Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

After Andrew left, his phone buzzed.

"Mr. Clements, we've got some news. That guy's company is about to go public. There's a play for us here."

Taking a company public is a crucial time, and that guy's been hanging around Aubree like a bad penny.

Andrew had an epiphany; he couldn't just sit on the sidelines anymore. If someone was trying to take what was his, he had to fight to protect it.

He needed to get Matthew out of Beaconsfield. If Matthew's company hit some bumps, he'd surely have to leave town.

A steely determination flashed in Andrew's eyes.

"Let's do it."

After hashing out some plans, the call ended.

Sitting in his car, Andrew was hit by a wave of exhaustion.

But then he remembered that kiss with Aubree. He couldn't help but touch his lips, a small smile playing on his face.

Yet, the memory of her getting sick afterward wiped the smile away, leaving a pang of hurt.

Just then, Jaired called, inviting him for a drink. With his mind in a whirl, Andrew decided to join.

When he arrived, the place was buzzing. Bryan, Ricardo, and even Joseph were there.

Joseph found Beaconsfield pretty dull. He'd been waiting for his boss, King, to return, but nothing yet.

Tired of Patrick, the scheming eunuch, flaunting his newfound power, Joseph started hanging with this crew and was now less eager to head back to North America.

Back in the day with King, his life had been all about fights and feuds, not much room for friendships.

Now, with these new pals, he never missed a drinking session.

Jaired, being single and with time on his hands, was the most carefree of the group. Bryan was busy with Irene and the kids, Ricardo had filming, and Joseph occasionally had to go back to deal with Patrick. But Jaired? He spent his days organizing get-togethers. Every time they drank, Jaired would vent about Dustin.

"That guy's something else, right? Told me he'd stay single with me, then boom-he's got a son and a daughter."

As Jaired ranted, a sense of injustice simmered within him.

Why should North America's most eligible bachelor settle down? "You guys get his wedding invite?"

Everyone nodded, and Jaired felt even more out of sorts.

"What about your sister, Kailee, Joseph? Think we could hit it off?"

Joseph rolled his eyes. "You're too late. Someone's already snagged her."

Jaired had once traveled to Africa with Max and got to know Joseph, hearing all about his sweet but gullible sister.

Not knowing his own type, Jaired

had

girl like Kailee would.

easy

trustinght maybe a simple, to manage, like a port belongs to en.kikisto

But now that she was taken, he was gutted, especially since he had to cook for Irene's family, adding to his frustration.

"So, even the naïve girl's off the market, huh? Surprised she's not worried about getting played."

Joseph shot him another dismissive look. "Her fiancé's solid. Works in a research institute, comes from a top medical equipment family in North America. Other than his taste in women, I got no beef with him."

Jaired downed his drink, feeling the sting of missed chances.

He turned to Andrew, finding a bit of comfort.

"At least if you all tie the knot, I'll still have Andrew to hang with."

Already fuming, Andrew retorted, "Get lost."

Jaired chuckled, unfazed. "Hit a nerve? Heard about the drama at the party, Aubree getting around."

Tension spiked, and Joseph and

Bryan

the stepped in to diffuse

the situation, with Bryan even forcing a bottle of liquor downnoveldrama

Jaired's throat.

Not a friendly gesture, more like a silencer, leaving everyone else in shock at Jaired's potential peril.

"Ugh, cough, cough!"

Jaired sputtered, the booze hitting him like a truck, leaving him dazed.

Bryan, looking apologetic, set the bottle aside and gave Andrew a sheepish glance.

"Sorry about that. Just ignore him, alright? He's talking nonsense."