Chapter 499
He still remembered the jolt of fear that had struck him then, so intense it made him spit blood in a fit of fury. Someone had dared to harm the child she carried within Brielle, the woman he adored and couldn’t bear to see hurt. Max even wanted to make everyone involved pay a steep price, no matter who they were.
But luckily, Brielle wasn’t pregnant.
If Alivia were here, she would be astounded to know that Max had overheard her and Sydney’s conversation that day. He had pretended not to, but every move she had made since then had become a joke to him.
Max frowned slightly, unwilling to dwell on that moment any longer. On one hand, he was shocked by Alivia’s true nature; on the other, the thought of Brielle being pregnant had shaken him to the core. And he had been kept in the dark, clueless.
Overwhelmed by anger, he could feel the taste of iron rising from his chest. Even now, his heart ached as if pricked by needles.
“If we ever have a child, let’s have it. Don’t worry too much,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. He could sweep away all of her worries.
Brielle looked up at him, slowly wrapping her arms around his waist. “Okay.”
Max breathed a sigh of relief, saw her expression soften, and his lips curved into a smile.
*Kenzo invited me to a welcome–home party for Jaired tomorrow night. Would you come with me?” he asked.
Brielle did want to go. At this point, if he suggested they elope, she’d nod without hesitation. But they had just humiliated the Barnes family the night before, and Kenzo had been there. Could he really let it slide?
“About Kenzo…”
*Kenzo invited us, which means he’s come around. Besides, the guest of honor is Jaired. Kenzo is just organizing it, and Jaired is a Riddle. The Riddles have always held office. I’ve known Jaired since we were kids. It’s rare for him to be back in town.”
Relieved, Brielle relaxed. They had been on edge these past few days, and a chance to unwind was welcome. The child matter turned out to be a misunderstanding, and Brielle felt a sense of relief.
Max kissed her on the lips and said, “I’ll let Kenzo know that you’ll attend in my girlfriend’s name.”
Previously, Kenzo had gone to great lengths to screen people, looking for individuals who were tight–lipped. But this time, there was no need for that. Even if others wanted to report or complain, what difference would it make?
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Chapter 499
The biggest bombshell had already been dropped. As long as they didn’t have a child, Michael could only choose to turn a blind eye before that happened.
Max’s words echoed in Brielle’s mind, more enchanting than any sweet nothings in the world.
In society, the criteria for selecting a partner have always revolved around three dimensions: physical attractiveness, personality, and control over social resources. It is often said that individuals who score high in all three aspects are scarce commodities at any given time. But someone like Max, who not only maxed out each aspect but even exceeded them, what kind of existence was he? Just the thought of having such a person as her boyfriend made Brielle’s smile almost uncontrollable.
As they settled into the car, Max glanced outside. “Alivia, she-”
Before he could finish, Brielle’s phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. She braced herself, expecting it might be Michael. But when she answered, Alivia’s voice came through.
“Brielle.”
Gone was the mockery from the night before. Now, Alivia sounded perfectly composed. I’ve arranged for afternoon tea with some ladies from our circle. Would you care to join us?”
Brielle frowned, almost suspecting she was hearing things.
What was Alivia up to? Unclear of her intentions, Brielle held her ground.
Meanwhile, Alivia sat amidst the Beaconsfield socialites, each one keen to see Alivia’s downfall after the previous night’s events. But to their bewilderment, Alivia had just invited the other protagonist of the incident, Brielle, to tea. They had expected to see a disheveled Alivia, yet she looked poised and as regal as ever. She greeted them with her usual gentle demeanor.
The ladies didn’t dare provoke her. Regardless of the rumors, Alivia’s position as the youngest head of the research institute meant that those who wanted to curry favor with her could fill Beaconsfield several times over.
They sat in silence, exchanging glances, curious about what would unfold between Alivia and Brielle.
