Chapter 562

Alivia had connections that seemed to reach into every corner of the glittering world of Hollywood. Her brother, Kenzo, was the hottest screenwriter of the past few years, having penned scripts that were practically worth their weight in gold, Nearly every big–name director in the industry had sought his collaboration, making the Barnes family a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment circles.

Naturally, that extensive network of contacts spilled into Alivia’s lap.

Brielle, an orphan with no resources to speak of, managed to get a little bit of favor from May, but what else could she hope for?

Alivia’s eyes were filled with disdain as she said, “I won’t let those famous directors work with her.

Consider it me getting back at her for you.”

Her words sounded sweet but were self–serving at their core, Tessa’s expression remained sour. This was far from enough for her. She wanted to see Brielle trampled into the mud, wanted to plerce her heart so deeply that she’d wish for death.

“Alivia, what can I do to make her suffer?” Tessa asked, her voice heavy with malice.

Alivia patted her back soothingly while her words wove a web of temptation. “Remember what I told you last time? If you can’t beat Brielle directly, then hit her through someone else. Aubree is the perfect target. If something happened to her, Brielle would be devastated. She wouldn’t be able to live in peace, ever. And you, my dear, can easily manipulate Aubree, can’t you?”

A cold smirk appeared on Tessa’s face, her hand balling into a fist at her side. “Since my health started declining, Andrew has stayed at the Rowland mansion and hasn’t gone back. Aubree must be feeling the strain by now. You’re right. I’ll start by targeting Aubree. That will hurt Brielle the most, and Andrew won’t do anything to me for it. After all, he and Aubree deserve what’s coming!”

Inside, Alivia laughed triumphantly. Exactly, that was the plan. Brielle’s remaining friends would suffer because of her, and then what time would she have left to whisper sweet nothings with Max?

“Take care of yourself first, your health is important,” Alivia cooed.

“How can I relax? The gossip in the group chats, the insults flying on the internet – I can barely step outside my door! I’ve never been this humiliated. Everything I’ve endured, Brielle will experience it too!”

Tessa began to cough violently, nearly hacking up blood. Alivia quickly summoned the doctor, and the Rowland mansion was thrown into disarray.

After examining Tessa, the doctor advised, “Ms. Tessa, you mustn’t get worked up. Your emotional state is delicate; you need rest.”

Tessa gripped her fists tightly, staring at the ceiling with bitter resentment.

10:55 Austin sighed wearily, and Jaxon furrowed his brows in concern. They all knew this mess was Brielle’s doing, and not a soul in the Rowland family had a shred of affection for her. They were all waiting for her to break up with Max so they could openly confront her. Without Max, she would be nothing.

Austin held Tessa’s hand. “Calm down. Tessa. Brielle will get her comeuppance in time.”

Tessa took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, then asked, “Dad, where’s Andrew?”

“He stepped out for a smoke when Alivia arrived. He’s been up all night worrying about you, Don’t make us worry, too.”

Tessa felt slightly better, exchanging a knowing look with Alivia. She understood what she needed to do. To strike at Brielle’s heart, she had to trample Aubree first.

A twisted smile formed on her lips. “I’m feeling better. Call Andrew in and have someone escort Alivia home. It’s late, and there’s no need for her to worry about me anymore. I want to talk to Andrew alone.”

Austin sighed, then patted Tessa’s head. “Alright. I’ll call him in.”

When Andrew entered the room, it was empty of everyone else. He himself had spent a day in the clinic after another fight with Max. His waist and legs were still marked with bruises.

“How are you feeling. Tessa?”

Seeing him, tears streamed down her face instantly. “Andrew, am I going to die soon? It hurts so much, every single day.”

Andrew’s brow furrowed as he pulled her close. “Just rest, it’ll be okay.”

She nestled into his embrace, her voice tinged with concern. “You’ve been away from home for so long.

Won’t the Clements family wonder?”

Andrew’s mind flashed with Aubree’s image, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Was it the longing from being apart that made his blood boil at the thought of her?

“They know I’m here with you. Everyone’s worried about you.”

“I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time. But I only feel safe when you’re here. Andrew, will you stay with me tonight?”