Chapter 681

Just a few words seemed enough to let Brielle’s imagination fill in all the remaining details, but Brielle was exceptionally cautious and serious when it came to matters involving Max. She wouldn’t suspect him into the proverbial lion’s den without hard evidence.

She also opted not to contact him over the phone because she understood all too well that when two people were in love and at odds, even the slightest disturbance could set the other off.

Even the pause between breaths, hesitation could easily be misconstrued. Hurt could be easily inflicted through a screen, so it was always better to ask questions face–to–face.

“I’m his girlfriend.”

After Brielle said this, she saw a flash of oddness cross Annie’s eyes. “Max has a girlfriend?”

Brielle couldn’t tell whether Annie was acting or genuinely unaware of her presence in Max’s life. Since she didn’t feel any hostility from Annie, she didn’t rebut every word with relentless counter–arguments.

“Yeah.”

Annie looked down, a smile in her eyes, but her words carried a hint of confusion. “How could he have a girlfriend?”

Realizing the inappropriateness of her comment, she quickly looked up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything against you. It’s just that my godfather never mentioned Max having a girlfriend.”

Brielle kept a smile on her face, her tone even. “Well, now you know.”

“The scarf last night…”

Annie paused for a few seconds before tentatively continuing, “Did you knit the scarf Max wore?”

“Yes.” Brielle had no intention of lying. She was curious to see what Annie really wanted to say.

“I’ll bring it back to you this afternoon. I didn’t know it was your handiwork.” Annie bowed slightly, a sincere gesture.

“No need. I gave it to Max, so it’s his to do with as he pleases.” Brielle’s tone remained steady as she reached the private elevator.

Annie pressed the elevator button for her. “When Max wakes up, I’ll let him know you were here.”

*Thanks.”

Brielle stepped into the elevator. Her brow furrowed only when the doors began to close.

In the hallway near the emergency exit, Annie couldn’t suppress a laugh, tugging at her own face. She was acting more and more like Brielle.

Max was not actually in the resting room, but she was certain Brielle wouldn’t check. And even if she did, Annie had a hundred ways to clear her name. She licked her lips with the tip of her tongue.

Initially, Annie was reluctant to take on this task. After all, she had genuinely earned her teaching pos youngest female professor. She had no desire to play house with these people.

+ Harvard and was the Her life was full of thrills and excitement. She never considered others. She even found Alivia’s hypocrisy somewhat distasteful.

But after agreeing to cooperate, the thrill of acting in front of everyone was exhilarating. She planned to work hard to drive a wedge between the couple, to drive Ricardo away from Brielle, so that she could treat Brielle like a pet.

Annie’s treatment to pets were exceptionally cruel. She would pluck the feathers from a parrot that prided itself or feed a noble Persian cat rotten dead rats instead of kibble.

Pets were nothing more than cheap tools to satisfy her whims. She never saw Brielle as a person.

Brielle didn’t leave Dorsey Tower immediately. She knew how exhausted Max had been lately. She stopped by a nearby hotel to pick up a what’s up hearty chicken soup, intending to deliver it herself. But just before stepping into the elevator, she got a call from Dustin. “Bri, with your friend? She was crying her eyes out all night like it was the end of the world, and now she’s all perky, ready to shoot a film. Is she bipolar or what?”

Before Brielle could respond, Aubree retorted in the background. “Mr. Lynch, could you not diagnose someone with bipolar disorder to their face, please?”

Aubree’s voice was hoarse, barely audible, indicating she had indeed cried most of the night. Brielle felt a tightness in her chest. With only three days left to Andrew and Tessa’s wedding, many had received their invitations, and knowing Tessa, she’d likely send one to Aubree, too.

After ending the call, Dustin sent a message. [I’m not being an alarmist, but she’s really not okay. You better keep a close eye on her these next few days.]

He sent a message to prevent Aubree from eavesdropping.

[Bri she was calling out for Andrew all night long.]