Chapter 114


    Brielle was familiar with thepany Book and wasn’t quite sure if Max’s interest was intentional or


    idental. After all, Book’s operations were strikingly simr to Alpha’s. Was he considering investing


    in Book? If that was the case, Alpha was definitely out of the running. Ryan’s little show was over


    before it even began.


    The thought of Ryan’s misfortune brought a wicked smile to Brielle’s face. She spent an evening


    gathering information on Book, but her schadenfreude was cut short when she saw Alivia’s name


    among the rted personnel. The rumors online seemed to be true–Max was ready to spend a fortune


    for hisdy love. It was probably the first time in Max’s career that his heart weighed in on a business


    decision.


    Brielle felt a brief pang of jealousy, but she shook it off and put together aprehensive file.


    The next morning, after rubbing her tired eyes, she sent the file off. Even after a long nap, there was no


    response from Max.


    Not wanting to wait passively for a message, she decided to keep herself busy. After tidying up her


    apartment, she nced at the fridge. It was as empty as a ghost town, which gave her the perfect


    excuse to head out.


    Slipping into her jacket, Brielle was about to leave when she caught a local news update about


    Sunflower Children’s Home. Her heart skipped a beat, and she rushed out to her car.


    The home wasn’t in the heart of Beaconsfield but rather on the outskirts–a two–hour drive


    away.


    She left at seven and arrived by nine. The familiar sight of the long, sycamore–lined street leading to


    the home, with its warmly lit windows, brought a sense of warmth to her heart.


    Parking outside, Brielle noticed several older kids sitting on the steps, wiping away tears. Upon seeing


    Brielle, they put up a cautious front, arms spread out as if to block the entrance.


    “Who are you? What do you want?”


    During her first year on the job, she had visited the home. The children had been so weing, but


    now all she saw in their eyes was wariness. She had rushed over without any sweets and had to


    exin, “I’m looking for the director. What happened here?”


    One of the boys, with his rosy cheeks stained by tears, realized Brielle meant no harm and his eyes


    reddened further. “Some drunk guys showed up and started shoving us around. Thank goodness the


    director shielded us, otherwise…” His voice trailed off into sobs.


    Brielle hurried inside and saw the director, Mark, in his seventies, bandaged arm and all, consoling a


    crying toddler with an apple.


    “Mark!” She called out and quickly strode over.


    Mark stood up, and his eyes lit up when he saw her, “Brielle, what brings you here?”


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    Chapter 114


    She felt a lump in her throat, noticing a bunch of roses by the window–a tradition of the director, who


    loved to grow roses in the plot behind the home, and kept fish in a small pond. This haven of tranquility


    was her personal utopia.


    Even in the toughest of times, when meals were scarce, and despite witnessing many so–called elites


    with ulterior motives, this ce remained a beacon of beauty. That was why Brielle never hesitated to


    donate her monthly sry, keeping just enough for living expenses. She would even sign a dubious


    contract with Faith for the sake of this kind man and his children.


    “I saw the news and couldn’t rest easy until I checked on you.”


    Mark chuckled and gestured to a chair, “It was nothing serious, just a few drunks causing trouble.


    They’ve been taken away and won’te back. Brielle, you’re even more beautiful than thest time I


    saw you.”


    “Lillian was here just a moment ago. You girls, always worrying me. You should’ve called before


    coming.”


    Brielle’s stomach churned at the mention of Lillian’s name. The director thought they were still as close


    as sisters, speaking with such affection.


    “Lillian was so thoughtful, even brought her boyfriend along.”


    Brielle nced at the pile of gifts on the table, undoubtedly from Lillian, who always had impable


    presentation. Compared to Brielle, Lillian indeed seemed more considerate, but Brielle didn’t care, nor


    did she want to discuss dirty secrets in front of the director.


    “Director, it’s not safe for you to be here alone. Maybe I should look into hiring some security guards.”


    Just as she finished speaking, the children’s excited voices could be heard from the entrance.


    “Lillian, you’re back!”


    “Are those guys with you bodyguards?”


    Their innocent voices were filled with joy and a touch of coaxing. Then came Lillian’sforting words,


    “Yes, after tonight’s scare, I was worried about your safety. So, I arranged for some security guards to


    come. They’ll protect you if anyone tries to cause trouble again.”


    Of course, Lillian had enlisted Spencer’s help for the bodyguards.