Chapter 298

Patrick’s mouth twitched, and a hint of mirth danced in his eyes.

What was was this? The lady doth protest too much, methinks?

Max furrowed his brow, clearly with more on his mind. After a long pause, Max managed to get the words out. “Don’t tell her I was at the apartment.”

Patrick nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Seeing Max had nothing more. to add, Patrick went ahead and reconnected with Brielle.

Her phone lit up with his number, and a subtle spark of joy flickered in her eyes. “Patrick.

“Ms. Brielle, I’ll take you to see Spencer, but have you figured out how you’re going to make the swap with Ryan?”

Brielle hadn’t expected Max to let go so easily. She thought he’d have more questions. “I’ve got it sorted. I’ll reach out to Ryan anonymously and set up the exchange.”

“But Ryan won’t let this go easily. He’s poured a lot into finding Spencer, and even Michael’s in the loop now. He’s going to dig until he finds who’s behind this.”

Brielle understood Patrick’s hint. She might not be able to handle this alone; perhaps she should seek Max’s help. But since Max had managed to hide Spencer for days without Ryan finding a shred of evidence, any suspicion towards Brielle had already dissolved. In Ryan’s eyes, Brielle lacked the means to hide someone for so long.

“I’m aware. I’ll be careful.”

She didn’t voice her intention to seek Max’s aid, leaving Patrick at a loss for words. In some ways, their temperaments were similar. Max had gone off the rails, and Brielle wasn’t one to make the first move.

The two of them at odds put Patrick, their go–between, in a tough spot.

Patrick was about to say more when Wesley’s voice came from behind. “Sir, would you care for a coffee?” Patrick stiffened instinctively and almost immediately ended the call.

Brielle, staring at the disconnected call, had heard Wesley’s voice, Wesley was asking Max. meaning Max was available to talk. Why wouldn’t he talk to her?

Brielle’s gaze dropped, and her lips were pressed tightly together. She tried his number again.

tentatively. “Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable.”

Hearing the familiar automated voice, she chuckled ruefully and sighed. It was right to keep her feelings hidden. As long as Max was safe, that was enough.

As for the rest, as Andrew had said, Alivia was returning. If Max wanted to cut ties with Briella completely, what could she do? They were never from the same world to begin with.

For now, she needed to focus on the hostage exchange with Ryan.

With her call to Patrick cut short, she had no choice but to wait for him to reach out. True to 14:

form, Patrick called in the evening. “Ms. Brielle, I’m outside Pearl Estate.”

Brielle grabbed her cane and hobbled downstairs, making her way out. Her heart thumped unreasonably as she approached the familiar car. Pushing down her emotions, she drew closer.

The car door swung open, revealing only Patrick inside. “I’ll take you to where Spencer is being held. I’ll help with the exchange.”

Brielle sat in the backseat, pondering before she couldn’t help but ask, “Did Max send you to help me?”

Patrick paused, then honesty prevailed, “No, the boss hasn’t thought that far ahead.”

The atmosphere in the car turned quiet. Brielle said nothing more, and Patrick kept his mouth shut.

Patrick suspected this might hurt Brielle, but even he couldn’t fathom the boss‘ current stance. The truth was the best he could offer. “Ms. Brielle, once you’re on your feet, maybe you should ask the boss directly if you’ve got questions.”

That was as far as Patrick dared to go.

Brielle just nodded faintly, her gaze returning to the window. She seemed indifferent, yet her fingertips trembled slightly on her knee. She wasn’t foolish; she could read between Patrick’s lines.

Max was keeping his distance deliberately, and Patrick didn’t want to spell it out and embarrass her.

Her lips twitched into a faint smile. Same as always, she could take a hint.

If Max was initiating the end, it meant he didn’t care for her. And those who didn’t care for her didn’t get her care in return.

While her feelings were still budding, it was best to let them fade slowly.

The two of them traveled in silence.