Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

She sank back into her car seat. The string of numbers on her phone screen pressed on her chest like a weight, making it hard to breathe. Her heart was a chaotic mess. She was already leaning toward believing James. Their brief encounters had painted him as

someone who didn't seem capable of deceit.

If that was true, then she had inadvertently dragged James into this mess. Martha had targeted James as a way to get at her.

From a moral perspective, Brielle felt the need to help James out of this tight spot, but doing so would mean going against the entire Dorsey family, including Max.

Every piece of evidence, from the video footage to the statements of bystanders, only showed James as the aggressor. His face twisted in anger as he acted out. Michael had already given his orders. No quarter would be given to the Fox family. They would all head straight for jail.

Was it Brielle's fault that the Fox family was on the brink of ruin?

Exhaustion washed over Brielle, a deep, soul-sapping weariness.

Her phone rang at that moment, breaking through her fatigue. It was Kenzo checking on the progress of her speech.

With all this happening, how could she focus on attending the centennial celebration at her alma mater? She'd have to miss it, regretfully.

"Kenzo, I can't make it, I'm sorry. Someone else will have to deliver the speech."

There was a brief pause on the other end before Kenzo asked softly, "Did something happen?"

Brielle felt a sudden urge to cry but held it back.

"It's nothing. Where are you? I'll bring the speech over."

"I'm at the entrance of Stellar Stage Entertainment. I'll wait for you inside."

Reluctantly, Brielle drove to Stellar Stage Entertainment.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

The company had been running smoothly lately, thanks to the numerous meetings she'd conducted. The next few days weren't going to be as hectic. Except for the leading man in Kenzo's script-that still needed some attention.

All Stellar Stage Entertainment had to do was wait for John's movie to wrap up and hit the screens, marking their first big splash in the entertainment industry.

Brielle entered the lobby and spotted Kenzo immediately.

He sat by a window. The receptionists recognized him and eagerly served him tea. He was the screenwriter of the moment, rarely seen in interviews, releasing only one script a year. Stellar Stage Entertainment had snapped up this year's script. Here he was in the flesh, suggesting a close rapport with Ms. Haywood.

The receptionists sneaked glances at Kenzo but quickly composed themselves when Brielle walked in.

Brielle's gaze swept the room, and after spotting Kenzo, she made her way over. "Kenzo."

She handed him the speech, apologizing as she did so.

The speech was commissioned by the school and needed personal touches. If not for this mess, she'd definitely have attended the centennial celebration at Beaconsfield College.

The issue at hand was just too pressing. There was no way she could go now.

"It's okay, the dean has other candidates. Are you dealing with some troubles?"

Brielle looked down and forced a smile. "Just a bit busy. I have to head back to Premier Palace now, so I can't stay. I'll treat you to dinner next time to make it up to you."

II

"Brielle, you don't have to be so formal with me. Kenzo's voice was still gentle as he stood up. "Still, if it's possible, please stop by

Beaconsfield College on the day of the celebration. It's their centenary, after all. Many of your former teachers will be there."

Brielle blinked wearily. "I'll try."

After Kenzo left, Brielle sat there, lost in thought, until her phone rang again. This time, Patrick asked her to visit the sanatorium. Frowning, Brielle knew Martha was awake and certainly didn't want to see her. So what was she needed for at the sanatorium?

Despite her confusion, she went. That was when she learned Martha had woken up, spoken to Max, and then asked to speak with Brielle herself. But just minutes before Brielle arrived, Martha had fallen back to sleep, delaying their talk.

"Ms. Martha has fallen asleep again. You'll have to wait," Patrick said with his usual courtesy, exhaling deeply "Mr. Max is resting. He barely slept

last night and had meetings all

morning. He's only just laid down."

BUMS

Brielle nodded, intending to check on Max. Patrick didn't stop her.

She found Max's room spacious, akin to a presidential suite in a five-star hotel. Max was asleep in the main bedroom, his laptop still aglow on the coffee table. Brielle settled onto a sofa without disturbing him, waiting for him to wake.

Half an hour later, she heard him on the phone inside.

"Make sure he rots in prison with no chance for appeal. As for Kingston and his wife, their petty thefts alone are enough to get them convicted."

The words sent a chill through Brielle, and she stiffened.