Chapter 516

How could someone be so changeable, making one’s heart involuntarily soften?

Brielle avoided the gazes of the others, feigning nonchalance as she glanced outside. “How about we go check out the meteor shower?”

Max knew she was shy and chuckled softly, “Yeah.” With that, his fingers continued their descent, entwining with hers.

Brielle’s mind thundered, and her ears turned crimson. She didn’t notice Tessa, still seated as if frozen in place.

As the crowd began to move outside, Alivia approached Tessa. “Andrew left the moment he saw you stop.”

This revelation shattered the last bit of Tessa’s dignity. It was all Brielle’s fault! Everything was. Brielle’s fault!

After delivering the blow, Alivia whispered conspiratorially, “She just stepped all over you and stole the spotlight.”

“That bitch! I won’t let her get away with this!”

Alivia smirked and said, “Well, it’s up to you now.”

Tessa stood up abruptly and strode outside with determined steps.

By now, Brielle had made her way outside. She noticed the ladies‘ flushed faces and their awkward glances as she and Max walked out hand in hand.

No one met her eyes, but among those looks. Briell into her back – one from Alivia and one from Tessa.

felt two particularly resentful stares boring Brielle ignored them, instead focusing on the sky above.

She thought she’d have a moment of peace, but her phone rang – it was Mason. It could be about the company going public. She couldn’t afford to be negligent, so she sought out a quiet spot to take the call.

Heading towards the pool area to answer, Brielle heard footsteps behind her. Frowning, she turned and saw Tessa.

Having not found comfort from Andrew and spurred on by Alivia’s words, Tessa followed Brielle once she’d left Max alone. The hatred in Tessa’s eyes was palpable, boiling in her chest. She had to do something, or she’d never sleep tonight!

“You’re pathetic, thinking you can stay by Max’s side like this? Just look at Aubree’s fate to know yours.

Both of you are birds of a feather, clinging to men who are to be engaged to others, vile and conniving.

“Aubree will never win Andrew’s heart, and you won’t win Max’s. Men of their stature will never 13:03 love girls like you. You’re just toys to them, disposable dolls, and will be tossed aside when they’re done!

“Brielle, don’t be smug, you’re nothing!”

When people felt humiliated or inadequate, they lashed out to prove themselves right. Criticizing, blaming, and berating others could quickly soothe their own discomfort.

Tessa spewed a litany of venom, fueled by her resentment of being overshadowed by Brielle. She was nearly senseless with rage. How could a girl raised in an orphanage surpass her in music?

This was the ultimate disgrace!

“Brielle, your face makes me sick and reminds me of Aubree – hooking up with her so–called brother.

Both of you are ethically repugnant!” Tessa’s eyes were ablaze with venom.

Brielle knew Tessa was unhinged by the evening’s events, having embarrassed herself at Tessa’s first high–society gathering. How could a woman so accustomed to adoration accept such humiliation?

Brielle looked up, pointing at her phone. “Are you done? Because I need to take this call. And don’t worry about me and Aubree. We’ll both outlive you.”

That hit Tessa where it hurt. This was the last straw, pushing Tessa over the edge.

With a lunge forward, Tessa hissed, “You think you’ll live long? Then die now!”

Brielle mocked Tessa’s longevity, looking down on her – Tessa wanted this bitch’s life!

Behind Brielle was the pool, with both shallow and deep ends – the latter being quite deep, meant for diving.

Brielle’s phone flew from her grasp as she stumbled backward. A chill crossed her brow as she grabbed Tessa’s clothing, and together, they plunged into the water.