Chapter 610

“Brielle, you must be talking in your sleep,” Tessa said with a smug chuckle, “cause while you toss and turn, I’m out like a light. Nighty–night.”

She hung up the phone with a sense of unprecedented satisfaction and a victorious exhale. Brielle had always acted so high and mighty, hadn’t she? Now, here she was, calling in a panic in the dead of night. Tessa’s smile widened at the thought. When the time was right, she’d release that video and watch Brielle’s world crumble.

The decision had come easily to Tessa, especially after noticing Andrew’s distracted air these past few days he had been with her. Women had a sixth sense about these things, and Tessa couldn’t shake the feeling that Andrew’s distraction had something to do with Aubree.

The conversation she’d had with Alivia only cemented her resolve. To break Brielle, Aubree had to be destroyed first. Alivia’s words rang in Tessa’s ears, spurring Tessa on to think of the operatives the Rowland family had trained. They’d make sure Aubree didn’t stand a chance. “Serves her right,” Tessa thought. Those two deserved each other’s misery.

Although Brielle thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep, she surprisingly fell into a deep, restful slumber.

However, she could feel a piercing gaze on her, causing her to frown in her sleep, and eventually, she couldn’t help but open her eyes. There was Max, sitting at the edge of her bed, his eyes bloodshot and dark circles more pronounced than ever.

Brielle’s heart skipped a beat as she sat up quickly, noticing his crumpled suit jacket – such a departure from his usual impeccable self. He always looked sharp, his suits perfectly pressed. Seeing him like this, worn out and disheveled, was entirely new to her.

Max’s bloodshot eyes blinked slowly, as if they were rusty gears that were finally beginning to turn. His whole being seemed to be that of a man who had been through the wringer.

She knew Max had been briefed about the gruesome scene by Patrick, and she wondered what it had been like for him to sit there silently, watching over her. His work was demanding, and the news must have hit him hard.

His voice was hoarse when he finally spoke. “Are you hurt?”

He had rushed back without a moment’s hesitation. Without disturbing her sleep, he just watched her resting face.

He’d seen the photos from the scene, never imagining that Brielle would have to experience such a nightmare. Seeing her safe and sound before him, he blinked away the stinging in his eyes. “Thank god you’re not hurt,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.

Brielle’s heart clenched at the sound.

He leaned his head gently against her shoulder, letting out a sigh of relief. “What do you want to do?”

Brielle tensed. He knew she would take action. No one could expect her to let whoever was behind this get away with it.

“Whatever you decide, I’m with you. I’ve got your back.” Then Max saw her wrist. The wound on her wrist was almost healed, but now it was bleeding profusely again, with even the stitches showing.

He grabbed Brielle’s other hand to check it, and sure enough, there were still traces of blood under her nails.

His eyes immediately reddened. “But don’t hurt yourself.”

He had spotted the wound on her wrist for a while, but had been holding back from asking. He gave her enough freedom to deal with what she wanted to do, but he hoped she would share those things with him.

“I’m here for you.”

Max’s words were the most romantic she’d ever heard. Her heart felt like it had been punched, tender and raw.

Patrick’s knock came from the door, his voice cautious – this clearly wasn’t his first attempt at summoning Max. “Sir, the final board meeting has been going on for thirty minutes. They’re waiting for you to speak.”

The last meeting with their business partners was crucial. If Max kept delaying, the acquisition they’d all but secured could fall through. Patrick was anxious. As much as he worried about Brielle’s condition, his role as Max’s assistant meant he was even more concerned about any potential damage to Max’s career.

Brielle picked up on Patrick’s urgency and nudged Max. “You better get to that meeting. We’ll talk when you’re done.”

“Alright.” Max’s voice was rasper as he nodded slowly. He splashed cold water on his face in the bathroom, donned a fresh suit, gave her a kiss on the forehead, and then strode out the door, ready to face the business world once again.