Chapter 13

Brielle dismissed the barrage of notifications on her phone with a flick of her thumb, “Patrick, could you stop at the next intersection, please?” Her tone was indifferent, laced with a weariness that seemed to seep into the bir around her.

Through the rearview mirror, Patrick tried to glean some sort of cue from Max’s expression, a sign of what he might be thinking, but his face was impassive. As they reached the crossroads, he obeyed the request and brought the car to a smooth halt.

Brielle clutched the box a little tighter, a flicker of disappointment crossing her mind. She had half-expected Max to ask her to stay, but he remained seated, his demeanor as detached as a statue devoid of emotion.

“Uncle Max, not even a goodbye?” she teased, resting against the window, her long hair falling around her face, making it seem even smaller. Her eyes caught the reflection of the vibrant streetlights, beautiful and clear. She was just joking, and before waiting for a response, she walked across the pedestrian walkway, carrying her box.

Max watched her in silence, his gaze lingering long after she’d faded from view.

She was like a wounded animal, licking its injuries alone, trying to bristle with soft spines to protect the last remnants of its.dignity amidst the turmoil.

Brielle walked with her back straight, only slowing her pace when she was out of the reach of that penetrating gaze.

Her apartment was close by. The chill of the evening breeze was just what she needed. Hope only bred greater disappointment.

her phone cut through her thoughts. It was Spencer calling this time. Anxious

softly and

through. Probably Spencer again. Those two

noticed a new email in her inbox instead, an

her eyes widened in disbelief as she read and reread

message.

she being

was a hint of trepidation, fearing she might

16.05

hadn’t arrived at the Premier Palace yet. He sent it from the car? Imagining him with a stern face, typing each word of

–[Reward.]

response, yet it oddly warmed her

this you playing

She had left feeling suffocated, and now she had an opportunity to return and

families could wait. For now, the thrill of the moment was what

she was surprised to receive another email, containing

long acquaintance, and in her thirteen years with the

made the disappointment more glaring. Spencer was nothing,

Uncle Max, I am ready to devote

enjoying this odd game they played. Max seemed to have a peculiar fondness for

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