Chapter 243

“Are you out of your mind? You’re not afraid I’ll spill the beans to Max?”

Ryan chuckled, a look of sheer confidence plastered across his face, “If you don’t care about what happens to Mark, then by all means, go tell Max.

Brielle stood up, her gaze burning with fury. “What have you done with Mark?”

“Just invited him over for a little visit, that’s all. Do as I say, and the man walks free. You know what I’m capable of.”

Brielle took a deep breath and eased back into her seat. No wonder Ryan had the guts to confront her today; he’d already taken control of Mark.

She had been negligent. She had long been entangled in the complexities of the Dorsey family. In addition, Max had gone to the Rowland family that night. Those seeking to retaliate against him, even if holding onto a slim hope, would target her.

Ryan sneered, “If you procrastinate, I’ll have someone snip off the old guy’s fingers right now.”

“I’ll do it,” she agreed.

“Good. Here’s a month’s supply. It’ll end Max with a silent coronary. One pill a day, don’t forget.”

Brielle took a deep breath, her fingers on one side clenched tightly, nails digging deep into the palm. To deal with Max, he had gone to great lengths to prepare this kind of pill.

Ryan’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction, as if everything was within his grasp. “Once Max is back in the country, we start.”

Brielle sat motionless until he left, then she stared at the white bottle in her hand.

Meanwhile, the photo of her meeting with Ryan at the café had already made its way to Max. Clearly, it’s a pro’s work.

Max had been running ragged these last few days, juggling overseas business and caring for his mother. He finally caught a break, only to see those photos.

They were taken by his own people. In them, Brielle accepted the bottle–had she agreed to Ryan’s deal? Max’s brow furrowed, his instinct to dismiss the troubling thoughts.

He would never tolerate such a threat before, but the object of the threat was Brielle, and he found himself patient, curious about her next move.

Someone burst in, the room immediately filled with the rich aroma of coffee. Alivia set the coffee on the desk, and seeing him still working in the convalescent home, she couldn’t help but sigh.

“Max, shouldn’t you take a break? You haven’t slept in days. Your mother’s finally settled down. Why not rest a bit while you can?”

Max’s eyes were bloodshot. He rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted. He finished the coffee, and a doctor came in.

“Max, Martha’s condition is worsening. Used to be six months between episodes, then three. Now it’s monthly. The experts are constantly revising the treatment, but Martha’s reluctant to cooperate.

Probably needs family around.”

Max’s frown deepened. He drained his coffee, feeling a bit more alert. He wouldn’t bring his mother back to Beaconsfield unless it was absolutely necessary, because her spirits would plummet as soon as she laid eyes on the other Dorsey children.

“I understand. I’ll try to come more often.”

The doctor nodded, glanced at Alivia and said with a smile. “Ms. Alivia’s workplace is close by. She often visits Martha, a great help.” With that said, the doctor went out as if he had finished his duty.

Max, however, handed Alivia a card, “This is for your troubles. Thanks.”

Alivia paled instantly. She was never after money, and caring for his mother wasn’t about that. Max surely knew this but still offered the card.

Alivia felt humiliated, her eyes reddening for a moment before she rasped, “Max, you know I’m not here for the money.”

Max’s expression tightened. He never quite understood the emotional nuances between people. so empathizing with Alivia’s feelings was difficult. He approached it from a businessman’s perspective–she gave her time, so he should give compensation. It seemed like a fair exchange.

“I know, but I owe you this. Whether you take it is up to you.” He passed her the card, his face impassive.

Alivia’s complexion turned even paler. After a long moment, she looked up. “Then I don’t want it. Once your mom’s condition stabilizes, I’ll return home. Max, you will marry me, won’t you?”