Chapter 182

Bewitched by others‘ words, all the disapproval was shifted onto Lillian, Men will be men, and a little indiscretion here and there is nothing unheard of. If the woman made the first move, Spencer would simply be a man who couldn’t resist temptation.

With the Barnes family members around, Michael didn’t lay it out too explicitly, b ut Spencer had a hunch. Michael was hinting that he should cut ties with Lillian.

Without that fiasco at the Haywood family’s soiree, Michael would have turned a blind eye to his actions. However, the scandal at the Haywood banquet was too much, and Lillian’s reputation was now thoroughly tarnished. Being associated with her could significantly impact Spencer’s own standing.

Spencer’s defense of Lillian at the event had already been detrimental to him, tarnishing his reputation to some extent.

If he continued to be obstinate, even becoming the butt of jokes within their circle…

Spencer shuddered, a trace of concealed satisfaction flickering in his eyes.

Was his grandfather suggesting he continue his relationship with Brielle?

Or perhaps there was a condition. Until he found someone new, messing around with Brielle was as good as entangling himself with Lillian once more.

Michael’s words had made his position clear.

Spencer thought of the photos that had spread within their circle and felt that his actions were probably in line with his grandfather’s wishes.

“Grandfather, I understand,” he said.

Michael nodded, pleased. Hearing from a servant that Max had arrived, he rose with a smile.

Max’s face had already adjusted to a neutral expression by the time be entered the room. He exchanged pleasantries with the Dorsey family members, chatted.briefly with Jose, and then sat quietly to the side.

Everyone sensed his sour mood, and apart from a few elders, no one dared to strike up at conversation with him.

At the hospital, Brielle had been staring out the window since Max left. The sky was a dreary shade of gray, offering nothing pleasant to gaze upon.

It was seven in the evening after her IV had finished. She chose not to stay overnight at the hospital but instead went to check on Mark in another ward.

Ever since the last episode that landed him in the hospital, Mark’s health had been failing.

necessitating a prolonged stay for recuperation.

Before Brielle entered the room, she heard Mark’s coughing and a nurse’s kind inquiries.

“Sir, where’s your family? With your condition, you need someone by your side. Otherwise, who will assist you if you need something in the middle of the night?”

Mark coughed a few more times, then sighed heavily. “Divorced a long time ago. I’m fine like this, really. But I worry about the kids at the orphanage. Without me there, I doubt they know how to take care of themselves.”

Brielle paused, then upon entering and seeing Mark’s pale face, she hurriedly said, “Mark. I’ll go check on the kids at the orphanage.

Mark tried to sit up when he saw her, but after several attempts, he resignedly lay back down. nearly forgetting that he would have to rely on a wheelchair in the future.

“Brielle, don’t worry about me. I’ve saved up a bit over the years. I plan to hire a caregiver for the kids.”

Mark’s voice was filled with guilt, and he couldn’t bring himself to meet Brielle’s eyes. “And the Haywood family donated ten million to the orphanage.”

He seemed to feel he was betraying Brielle. He couldn’t just consider the grievances between the adults: there were children who needed sustaining.

“Brielle. I’m truly sorry. But this money can get the kids into better schools. The Haywoods may have wronged you terribly, but this is for the children.”

Brielle handed him a cup of water and sat beside him. “Don’t think like that. If the Haywood family’s,money can improve the kids‘ futures, we should use it.”

Mark coughed again, his complexion worsening.

That was all well and good, but he still felt he had let Brielle down.

Brielle quickly changed the subject, not wanting him to dwell on the Haywood matter.

“I’ve asked a friend to help find a new location for the orphanage. We should have options soon. I’ll arrange for someone to discuss the design with you.”

Mark moved his lips, his eyes reddening as he patted her shoulder. “It’s the kids who owe you.”

Brielle didn’t respond, and then she heard him ask, “And the Haywoods?”

“I’ve cut ties with them. I’m not their daughter. Lillian is.”

“I know, Brielle. But…”

He didn’t know what else to say, and eventually, it seemed like he was getting a headache. He closed his eyes to rest.

Brielle didn’t linger to disturb him further. She left the room quietly, closing the door behind her. She waited by the roadside for a while before hailing a cab back to her apartment.

However, the apartment door was wide open, the inside a complete mess; even the couch was overturned on the floor.

The neighbor lady and the police were at the doorstep. On seeing Brielle, the lady clutched her hand in fright.

“Brielle, dear, check if anything’s missing. I came over and saw your door wide open, everything. in disarray. I was so scared I called the cops right away.”