Chapter 601

Brielle stepped into Stellar Stage Entertainment and settled into her office before dialing the traffic police to inquire about the specifics of last night’s car accident. As a person involved, she had already been questioned just before she fell asleep the previous night.

One driver had been drinking, the other high on drugs. Both were in a daze. That was the answer from the police and all they could find out for now. She had suspected as much from the beginning and wasn’t surprised by the revelation.

Come evening, Aubree popped into her office to borrow a coat. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold.

It had indeed gotten chillier, and after a bracing swim in icy waters the day before, Brielle felt her resistance to the cold had significantly diminished. With several coats on standby in her office, she handed over her favorite one to Aubree. “I told you to layer up when we left your place.”

As Aubree headed out, she turned back with a smug grin. “My drama instructor praised me again today, but keeping up with all these expressions is exhausting. I feel like my face is going to freeze from all that smile. Anyway, Bri, I’m heading home. You’ll be back at Premier Palace tonight, right? I won’t wait up.”

Brielle nodded. She had to work late. She was working overtime until nine in the evening. Dragging her weary body out of Stellar Stage Entertainment, she into Ricardo in the elevator.

Ricardo’s eyes were clear as crystal, pure and innocent. He stood in the elevator, and when he saw Brielle, a beautiful light flickered in his gaze. “Ms. Haywood.”

“Ricardo? Why are you still here so late?”

A shade of embarrassment colored Ricardo’s cheeks. “John is really pushing me on this brother role.

I’ve met his standards with a few scenes, but he insists I can do better. We’re close to shooting, and I’ve got to give it my all. By the way, I saw Aubree earlier; her acting is really coming along.”

He said this with a smile, reflecting off the elevator’s mirrored walls. “Ms. Haywood, do you think Aubree and I will really make it?”

“Of course, you’re both very talented.” Brielle reassured him but then worried about the pressure he might be under. “Just perform naturally, and don’t beat yourself up if this film doesn’t make a splash.

You’re new to this; keep your expectations realistic.”

As the elevator reached the lobby, Brielle’s phone buzzed with a video call from an unknown number.

Her first instinct was to disconnect, but then a message followed. (Want to see what happened to your dear friend because of you?]

Her heart skipped a beat, and her face darkened. On the video, Aubree was indeed tied up, hands and feet bound, surrounded by three men.

Brielle turned pale with fury and stormed out. She hung up the video and was about to contact Patrick, but heard Ricardo next to her saying, “I seem to know this place. Ms. Haywood, do you 11:25 want me to take you there?”

Brielle’s chest was trembling, but she was still trying her best to keep her sanity. “Let’s go now.”

After getting on the car, she called Patrick, but no one answered. She then dialed Max’s number, and no one answered still.

The overseas acquisition was at a critical point. Everyone in the conference room had switched off their phones and was fixated on the fluctuating numbers on the big screen.

Max felt a nagging unease but pushed it aside, knowing everyone was awaiting his direction.

The night in Beaconsfield was far from peaceful, with undercurrents swirling ominously.

Elsewhere, in the Rowland household, Tessa instructed her associate. “Work with our contact to get the full video tonight. Make sure there are no traces left. I don’t want any backtracking.”

“Ms. Tessa, don’t worry. Our crew is well–trained. They wouldn’t spill secrets even under duress. Taking down Aubree is a simple task.”

Tessa’s eyes sparkled with malice, delighted by the unexpected turn of events with Aubree’s capture.

Her own operatives had even managed to collaborate with the kidnappers. It was as if luck was on her side.

Tonight, all she had to do was distract Andrew, and Aubree’s life would be ruined.

She heard that Brielle was also notified. If Brielle witnessed Aubree’s downfall, it would also be a crushing blow to her. Two birds with one stone, removing the two women Tessa despised most!

Her lips curled into a smile. When the sound of footsteps outside came from outside, she told her associate to leave.

When Andrew entered, only Tessa was in the room. His phone, which Aubree had tried to use to call for help, was right there with Tessa, who had dismissed the call.

Tessa took the next call and lied that Andrew wasn’t coming and had agreed to marry her, She then deleted all the messages.

Sensing Tessa’s good mood, Andrew approached her tenderly. “Feeling better?”

Tessa nodded with a bashful smile. “You’ve been here taking care of me; of course, I feel better, Andrew. You’re wonderful.”

Andrew felt a warmth in his heart and wrapped her in his embrace. Tessa looked up and captured his lips with hers.