Chapter 296

After hanging up the phone, Brielle stared blankly at her mobile device. Max hadn’t answered her call.

Could it be that Lillian had used her phone to set up a meeting with Max?

Brielle was beside herself with worry, itching to leap out of bed.

Aubree steadied her, a puzzled frown creasing her brow. “If Max lacked even the most basic vigilance, he’d have been taken out a long time ago. A mere Lillian couldn’t possibly outmaneuver him. You should be more concerned about yourself right now.”

Brielle’s lips trembled as she slowly lay back down. “But he really didn’t answer, and Patrick mentioned he was feeling unwell.”

Aubree would never believe that Lillian could get one over on Max. In her mind, Lillian was nothing but a venomous little daisy, whose dark tactics couldn’t hold a candle to Max’s capabilities.

“Aubree, could you please check with Andrew for me? Ask him where Max is?”

Brielle had thought about calling Kenzo again, but after several attempts already, she was worried about annoying him. Besides, Kenzo was Alivia’s brother.

Aubree sighed as her hand massaged her temples. “Bri, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Falling for Max is a thousand times more embarrassing than my thing for Andrew.”

Brielle hung her head, fully aware of the truth in those words. When she first got to know Max, she thought she was clear–headed enough not to cross certain lines. She was in it for the thrill convinced that their relationship was purely transactional.

But once feelings got involved, it was a one–sided affair. Max wouldn’t join her on her stage. and if her affections were ever to be discovered, he might even recoil in disgust.

Brielle felt a headache coming on. Why had she never felt this conflicted with Spencer? When Spencer had wronged her, all she wanted was to bite back with venomous fangs. But if Max ever trampled on her heart, she doubted she would even have the courage to retaliate.

Seeing Brielle’s pallor, Aubree finally caved and pulled out her phone. “I’ll call Andrew right now.”

“Thank you.” After Brielle murmured her thanks, she rested quietly against the headboard.

Aubree quickly dialed and hit the call button. “It’s me.”

Andrew had already settled into the living room, with his legs crossed atop the coffee table, and a subtle smugness in his gaze. “What’s up?”

“Do you know where Max is?” Aubree was straightforward and didn’t beat around the bush.

Andrew knew Aubree had visited Brielle, so this question was likely asked on Brielle’s behalf.

Thinking of Max’s demeanor the previous night. Andrew’s eyes chilled over, and his lips curved into a cold smirk. “Max, huh? Word is Alivia’s coming back. He’s probably buried in work, trying to clear his schedule to spend time with her. Even when I called him out for drinks, he was too busy. He must be working himself sick. Aubree, when did you start worrying about Max’s whereabouts?”

Aubree had put Andrew on speaker, so every word was crystal clear to Brielle.

Worried about Brielle’s feelings, Aubree quickly ended the call. “Bri, do you want something to eat?”

Brielle’s face was expressionless, but inside, she felt as if she’d been pierced with a thousand thorns.

She mustered her strength, not letting any sorrow show, and shook her head gently. “Not hungry.”

If it wasn’t Max, what was Lillian’s game plan last night? Lillian was cornered and wouldn’t waste time on meaningless acts.

“I’ve always said men are no good, and Max has obviously chosen Alivia over you.”

Aubree’s words were hard to bear, but sometimes, the harsh truth was the best medicine. Without this honesty, Brielle would’ve only sunk deeper.

“Bri, you’ve seen the bracelet on Max’s wrist, right? It matches the one Alivia wears. He’s never taken it off all these years, which tells you everything about her place in his heart.”