Chapter 237
Max ignored their clamor and barged through the door.
The bodyguards, knowing a member of the Rowland family was present, stood frozen, not daring to make a move. Max was no fool. One look at the scene before him, and he knew the Rowlands were up to something.
“Scram.”
The bodyguards stumbled and tumbled their way out, nearly tripping over themselves in haste.
Brielle leaned against a chair, sitting on the floor, her wrist wound glaringly exposed amidst the scattered droplets of blood.
Max felt a jolt tighten in his chest, his breath caught as if he’d hit a mental reef. He rushed to her, cradling her face with trembling hands. Her cheeks were smeared with the prints of slaps, swollen, but her eyes shone like marbles dipped in water.
A sharp hiss of pain escaped Brielle as her brows furrowed together. Max quickly eased his grip, scanning her for other injuries.
Words failed him, his throat as if clogged with an invisible force. This panic was more terrifying than anything he had faced in over two decades.
Seeing the gravity on his face, Brielle felt an inexplicable sense of relief. She was glad he had come. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she whispered, “I’m so tired. Let me rest a bit.”
Max’s nose tingled with the onset of emotion as he scooped her into his arms and strode out.
Outside, Austin was still in a verbal tussle with Kenzo. He was shocked to see Max emerge. cradling a woman in his arms, treating her with such delicate care. Everyone in Beaconsfield knew Max steered clear of romantic entanglements, but here he was, holding a woman with
such gentleness.
Kenzo, seeing Max’s protective stance, quickly intervened. “Brielle’s just worn out, Max. Take her away, I’ll follow shortly.”
His words dis some of Austin’s doubts, but Austin was well aware that Brielle held
significant sway with both Kenzo and Max.
As Max carried Brielle away, Kenzo turned to Austin with a smile. “Mr. Austin, let’s keep tonight’s events under wraps to avoid any unnecessary drama, shall we?”
Austin, eager for discretion, nodded in agreement.
Max had arrived swiftly and left just as quickly, leaving Kenzo and Andrew to deal with the aftermath.
Andrew’s mood was sour as he checked on Tessa in her room, finding her still unconscious. His resentment towards Brielle grew, especially knowing his friend sided with her, even at the
cost of their relationship
Frustration bubbled within Andrew as he vented to Kenzo. “He’s thrown all his principles out the window for Sheller
Kenzo rubbed his temples. “Can’t you two sit down and talk this out? The chat’s buzzing with rumors about your fallout.”
“For Tessard do anything. She’s my future wife. But what is Brielle to Max? He’s supposed to mary Alivia, is be really turning his back on me for a fleeting fling?”
Andrea, always dramatic, felt his chest might burst. He scoffed. “He only cares now because be can’t figure out his own feelings. Haven’t you heard? Accessibility is key to addiction. There are more people hooked on cigarettes and alcohol than drugs because they’re easier to get. Brielle is like those–too easily obtained, and men never value what comes without effort.”
It was a flaw in men’s nature.
“Brielle will leam her lesson soon enough.”
Kenzo felt a headache coming on. “This is not the time for that. How do you plan to explain this to the Rowland family?”
The Rowlands were still strategizing outside. How could a pawn like Brielle entangle both Kenco and Max? The Rowland family was baffled, and so was Tessa.
Fuming, she was about to trash her room but held back, knowing Andrew was still around. Tessa turned to Sophia. “Did you get the scoop? Who’s close to Brielle, Max or Kenzo?”
Sochia had no regrets about teaming up with Brielle and naturally sought to cover for her. “I think it’s Kenzo. Remember, I caught them dining together.”
Tessa frowned. Whether Kenzo or Max they should side with Andrew, and by extension, with her. Yet here they were, whisking Brielle away, a clear slight to both of them.
“Scchia, I need to make another trip to the hospital tonight. Get my father here to arrange things. I’ll fight for another hour. I refuse to be bullied without Andrew stepping in.
Sophia’s eyes flashed with scorn, but she knew this was Tessa’s way. “Alright, Tessa, I’ll take
care of it.”
