Chapter 339

Mason paused mid–stride, a hint of confusion shadowing his features as he turned back. “What’s up?

Did we miss something important Just now?”

The two had just settled on the early size of their startup. Mason and his crew of techies hadn’t quite cracked the code on monetizing their venture, but Brielle, with her finance degree, was the one who had a handle on that aspect. She had already outlined the company’s trajectory for the upcoming year, and Mason had been on board with the plan.

Now, he looked perplexed.

Brielle opened her mouth, then slowly shut it again. “It’s nothing. I’ll transfer the funds to the company account soon.”

Mason chuckled, his tone light and teasing. “Alright then, once we go public, I might just make you President.”

Brielle didn’t respond. Instead, she escorted them out. She hesitated multiple times, wanting to speak, but Mason, walking ahead, didn’t see.

Stepping into the elevator, Mason glanced back at Brielle. “Ever since I saw you handle that meeting with the Hartley Group’s CEO, I knew you were meant for big things. It’s been a pleasure working together.”

Brielle’s lips curved into a small smile as she pressed the elevator button for him. “A pleasure indeed.”

As the elevator doors slid shut, Brielle was left staring at the empty hallway. Her hand massaged her temples. A headache was coming on.

Brielle still hadn’t managed to voice the complexity of her relationship with Mason.

In this world, there were two types of people who were simply drawn to each other. Mason had tried to resist and reject Tiffanie, but if her influence was inevitable, then his feelings for her would eventually be either love or hate. Brielle knew this all too well, and it tormented her.

Back in her room, she felt utterly drained. She stared blankly at the ceiling, rubbing at her temples again. She was exhausted.

Grabbing the remote, she turned on the heater. As the warmth spread, her chilled limbs slowly came back to life.

It was two in the morning, and with a weary effort, she applied ointment to the cuts on her hands before falling asleep on the couch.

At six a.m., her phone rang. It was Patrick. “Ms. Brielle, Mr. Kenzo has woken up. He’s hurt his leg, but it’s nothing serious. The cold has slowed down the infection, and the local doctors have managed it well. We’ll be heading back soon, so don’t worry.”

Brielle let out a relieved sigh, hearing Kenzo’s voice on the other end. “Patrick, is that Brielle?”

Patrick confirmed, “Yes, Ms. Brielle is quite concerned.”

“Tell her I’m fine, and not to worry. This wasn’t her fault.”

Patrick nodded, then addressed Brielle, “Ms. Brielle, we’ll be back shortly. Make sure you take care of that injury.”

Rubbing her eyes, Brielle mustered her energy. “Which hospital will you be taking him to?”

There was a pause before Patrick, ever the rational one, advised, “Regardless of the hospital, it’s best you don’t visit. The Barnes family is already suspicious about Mr. Kenzo’s injury. Rumors are flying that it’s because of you. If you show up, it’ll only confirm their suspicions, and they won’t let you off easily.”

Brielle’s lips pressed together, knowing Patrick spoke the truth.

Kenzo’s voice came through once more, taking over the call. His tone was still gentle. “Patrick’s right, Brielle. I’ll be fine. I heard you’re hurt, too. Take care of yourself, and once this gossip blows over, let’s grab a meal together.”

“I’m so sorry, Kenzo.”

His voice sharpened. “You have nothing to apologize for. It’s not your fault.”

Even though he said that, Brielle knew she had inadvertently put him in harm’s way. Thankfully, he was alright, or she would have lived under a curse of guilt.

After the call, Brielle felt a weight lift from her chest. She even managed to make herself some Soup.

By early evening, Patrick called again to say they were back in Beaconsfield. Brielle finally felt at ease.

As she pondered how to spend Christmas Eve, her doorbell rang. It was Aubree.

Wrapped in a scarf, Aubree marched in, unraveling it to reveal a neck covered in love bites. “Andrew made sure to mark his territory before I came over to see you.”

Brielle frowned but didn’t comment, she just watched as Aubree presented her with a box. “Here, a belated birthday present.”

Worried it was some extravagant expense, Brielle opened the box to find a beautiful diamond and breathed a sigh of relief.

Aubree looked around the room and settled herself on the sofa. “Bri, you hung up so quickly yesterday.

I only found out about Kenzo’s injury today. What in the world happened?”

Brielle recounted the harrowing tale of their near brush with death.

Aubree’s expression darkened. “But you decided to go to the Radiant Light Church on the spur of the moment, right? I didn’t tell a soul. Who could it be?”