Chapter 387

Brielle couldn’t help but chuckle at the message she received, but she resisted the urge to reply and turned her attention back to the online world.

The issue had escalated into a high–stakes game between two financial titans, with the police now involved. Brielle realized she no longer needed to worry.

What nagged at her, however, was the video released by Sarah herself. Without complete surveillance footage from the restaurant, it just lingered out there, unresolved.

Even though everyone seemed to have moved past their scrutiny of Brielle, it remained a thorn in her side.

However, dwelling on it was pointless now. She had extricated herself from the mess.

As the evening settled in. Tiffanie rang her doorbell.

Brielle opened the door to find Tiffanie, her arms still a canvas of dense rose tattoos and several dreadlocks woven into her wild mane. Brielle was long accustomed to her friend’s unique style.

Tiffanie had a lollipop jammed in her mouth.

Once they were in the car, Tiffanie’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, her tone light.

“How did you get tangled up in such a mess this time?”

With a wry smile and a shrug. Brielle replied, “Just bad luck, I guess.

Tiffanie glanced over, her attempt at consolation half–hearted. “Hey, chill out. The online mob’s off your back now. You’re out of the woods. Just… worry about other stuff, okay?”

Brielle, sensing an undercurrent in Tiffanie’s words, raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

Tiffanie coughed subtly.

“Looks like you haven’t heard yet. Uncle Max’s biological mom is being transferred back from her fancy overseas retreat to a local facility. Guess I’ll have to start calling her ‘grandma. huh?”

“And that means?”

“Oh, come on, Brielle, don’t be dense. Grandma’s a big fan of Alivia and has been pushing for her to marry into the family. Once she’s back, Alivia will surely follow suit. Word is she’s already sorting the paperwork. You have no idea how high Alivia’s stock has risen. There’s this world–class research institute setting up a branch right here in Beaconsfield, and she’s going to be the head honcho.”

The prestige of that position was enough to eclipse any local socialite or heir.

Alivia had the clout to command respect.

11:06 The more accomplished she became, the greater threat she posed to Brielle, especially with Alivia already having set her sights on her.

Tiffanie prattled on, eventually letting out a sigh.

“Look, if she comes back, avold a head–on clash with her. Just a heads–up. As long as Uncle Max doesn’t pop the question to you, you’ll never outrank Allvla.”

After her spiel, perhaps realizing the blow to Brielle’s morale, Tiffanie hurried to bolster her friend’s spirits.

“Don’t get down. You’re plenty impressive yourself. It’s just your background that’s holding your back. If you were top–tier rich, Alivia would be nothing. You could squash her with a flick of your finger.”

But life was not always fair, and Brielle knew it well.

Her eyes fell, not in defeat, but acknowledging the looming crisis.

The car pulled up to the largest estate in the suburbs, and Tiffanie hopped out of the convertible with a carefree grace, handing Brielle a card.

This was a high–roller’s ticket into the exclusive casino, accessible only to those who could front the steep two–million–dollar membership fee.

Such a price tag weeded out the merely affluent, highlighting the true wealth of its clientele and the recklessness of someone like Simon who had ventured there.

Tiffanie turned and nodded at Brielle. “She’s with me.”

Each cardholder could bring just one guest, and as the gates of the estate swung open, a network of cameras blanketed every inch of space.

This countryside casino, sprawling across a hillside, offered no place to hide.

Once they were inside, the doors shut swiftly. Brielle’s and Tiffanie’s faces popped up on the security monitors. Their features were scrutinized, and their personal financial data was displayed–credit scores, debt ratios, and how much they could afford to lose.

In the grandest hall, with its opulent decor, even the most inconspicuous potted plant appeared worth a lifetime of work for the average Joe.

Finding Daniel here felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Brielle sighed and watched as Tiffanie eagerly exchanged cash for chips, itching to try her luck.

Gambling held no appeal for Brielle, so she hung back by the bar and dessert table.

She overheard–a nearby conversation, the voices loud enough to carry.

“When’s the ‘Lucky Lad‘ gonna show up? Heard there’s a crowd waiting for him tonight.”

“Some of these nearly bankrupt big shots made a fortune off him, and came back from the brink 11:06 with billions.”

“He’s from one of North America’s elite families, a prince of the diamond trade. What’s a few billion to him?”

“He hasn’t been home in ages. You know Mr. Connor from Apex Dynamics Ltd., right? He’s here waiting to win big.”

Connor?

Brielle’s brow furrowed at the mention of that name, the last thing she wanted to hear.