Chapter 321

Brielle tapped into the news feed. Her eyes landed on a photograph of Max and Alivia. There was Alivia, all smiles, beaming up at Max. Since he was shot from behind, his expression remained a mystery to the onlookers.

But the vibe of the picture? It screamed ‘head over heels – a tale as old as time.

A bitter taste seeped into Brielle’s smile as she exhaled a heavy sigh, and switched her phone into airplane mode. She settled back, letting the evening sky captivate her attention. The heavens were painted with strokes of crimson, reflecting off the river in a dazzling dance of color.

After taking a few sips of water and nibbling on some snacks, she pulled out her phone to capture the sunset’s beauty in a few snapshots, before continuing on her journey.

Meanwhile, outside the gates of Pearl Estate, Aubree was nursing a cigarette between her fingers.

She’d been buzzing the intercom for minutes, but Brielle hadn’t answered.

The news had reached her last night – a slip of the tongue from Andrew, a deliberate leak. Alivia couldn’t stand Brielle, so she asked Max to take her out on Brielle’s birthday as a twisted form of revenge.

Aubree had pondered over the perfect birthday gift for Brielle days in advance, and even conspired with Andrew to secure a fine diamond from Infinity Brilliance.

Hearing Andrew’s words last night had sent Aubree into a fury. What was Max playing at? The dislike was one thing, but toying with someone’s emotions was cruel.

Brielle, ever so committed in matters of the heart, was ready to face any storm for love. Still, her sincerity seemed to be the punchline of a joke to others.

When Aubree called Brielle last night, she couldn’t bring herself to break the harsh truth. She hinted, but Brielle, lost in hopeful anticipation for her day with Max, missed the undertones.

Aubree had harbored a sliver of hope herself – hope that Max wasn’t like Andrew, a cad who’d warm Tessa’s bed while courting her. But the news of Max picking up Alivia was out- scoundrels indeed flocked together.

Aubree imagined Brielle nursing a broken heart somewhere, enduring a lonely birthday. The thought twisted her insides with discomfort.

She dialed Andrew. His voice came through, drowsy and indifferent. “What’s up?”

“You’re just like Max, a jerk.”

Andrew was silent for a beat before his leg dropped off the coffee table. “Look, Aubree, what’s gotten into you? If you’re mad at Max, fine, but why lash out at me?”

“You’re a bunch of scumbags.”

“Weren’t you quite happy under one of those ‘scumbags‘ last night?”

He chuckled, squinting mischievously. “Are you done with your rant? Think about what your want for dinner.”

“Check where Bri is for me. Her phone’s unreachable, and I’m worried.”

“A grown woman gone missing? Please. And it’s not like this is some kind of a breakup. She knew what she was getting into with Max.”

Andrew was used to Aubree’s verbal lashings, and shrugged it off. At most, he’d ‘punish‘ her later in bed.

“Aubree. Mom called today; she wants us over for dinner. Are you coming?”

Aubree was surprised, and her lashes fluttered. “I’ll see. She doesn’t really want to see me. She’s just checking if I’ve got a boyfriend so I won’t be a bother to you.”

The Clements had their suspicions. Their mother was more astute, and sensed something amiss between Aubree and Andrew. She probed now and then. Frustrated, Aubree had moved out.

Her tone softened. “Just find out where Bri is.”

“No.”

That damn man!

Aubree’s scalp tingled with anger. “If you don’t, I’ll go to Tessa and tell her we’ve been sleeping together for years.”

The line went dead.

After a minute, her phone buzzed with a message. [Brielle was spotted on her way to the Radiant Light Church.]