doctor hesitated. “But Ms. Martha is quite resistant. About sedatives, we need her consent.”

“Then slip the medication into her food. Make her sleep through it.”

Reluctantly, the doctor nodded and passed the message to the rest of the staff.

Since Alivia had her people in the sanatorium, she quickly learned of these developments. She hadn’t expected Max to be so forceful, to actually lace his mother’s food with sleeping agents. A flicker of spite crossed her eyes, and her lips curled in a smirk.

“Tomorrow morning, when you’re tending to Martha, let slip this little tidbit. But be discreet. Just pretend you’re chatting and make sure she overhears.”

“Understood, Ms. Alivia. You can count on us to carry out the task.”

After hanging up, Alivia snorted. This way, Max’s trick would be useless. Martha would probably refuse to eat altogether, standing her ground against him.

If Brielle had the nerve to treat her like this, she’d better be prepared for the consequences.

Alivia took a deep breath and sneezed, feeling the indelible humiliation in the bathroom imprinted in her mind..

The next morning, Brielle arrived early at Stellar Stage Entertainment.

↑

No sooner had she settled into her office than Keagan, reveling in schadenfreude, said, “Ms. Haywood, I heard that several executives made a beeline for Dorsey International this morning, probably to tattle.”

Brielle looked up, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.

Keagan raised an eyebrow. Despite his secret mission to monitor Brielle’s every move, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation toward her, wishing for her swift downfall.

Those execs had already made their way to Dorsey International. By now, they were likely standing in the CEO’s office.

His gaze on Brielle was tinged with sympathy. Brielle had someone in her corner at Dorsey International, but those guys went straight to Max, the CEO, which spelled trouble. Everyone knew Max was a hard man; if he got wind of Brielle’s actions, she’d be out on her ear.

As Keagan eyed Brielle, greed flashed in his gaze. Truth be told, he’d been smitten with her looks from the get–go. He’d been around the block in showbiz, but her face was the one that haunted him–the cool elegance of a lily, making one wonder what she’d look like undone.

12:21 If Brielle were to be fired, especially by the CEO of Dorsey International, the fallout would be immense.

Her career prospects would dim, and then, with a little favor from him, perhaps she’d be groveling for mercy under him–what a delightful prospect.

“Ms. Haywood, I reckon you’ll be getting a call from Dorsey International any minute now, inviting you over in person. Of all the people they sent over, you’re the only one they’re hauling up to Dorsey Tower to face the music. Not sure if that’s an honor or a curse.”

He expected his words to unnerve Brielle, but she merely reached for some documents nearby. “After the cuts to the year–end bonus, how much capital can we free up?”

Keagan’s face stiffened, his frustration with her palpable. Just wait, you witch! That call from Dorsey International would come any minute now.

“Thirty million.”

“Good. Reach out to our writers and directors. We’re putting thirty million into production and slotting Ricardo in. The company needs a cash cow, a new A–lister. Ricardo has the looks and the charm.”

Keagan scoffed, sizing up Brielle, wondering if she really thought she could get away with favoring one actor so blatantly. He had thought her above such games, but it seemed she, too, played the sugar–

momma card.

“Ms. Haywood, I fear you’ll be disappointed. The company hasn’t built any real connections over the years, and someone’s been greasing palms–none of those directors will work with us.”

Brielle looked up, her gaze direct. “That is disappointing. Years have gone by, and not a single connection or talent has developed. Lucky for me, I’ve found a promising new face.”

She needed to get Aubree in ASAP. With her looks, she’d be a sensation on exposure. Perhaps she and Ricardo would become Stellar Stage Entertainment’s top billers.

Keagan’s face went from white to red, a spectacle of emotion. Fuming, he turned to leave. As he reached for the door, Brielle’s voice rang out again, “Close the door gently, will you? Or next time, it won’t just be out of the office.”

This implied, of course, that it could mean out of Stellar Stage Entertainment.

Keagan gripped the doorknob tightly. Damn her! Where did this infuriating Brielle spring from?