Chapter 710
When Alivia heard the news, she wasn’t the least bit surprised. Everyone in their circles knew that Andrew had a real thing for Tessa The Clements didn’t need strategic marriages to boost their family’s status anymore
“Congrats, Tessa,” Alivia said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
Tessa’s eyes sparkled with joy. “I hope you and Max can tie the knot soon as well.”
At the mention of Max, a chill ran through Alivia’s heart, and the recent headlines flashed through her mind. She’d pushed Amelia to take Brielle down a peg but never expected Amelia to crash and burn so spectacularly Amelia was now a pawn off the board, having fled the country under the cover of darkness to escape the backlash and try her luck abroad
Alivia gritted her teeth in frustration, unable to fathom how public opinion had turned against them so swiftly when their plan had seemed flawless.
The more Brielle’s influence grew, the more unsettled Alivin felt. Annie’s progress was still too slow for her liking. She had paid a hefty sum fifty million and heard about Max and Brielle’s argument. But as of this morning, they were back on good terms.
How did those two manage such unwavering trust in each other? It made Alivia’s skin crowd with envy. If Michael hadn’t advised her to sit tight and wait for the right moment she would have taken matters into her own hands by now
Though she didn’t fully trust Annie’s capabilities, Annie and Martha were the only chess pieces she had to play. Now that Annie was proving useful, it was time to strategize with Martha.
After hanging up the phone, Alivia tumed to Martha, who was sipping on her meds.
Martha’s health had taken a nosedive in recent days. Despite her tantrums and tactics, Max hadn’t budged an inch. It seemed he was resolute in staying with Brielle
“Martha, you’ve got to stop getting worked up over Max”
Just the sound of Max’s name made Martha’s face flush with anger. She looked as though she wanted to spring out of bed, but a simple movement left her gasping for breath. “Alivia, you’re the only one who gets it. You’ve been here for me all in the last few days”
“It’s the least I can do,” Alivia said sweetly. “Did you hear? Andrew’s getting married. You’ve met him before.”
“That Clements boy, huh? I can’t believe he’s settling down. How wonderful. If only you and Max could get hitched. I could die happy! “Martha, I wish. But Max doesn’t see me that way. All the news lately has been about Brielle. Still, he insists on being with her. I think Max… might never let her go.”
Apart from work, Max rarely showed interest in anything else. His one passion seemed to be Brielle. How could Alivia accept that? She wouldn’t give up on even the slightest chance.
As expected, Martha was livid, her cheeks burning with rage, nearly passing out from the intensity of her emotions
“Martha, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have told you, but I’m just being honest. To split them up, we’ll have to make Brielle back off herself.” “You’re right,” Martha gasped. “I must talk to Brielle!”
Martha clasped Alivia’s hand in her own, her cheeks glowing with maternal affection. “Don’t worry Alivia. Even if it costs me my life. Ill make sure you end up with Max.”
A sly glint passed through Alivia’s eyes. This was perfect
“Okay, Martha. But I think a direct threat to Brielle won’t do much. Do you know about Aubree? The Clements‘ foster daughter? She’s just been through a lot, and Brielle is probably dying to protect her. Unfortunately, Brielle doesn’t have the means to even protect her friend night now. We can use that to our advantage, use her to pressure Brielle.”
Alivia had learned the hard way just how tough Brielle could be. That woman was stubborn to the core, her pride interwoven with her very being. To truly break her, they would have to strike at her Achilles heel, just like she had advised Tessa
Control the weak spot, and you control the battle.
