Chapter 461

Birgitte woke up and realized something big had happened overnight. Because of the acid attack by one of Grace’s crazed fans, Birgitte already had some old drama tied to her name. With insiders spreading the details, everyone online was waiting for the next juicy update.

Before Birgitte could even respond, news broke that Hugo had snuck into the TV station in the middle of the night. Then, Hugo and Grace’s conversation leaked online.

Grace’s fans started speaking up for her: [What does this have to do with Grace? Is it her job to control her fans?]

[And he calls himself a public servant? The way he acted, I honestly thought he was about to kill someone!]

[Honestly, what did Grace even do wrong? Hugo and Birgitte weren’t even dating. Is it a crime to go after someone you like?]

Hugo’s special status only made things messier. He barged into the TV station without a shred of evidence and then laid his hands on Grace during their confrontation. Even if he didn’t hurt Grace, his behavior was just way too controversial.

Birgitte, who should’ve been the clear victim, suddenly found herself unable to defend her side. Thanks to all the chaos Hugo stirred up, the truth eventually got muddled.

“Look at this mess you’ve made!” In the office, the chief slammed a thick stack of files down in front of Hugo. “These are all reports filed against you!”

Hugo stayed silent. Meanwhile, the chief was fuming. Hugo was from the Moore family in Rithol City, and everyone knew he was supposed to be heading for a promotion sooner or later. “You were way too reckless this time.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong. No matter how you look at it, Grace is the main suspect in this case,” Hugo finally argued.

“If she’s a suspect, you should go through the proper channels!” the chief snapped. “Who barges into someone’s workplace in the middle of the night like that? What were you trying to do? Threaten or coerce her?”

Hugo moved his lips slightly. “I’ll take full responsibility.”

“Take full responsibility? And how do you plan to do that?” the chief shot back.

“A transfer, or a demotion. Whatever is in line with the rules. Do it,” Hugo said calmly. He saluted, then turned and walked out, ignoring the chief, who was so furious he looked like he might pass out.

At that moment, Hugo only wanted to break the rules for once. After all, he got relevant evidence from a colleague.

At the hospital, Birgitte brought Patrick breakfast. “Birgitte, I saw all the stuff going on online,” Patrick said.

His back was still injured, so moving around was tough. Birgitte wasn’t the sentimental type. She knew the only reason she was safe and sound was because of what he’d done. She carefully fed him one spoonful at a time.

“You don’t need to worry about it. I’ll take care of things,” Birgitte said.

Patrick stared at her, his voice a little shaky. “Birgitte, what I mean is…”

“I didn’t save you just because I happened to be there. I did it because I like you!” he said, finally confessing.

Patrick was a few years younger than her, with fresh, boyish good looks. He was the type who’d be popular on any college campus.

Birgitte was stunned. She never in a million years expected him to have feelings for her.

“I’m serious,” Patrick went on, “back when I was in school, I already knew all about you. I looked up to you so much. After I graduated, all I wanted was to work at Bree Technology. I got so lucky, you were the one who interviewed me, and I…”

His smile lit up his whole face, as if he’d forgotten about the pain in his back. “I feel lucky I could take that bottle of acid for you. If it had hit you instead, I’d never forgive myself.”

It felt as if something inside Birgitte just melted. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t moved. Birgitte found herself staring at Patrick, lost in thought. The memory of him holding her close that day, shielding her from even the slightest harm, replayed in her mind.

“I…” she spoke, but before she could say anything else, there was a clanking sound.

“Seems like I picked the wrong time to come in,” Hugo said.

Both of them turned to see Hugo standing at the doorframe.

The sound came from the fruit basket slipping out of his hands and hitting the floor. The fruit scattered everywhere, just like his mood, smashed into pieces.