Chapter 189

Aubree felt a tightness in her chest that threatened to suffocate her. She couldn’t utter a complete sentence, her tears streaming down her cheeks uncontrollably like a faulty faucet that wouldn’t stop leaking.

Brielle hastily got out of bed to change her clothes. As she was leaving, she bumped into Patrick, who inquired where she was headed.

“Tequila Sunset.”

Patrick assumed she was going to pick up Max and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes as he handed her the car keys. “Ms. Brielle, here are the keys.”

It didn’t strike Brielle as odd, given Patrick had always been kind to her.

She took off in Max’s usual ride, and no sooner had she left than Patrick was on the phone with Max.

“Mr. Dorsey, Ms. Brielle’s coming to pick you up tonight.”

Meanwhile, Max had settled into a private booth at Te Sunset. Usually, it was Patrick who picked him up after a night of indulging, but now Patrick was saying what?

Brielle was coming to get him?

Max thought he must be hallucinating. If he remembered correctly, this would be the first time Brielle had ever picked someone up.

The frustration that had been simmering all evening lifted instantly, even making Dustin, who sat opposite him, seem more agreeable.

A smile played on Max’s lips as he picked up a glass from the coffee table. “Mr. Lynch, your certainly move on quickly with your ladies.”

Just as he had finished expressing his interest in Brielle, he was now cozying up to Aubree.

Dustin didn’t take it as a jibe; his reputation was well–known across North America.

Max was certainly aware of it.

“Mr. Dorsey seems to be in a much better mood. You looked pretty sour when you walked in. All because I have a genuine interest in your Little Canary? Mr. Dorsey, you should have the confidence to keep your talent close, especially since you’re Max.”

Even within the North American social circles, there were numerous women who desired to be with him intimately.

Unexpectedly though, Max didn’t respond.

Tonight, Brielle mentioned ending things, which seemed she didn’t care much for him.

He couldn’t help but ponder whether one truly didn’t know what they had until it was gone.

Maybe it was the couple of drinks he had, but a rush of frustration surged through him.

14:14 Then, thinking that Brielle was coming to get him tonight, perhaps to apologize for her impulsive words earlier?

His mood began to settle once more.

As long as she took back what she said, he could pretend nothing had ever happened.

Brielle arrived quickly, spotting Aubree in the hallway.

Aubree was curled up in a corner, her eyes red–rimmed. On seeing Brielle, a mix of annoyance and relief crossed her face. “Bri.”

She managed to call out, attempting to rise but her legs were numb and she nearly stumbled forward.

Brielle rushed to steady her, frowning with concern. “What happened?”

Aubree felt embarrassed, unable to disclose the truth.

Brielle grew angry. “Aubree, where’s that spirit you used to encourage me with?”

Aubree’s face turned pale, and after a long pause, she said self–deprecatingly, “If Max asked. you to accompany other men, would you go?”

Brielle’s pupils narrowed sharply, her voice a mix of shock and anger. “Who did Andrew want you to be with?”

Aubree just shook her head with a bitter smile. “He’s quite handsome. Last name is Lynch.”

Brielle’s mind instantly conjured Dustin’s face. Could it be that he was in Beaconsfield?

She pursed her lips, watching Aubree light a cigarette with practiced ease, and said earnestly. “Maybe you and Andrew should just call it quits.”

“That’s not an option, Bri. You’ll understand when you’re in my shoes. Some people you meet are just there to teach you a lesson.”

Brielle couldn’t grasp the depth of her words, but seeing her pale face, she took Aubree’s arm. “Let me take you home first.”

Aubree really didn’t want to return to the booth, her eyes downcast. “Okay.”

As Brielle escorted her out of the Tequila Sunset, Aubree’s steps suddenly halted.

Outside the bar, a luxury car pulled up, its license plate displaying a string of identical numbers that Brielle didn’t recognize It wasn’t until a delicate–looking woman stepped out that she realized who it was. The woman, looking frail and pitiful, gave off a stark contrast to Aubree’s demeanor.

Tessa was dressed simply, her makeup light.

As she passed by Brielle, she paused and frowned, “Brielle?”