Chapter 231

The doctor said nothing, feeling compelled to stay put.

Guards always kept vigil in the hallway, and the Rowland family arrived swiftly, with Tessa’s dad, Austin, being the first to show.

Austin had secured his standing in the Rowland family thanks to his daughter, Tessa. Hearing of her plight, he had rushed over from out of town. “How are you feeling now, darling?” Austin inquired as he approached Tessa’s bedside.

Tessa coughed a few times, gesturing for the doctor to update her father. Reluctantly, the doctor complied. “Tessa’s condition is quite serious. Had we not acted quickly, I’m afraid… Moving forward, she should avoid crowded places.”

Austin’s fists clenched in anger. “I heard it was Spencer’s ex–fiancée who caused this mess?”

Tessa had always played it smart around her family, never stirring trouble unless someone else foolishly provoked her.

Austin had barely finished speaking when Sophia burst into the room. “It was indeed Brielle. I was scared to death, Tessa.”

Austin rose to his feet, his eyes glinting coldly. “Where is that Brielle now?”

Sophia took Tessa’s hand, her concern evident. “The Rowlands have taken her in custody. They’re waiting for you to recover so you can confront her personally.”

Another coughing fit seized Tessa, her cheeks turning a bright red. “Let the bodyguards handle. her for now.

A wry smile crossed Sophia’s face as she sighed. “Tessa, even now, Brielle is smearing your name, claiming she’s seen you checking into hotels with men more than once. If that kind of talk reaches Andrew, what will he think?”

Panic gripped Tessa, her fury at Brielle reaching new heights. Austin, too, was livid. Everyone knew Tessa had lived a sheltered life for years. Where would she find the time for such escapades? Brielle was blatantly lying.

Worried about his daughter’s well–being. Austin quickly reassured her. “Darling, I’ll get you out of here to recuperate at home. As for Brielle, leave her to me. She won’t leave the Rowland compound alive.”

Tessa shared the sentiment. Brielle had crossed a line and would pay the price. “Dad, please make the arrangements. I can’t stand the smell of disinfectant here.”

Austin hastened to consult the doctor about a possible discharge. The doctor internally rolled his eyes.

Tessa was fine to leave.

Eventually, Tessa was taken back to her room within the Rowland family estate. The staff was on edge, scrutinizing every drop of water she drank, fearing another incident.

Resting in her bed, Tessa inquired about Brielle’s situation, Sophia handed her a warm cup of water.

“She’s still tied up downstairs. What do you plan to do with her? Brielle is quite attractive, and we have plenty of bodyguards. Maybe we could offer them a little ‘bonus and let them have their way with her.”

na Since Sophia’s ordeal at William’s place, she’d wanted Brielle to experience the same hell. Knowing Tessa’s true nature, Sophia suggested this with confidence.

Tessa hesitated, worried about Andrew’s opinion of her, but Sophia deftly manipulated Tessa’s emotions. “You know, there’s something I’ve been hesitant to mention. I was at the Haywood family’s party, where I stirred up some trouble because I learned something – Andrew slept with Aubree. Lillian told me herself. That night, I wanted to stand up for you…”

Tessa had heard this before but didn’t believe it. Andrew had always treated her well, and at the Tequila Sunset party, he had sent Aubree off with Mr. Lynch himself. “That’s impossible. Lillian must be lying. If Andrew cared for Aubree, he wouldn’t have let her entertain other men. Don’t talk like this again.”

Tessa’s tone was firm, but inside, a seed of doubt had been sown. The saying goes, “There’s no smoke without fire.”