Chapter 382

“William Dorsey, a board member at Dorsey International.”

The name etched itself into Sue’s memory before she bowed her head.

“I’m sorry, I can’t stand up for you online. The court of public opinion is fierce. Even if I spoke up now and said none of this mess has anything to do with you, people would only think I’m under your thumb and that I’m speaking out because you coerced me.”

Brielle could finally breathe a sigh of relief. When Sue wasn’t being headstrong, at least her intellect was on point.

“I never expected you to clear my name. You speaking up for me would only make people more suspicious. But aren’t you worried that I might have bullied your daughter?”

Sue looked down, her gaze empty and hollow.

“The first time I met you, I didn’t think you were capable of that. In fact, I regret going to Dorsey International with Simon. If he hadn’t been so greedy, he wouldn’t have ended up dead.”

She took a deep breath, her eyelashes quivering. “Someone has been sending texts, instructing us what to do. But whoever it is, they’re high up and untouchable. That number can’t be traced.” “Sue, I don’t need you to do anything. Just don’t harm yourself and pin it all on me.”

Brielle cut her off, not wanting to linger.

Sue was stunned, then a wave of fear washed over her, and she gave a bitter smile.

“That’s exactly what they told me to do. My life is worthless anyway.”

“No one on this earth has the right to determine our worth, whether we think we’re valuable or not.”

After those words, Brielle walked away.

She was frustrated with Sue’s state over the years. As a fellow woman, it pained her to see another suffer so.

But who was to blame?

Society always preached a lesson to women–that being compliant and undervalued would earn them praise or reward, like being the perfect daughter–in–law or the exemplary wife.

However, the very education that taught women to be gentle and understanding was the root of their suffering.

Sue was indeed unfortunate, a misfortune seeded by her parents‘ insistence that she be sensible and always heed her partner’s word.

Exhausted, Brielle got in her car and headed home.

By the time she arrived at Pearl Estate, it was eleven at night.

Max was gone, but he’d left a note at the entrance–called away to a meeting, get some rest.

She felt a wave of loneliness but was too tired to dwell on it. After freshening up, she collapsed into bed.

She slept soundly until one in the morning, when her phone pinged with a new message.

[Ms. Brielle, we’ve located the young master of Kingston Enterprises at an underground casino.]

Brielle recalled Simon mentioning such a place. Could it be the same one?

But Patrick only said the young man was found, implying he couldn’t be taken out.

The enigma behind the casino was too great for William to navigate, and Brielle couldn’t get Daniel out.

Daniel was Catherine’s son, the young heir to Kingston Enterprises.

It seemed the little lord had stirred up trouble at the tables, but as long as William couldn’t find him, it was fine.

Brielle finally relaxed, closed her eyes, and fell back asleep.

When she woke, she immediately checked the news.

The scandal continued to brew, and her colleagues had messaged her advising her not to come to work. Reporters swarmed the place, waiting for a scoop on Brielle, the person of interest.

With work off the table, she considered visiting this so–called casino.

Before she could settle on a plan, Tiffanie called.

“Brielle, that casino where Simon racked up his debts is quite the hotspot. A bunch of my friends hang out there. Want to check it out?”

“Sure, let’s do it.”

Brielle and Tiffanie arranged to meet that evening, and in the meantime, Brielle kept a close eye on the online narrative.

Without Sue fanning the flames, the one–sided attacks weren’t as prevalent. People were more focused on the car crash.

The police had taken over the investigation and promised to disclose their findings as soon as they had answers.

Two hours later, Sarah’s death certificate was released. It was ruled a suicide.

Brielle wasn’t surprised. With William’s influence, there was no chance he’d leave behind evidence of foul play.

Only if Sarah’s death was deemed a suicide would the public pressure crush Brielle.

11:04 The “help me” message left in the group chat was William’s most significant blunder.

Rubbing her temples, Brielle realized that now the police had announced Sarah’s cause of death, she had to brace herself for the public’s scrutiny.

The online world erupted in an instant.