Chapter 623

Wesley’s face lit up with a smile as he saw the relief in Max’s demeanor. The man had been run ragged these past few days, scarcely taking time to eat a proper meal If he kept going like that, Wesley feared an ulcer was on the horizon.

Fortunately, Max was finally showing some appetite.

When Wesley brought over the chicken soup, Max had already stowed away the hairdryer.

He gently tapped Brielle’s cheek. “Weren’t you going to have some soup?”

Brielle frowned, slowly opening her eyes to a drowsy world, and mumbled, “It’s for you; don’t forget to eat.”

Max stiffened, a softness melting his irritation. He knew all too well that Aubree’s situation had become a knot in Brielle’s heart.

So many people were trying to stand in their way, and her friend had been hurt because of it. Her heart wasn’t made of stone. Subconsciously, she wanted to distance herself from him.

Max consoled himself–it didn’t matter, as long as she hadn’t thought about giving 1. up.

After finishing the soup and brushing his teeth, Max was about to settle into bed when he received a call from the sanatorium.

Irritation flickered across his face as he stepped onto the balcony and accepted the call.

“Max, Ms. Martha is resisting fiercely. Unless we administer other medications, sedatives alone are insufficient, and they’re harming her health,” the voice on the other end said.

Ever since Martha suspected her food had been tampered with, she had been in a constant state of agitation. Even the doctor’s stricter measures only brought temporary relief. Once the effects wore off, Martha would refuse food altogether.

“Max, maybe you should come and talk to Ms. Martha in person. After all, you’re family.”

Max’s expression softened with a touch of resignation. His hand was resting on Brielle’s head, giving it a gentle rub before sighing. “I’ll be there in an hour.”

The doctor seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s good, Max. If this carries on, it’s tough for us too.”

After all, Martha’s status was unique, and if something went seriously wrong, no one wanted to bear the responsibility.

Max set the alarm for an hour later, then climbed into bed, pulling Brielle close as he drifted off to sleep.

By the time Brielle awoke, Max was gone. The hangover had her head pounding, and her stomach felt hollow. She glanced around, realizing she was at Premier Palace and her clothes had been changed.

After freshening up, she called Dustin, who was also nursing a hangover.

Brielle surmised that Max must have brought her back.

She checked the study but found no sign of Max, so she settled there herself. However, as she saw the media frenzy, her face darkened.

The Clements and the Rowland families were discussing a marriage alliance. The photos showed the two families meeting, smiling and joyful.

Brielle found it ironic–Aubree was still in the hospital, and the Clements seemed to have forgotten her existence. They were even discussing Andrew’s marriage, and hadn’t considered bringing Aubree back.

Brielle’s lips pressed tightly together as she watched a video of reporters interviewing Tessa, asking about the impending good news.

Tessa beamed, her lips curving up at the corners. “Yes, Andrew and I grew up together. It was only a matter of time.”

Tessa’s sweet smile at the mention of childhood sweethearts made Brielle want to smash the screen.

She grabbed her car keys and headed straight for the hospital.

Aubree was still admitted, and Brielle had previously instructed the hospital to block all external news and hide all information about Aubree’s stay.

When she arrived, Aubree was staring out the window at the blue sky, white clouds, and distant skyscrapers.

Brielle saw Aubree’s silhouette and felt a prickling heat behind her eyes. Her throat felt choked, and after steeling herself, she finally spoke. “Aubree, how about we go on a vacation? It’s the perfect season for skiing.”

Aubree turned slowly, like an old machine being cranked to life. In just a day, she had 12:10 become more gaunt, her cheeks hollowed.

Seeing her like this made Brielle’s heart ache.

Aubree’s lips were cracked and bloodied–a stark contrast to her usual glamorous self, who would never allow herself to be caught looking less than perfect, even when drunk at home.

“Bri, I’ve read John’s script, and filming is starting soon. He’s happy with me and Ricardo. We’re going to shoot in seclusion, right? I want to play this role. Please, let me do it?”

She needed to leave something behind in this world. She didn’t want to reach life’s final moment, only to realize she had never truly lived.