Chapter 355

Sarah had no choice but to bring the microphone to her lips, her voice quivering as she tentatively began to sing “Femme Fatale.” She couldn’t find the tune to save her life, and the discordant sounds seemed to buzz relentlessly in her head. By the end of the song. Sarah was in tears, wiping her eyes and sobbing.

She thought that by now, someone from work, one of the guys, would come to her defense with a few kind words, but after half a minute of weeping, there was only silence. She felt bitter and regretful, but she mustered the strength to finish the last verse.

The moment the backing track ended, Brielle clapped with a chuckle. “Your singing needs some work, but I applaud the courage.”

That ‘applause for courage‘ was a backhanded compliment, if ever there was one.

She turned to the others, downing another drink. “I’ve settled the tab. Everyone have fun, and guys, don’t forget to give a lift home to any lady who’s had one too many. Let’s make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.”

The men around began to agree.

Brielle then turned and left. Stepping out into the chilly night, she sneezed.

Christmas lights twinkled everywhere, reminding her that it was Christmas Eve. The cold was setting in, but the spirit of Christmas warmed the bustling streets.

Everywhere she looked, Christmas trees sparkled, and festive stickers adorned the windows.

spreading holiday cheer.

Brielle warmed her hands with her breath before heading over to her car. But just as she was about to reach it, another car pulled up beside her, a familiar license plate catching her eye.

The window rolled down, and although the backlight obscured the figure inside, she could see the glint of a black rosary dangling from a hand with long, artistically slender fingers.

Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Max, and she felt a strange shyness after days apart. She got in, and as the car door shut, they drove off in silence. Her hands were resting awkwardly on her knees as if her throat was constricted.

It wasn’t until she noticed they weren’t heading towards Premier Palace or Pearl Estate that she finally spoke up, “Where are we going?”

Max, who had been stealing glances at her, looked away with a smirk. He had missed her more than he expected, especially after seeing the irises abroad. He couldn’t forget the sight of her lying still on the ground, a faint trail of blood behind her. His insides had felt torn, a visceral pain clenching at him.

These few days abroad, he had realized that if he had lost Brielle, he wouldn’t know what to do. When he found she was still breathing, his heart, which he thought had died, suddenly revived. Some things, he felt, needed to be said in person.

10:58 “Going to a hotel,” he finally replied, his gaze returning to the road.

The word ‘hotel‘ sent a jolt through Brielle, but she dared not look at his face. The initial rush of excitement was quickly replaced by a sinking feeling of disappointment. To her. Max was like at drug, and once the high wore off, she was left to deal with the harsh reality.

He wanted to take her to a hotel as soon as he returned, treating her like a call girl who could easily be summoned and just as easily dismissed.

She lowered her gaze, feeling a bitter tang of sadness..

Max, meanwhile, had pulled out a pillow from somewhere in the car–a clear sign of premeditation, as his car never used to have such things. “If you’re tired, you can use this to get some sleep,” he said, handing her the pillow.

“Thank you,” Brielle muttered. Her thoughts were elsewhere, feeling as if her heart was being squeezed tight. She didn’t realize that Max was waiting for something, looking almost uneasy.

After a brief struggle with her emotions, Brielle looked out the window. Her voice was hoarse with unshed tears. “Mr. Dorsey, I have things to do when I get back. You can let me out here.” She didn’t want to stay another minute, seeking refuge where she could lick her wounds in private.

Max didn’t expect her to react this way. “It’s Friday. You don’t work tomorrow.”

“I have to work overtime. Please, let me out.”

“Brielle,” he started to protest.

“I want to get out!” she insisted, her voice breaking.