Chapter 323


    *I didn’t know, so I didn’t prepare a gift or anything in advance, but here, this is for you.” He handed her


    a tiny jewelry box, probably containing a ne or something simr.


    Brielle tried to decline quickly. “No need, really, thank you.”


    Kenzo chuckled and ced it in her hands anyway. “I was nning to give it to my sister, but got held


    up and couldn’t go back. Running into you must be fate, so take it.”


    To push further would be impolite, so Brielle epted it with gratitude. “Thank you.”


    Hanging out with Kenzo wasn’t awkward, but Brielle was still curious. What was Kenzo doing here? It


    seemed too much of a coincidence.


    Perhaps her confusion was too apparent, as Kenzo offered a light–hearted smile. “A family member


    has been feeling under the weather, and a buddy mentioned this ce is quite miraculous. Since I


    happened to be out of town, it was convenient toe by.”


    That exined it.


    “You’re so thoughtful. I’m sure your family will bounce back in no time.”


    As they chatted, they continued walking inside, just as a priest came out to invite them for a meal.


    Brielle had just taken a seat at the table when Kenzo’s phone rang. Without stepping away, he


    answered the call. “Alivia?”


    Brielle’s hand paused mid–motion, and then she quickly pretended to be engrossed in her food.


    Kenzoughed softly. “Dining with Max? How is it? I can’t make it back now; I’ll probably return


    tomorrow. Ran into an old friend and decided to stay another night, yeah.”


    Brielle was worried Kenzo might’ve mentioned her by name. It wasn’t guilt she felt but rather a desire


    not to draw further attention from Alivia. Noah’s reaction the other day had made it clear he was acting


    under Alivia’s influence. That meant Brielle had already caught Alivia’s eye. And since her involvement


    with Max had ended, there was no reason for Brielle to remain a target of Alivia’s spite.


    Fortunately, Kenzo didn’t bring her up during the call. Brielle let out a sigh of relief and quietly continued


    with her meal, but she couldn’t help but notice that the rice seemed to have taken on a bitter taste.


    From the snippets of Kenzo’s conversation, Brielle deduced that Alivia was with the Dorsey family and


    that they were likely dining together, which was why Max hadn’t been able to join her at the Radiant


    Light Church.


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    “Let’s talk about the engagement when I get back. It all depends on how you and Max feel,


    Chapter 323


    Alivia. What’s meant to be will always find a way.”


    Kenzo spoke with calm assurance. Even just hearing him talk, made Brielle feel envious of Alivia for


    having such a brother.


    With his distinguished family background, impressive education, and good looks–just as Tiffanie


    Harkins had said–Alivia truly was a golden girl.


    After hanging up. Kenzo noticed Brielle had only nibbled at her food and slid a te of greens her way.


    “If you fancy a burger or steak, there’s a ce on the next hill over. The blossoms therest longer than


    anywhere else. Maybe we’ll see a whole hillside of wildflowers. I n to snap a few shots. Care to


    join?”


    A photography trip?


    Kenzo, being a screenwriter, was always hunting for inspiration. Brielle’s eyes lit up with envy. and all


    traces of her earlier despondency were gone. “Is it really that beautiful?”


    Kenzo feigned contemtion before breaking into a grin. “Well, I find it beautiful. I’ve been there


    before. It’s not a tourist spot, untouched by developers. The hotel there is owned by a friend. It’s


    exclusive and doesn’t open to the public.”


    “I’d love to go. Thanks.”


    Brielle’s spirits lifted, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation.


    Kenzo’s gaze flickered, then shifted away. “Finish up, and we’ll head out.”


    Brielle nodded, forced a few more bites, and dered she was full.


    They took Kenzo’s car, and Brielle had brought the ceramic urn. She volunteered an exnation, “This


    contains my grandfather’s ashes. I thought, since the ce is so beautiful, it’d be nice for him to see it


    too.”


    “You’re thoughtful. Let’s go.”


    She got into his car, and they set off toward the other hill.


    After a three–hour drive, they arrived just as the evening was setting in, with the moon shining


    unusually bright over the hills.


    The hotel Kenzo mentioned was more like a boutique lodge, beautifully secluded. Yet the owner was


    nowhere to be found, and the ce felt like a hidden paradise, only known to those led


    there by someone in the know.


    “Kenzo, where’s your friend?”


    Kenzo nced around and chuckled ruefully. “Looks like we picked the wrong time. He must be out. No


    worries, they never lock up here. There’s no one around for miles.”


    Brielle couldn’t shake a shiver of fear. What kind of person runs a hotel in such a remote mountain?


    ????