Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

She started to say no right away, but her thoughts drifted to the wide open American prairies, the distant wolf howls at night, and the rush of youthful energy from those memories. Her cheeks warmed up, leaving her unsure of her decision.

Then Matthew said, "Take your time. Let me know your decision when I'm back."

Some things are just too hard to say face-to-face. It's like when couples argue over texts, making it seem like the end of the world, but a hug in person could fix everything. Yet they still choose to shout through their screens. "Alright."

After the call, Aubree found herself staring at the dessert on her coffee table. Sweets weren't her thing, especially since she had to stay in shape as a celebrity. She didn't open it and instead, on a whim, put it in the fridge, unsure of how it would be in the morning but hoping it wouldn't spoil.

Thinking she'd be up all night, she was surprised when she fell asleep quickly. But in the middle of the night, she woke to voices outside her window.

At first, she thought it was a dream, but the voices grew louder. She shot up, glimpsing a shadow move past her window. Terrified, she locked her door and double-checked the window locks.

Back in bed, she was trembling, unsure if it was all a dream or reality. She kept her eyes on the window all night, but as daylight broke, nobody had come in, and her back was slick with cold sweat.

The villa had excellent security, so she reached out to management to check the surveillance footage. Soon, the video was on her phone.

There really had been two sketchy figures sneaking around last night. Her face turned pale with fear, and she didn't know who to call. She needed someone with her, preferably a guy.

It just so happened she was chatting with Matthew on WhatsApp and casually mentioned what happened. She wondered if it was some crazy fan and realized she wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.

Aubree should've been resting at the

house set up by the film crew, but she'd been in such a good mood that she finished three days of filming ahead of schedule. Casey gave her a day off, not expecting this kind of drama.

She'd already called the police, but being a public figure meant this kind of news would spread fast online. After the police left, she was surprised by a knock at her door.

"Ricardo?" she exclaimed.

"Aubree."

Ricardo stood there with a suitcase. "Someone hired me to be your bodyguard for a few days, to keep an eye on the place."

Aubree was shocked and listened as

Ricardo explained who he was. She

had no idea this actor she had

worked with, someone she got along with, was actually a hitman? noveldrama

In a daze, she finally asked, "So, this kind of work really exists?"

Ricardo, as he tidied his clothes and smoothly pulled out a dagger, assured her, "Don't worry. With me here, no one's going to harm you."

"Was it Matthew who sent you?"

Ricardo nodded. "Mr. Matthew has hired me for jobs abroad before. He's not as simple as he seems."

The jobs Ricardo hinted at involved taking lives. As Ricardo said, Matthew wasn't that innocent.

Aubree fell silent, starting to wonder if Matthew knew about the incident. If Matthew and Ricardo were acquainted, then Ricardo was there when it happened.