Chapter 621

Brielle was a great listener, sometimes an excellent one when the moment called for it. Last night, she had been wrapped in the embrace of such a deep sleep. It felt like she was under some kind of enchantment, dreaming away in the soft comfort of her bed.

Aubree had gone through a rough patch, something that should have left Brielle tossing and turning with insomnia, steeped in sorrow. Yet upon waking, Brielle felt energized, her body buzzing with strength as if some guardian angel had watched over her through the night.

She grew more determined to stand up for Aubree and make sure everyone responsible paid a steep price.

“My grandma’s getting on in years,” Dustin began with a wry smile at the corner of his mouth. “Last night, she woke up all of a sudden and told us she’d been to visit my sister.”

“Over two decades ago, my sister got left behind by accident when my parents were fleeing from some bad blood back home. It’s been a thorn in my mom’s side ever since, a regret that my grandma carries with her. Their health has been declining, day after day. Mom can put on a brave face, but grandma, well, age has made her heart heavy. She gets so melancholy thinking about it. It’s taken a toll on her.

We even built a quaint little chapel on the Lynch family estate. She’s been praying there for my aunt’s safety ever since. Lately, she’s been bedridden, hardly awake. We’ve been searching for my sister, but there’s been a lot of resistance, especially once word got out. Various powers that be are trying to stop us.”

Dustin’s long fingers spun his glass, his eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks. “We’ve never found her. Last night, after my grandma woke from one of her deep sleep, she told us she’d been to see my aunt in a grand house somewhere. But her sight isn’t what it used to be, and he couldn’t tell where it was. She said my sister wasn’t happy, that her new family wasn’t treating her well, and that we must find her. We’re scared it might be my grandma’s last hurrah, you know? The doctor said she had a year, but at this rate, she might not make it that long. Grandma’s always been fiercely independent. If it weren’t for my aunt going missing, she wouldn’t be in this state.”

“Mr. Lynch, maybe your grandma did indeed visit your sister in person.” Brielle looked at the glass in front of her, feeling a tug at her heartstrings. After all, she had never experienced what they call family ties. “Souls are eternal, and love transcends time and space. They just haven’t realized it yet.”

12:09 Eternal souls. Love that crosses the Dustin savored those words, a faint smile tracing his lips. “I hope Brielle couldn’t bring herself to ask Dustin for help. Instead, she poured him another drink.

The meal started with a somber atmosphere but gradually became more relaxed.

Brielle never got drunk in public. Even when she met with business partners, she’d carefully monitor her intake, but tonight, her conversation with Dustin flowed more freely.

They both drank a bit more than usual and by the end, their eyes were glazed with the haze of alcohol.

As closing time approached, the waiter fretted over the two tipsy patrons slumped over the table. The bill was not yet settled.

Just as she pondered whether to wake one of them, a hand extended a card. “Check, please.”

The waiter followed the hand to a face that took his breath away. Her cheeks flushed as he hurriedly processed the payment.

The two had polished off three bottles of the strongest liquor.

“Sir, your total comes to twenty–seven thousand. It’s been taken care of. Please keep your card safe.”

Max pocketed the card and approached Brielle while Patrick stood by Dustin.

Max scooped Brielle up in his arms and instructed Patrick, “Take him to the hotel.”

After all, Dustin was the president of Infinity Brilliance, and he had lent a hand during Max’s feigned amnesia episode.

Max’s expression was grim, and truth be told, he wanted to leave Dustin out on the street, preferably to be run over a hundred times. That would suit his mood.

Why did Brielle have to dine with Dustin? Was there something Dustin could offer that he couldn’t?

Swallowing the bitterness, he cradled Brielle in his arms.

Both of them had indeed indulged too much in the drink, and their clothes were reeking of alcohol.

Max hadn’t exploded in anger, knowing Brielle had been bottling up her emotions all day.

The alcohol, the rambling conversations with Dustin, pouring their hearts out in a drunken stupor, it probably helped ease her mind just a bit. So even though Max arrived early, nearly choking on jealousy, he didn’t barge in to stop them.