Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

As Brielle entered the office, a small frown creased her brow.

Her words were meant to rile up Daisy, but Daisy's reaction had set off alarm bells in Brielle's head. If her off-the-cuff remarks held truth, then it pointed to a scandalous secret between the Dorsey and Barnes families.

Brielle's gaze hardened. She knew she had to take the initiative and preempt any potential threats rather than remain a sitting duck as she had in the past.

She took a deep breath and dialed Mason, hoping he could facilitate a transfer of funds into her account.

The company had recently secured a funding round in the billions, and while it wasn't her personal wealth, it did represent a significant stake.

However, as Mason's accounts were overseas, the transfer process was cumbersome and would take at least two days to complete.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Brielle was planning her next moves for two days later, but come evening, her bank alerted her to an incoming transaction of twenty billion. The sum was so vast that the bank called her personally to inquire about any recent business dealings.

As Brielle was about to deny any such activities, Aubree popped up on WhatsApp with a new message.

[I sold off the Clements family stocks. Holding those shares made me a Clements family stakeholder, and I'd inevitably have to face Andrew at the shareholder meetings. By selling them, I cut the ties binding me to him. I'll be picking up my stuff in a few days, and I'm looking at getting a villa with tight security around Pearl Estate.]

[Bri, I know you're in need of money right now, more so than me. Take it. Whatever you return to me in the future will undoubtedly be more.]

From the moment Aubree met Brielle at the Haywood family gathering and saw the fear in her eyes, surrounded by a sea of insincere adults, Aubree had vowed to be Brielle's lifelong friend. They would share their fortunes and face challenges together.

Moreover, Aubree believed Brielle was the most capable woman in the world, destined for greater heights. All Aubree wanted was to be able to see Brielle's shadow from a distance.

Brielle replied to the bank and then to Aubree. [In five years, I'll return it double to you.]

This would be more valuable than any investment in the Clements Corporation.

With the funds secured, Brielle called Mason back, telling him to hold off on the transfer. Then she went downstairs, got into her car, and drove to the suburban casino.

If there were any shady dealings in Beaconsfield, the casino was bound to be a hotbed of information.

She'd overheard a secretive tip on the night she'd won at the casino. There was talk that one could buy a new identity with the right amount of cash.

The casino's enigmatic owner was so certain she'd return to him. Was it perhaps in relation to this identity purchase?

Brielle's second visit to the casino was with a sense of familiarity. As she was about to ask a waiter for information, he seemed to anticipate her arrival and bowed respectfully. "Ms. Brielle, we've been expecting you. Please follow me."

Brielle arched an eyebrow but didn't refuse, tailing him into the depths of the establishment.

If the casino's boss had wanted her dead, he could have taken his shot last time in the alley.

She had a hunch that this boss was a cunning man with deep-seated schemes, the kind who'd have

hideouts even in the most unlikely places.

Following the waiter, she entered a secluded room, veiled by heavy curtains, opening up to a spacious area.

A man wearing a silver mask reclined on a plush red sofa, swirling a glass of liquor. His lips curled into a half-smile at her.

Brielle's frown deepened. To dance with wolves, you either got devoured or used them to your advantage.

"You made it," the man's voice was husky, deliberately low.

Brielle sat beside him, her back ramrod straight. "I hear the casino offers more than just gambling. Do you deal in other ventures?"

The man squinted at her, taking her in from head to toe before chuckling softly. "So, you're looking to strike a deal?"

"Yes."

"Your stake." The man leaned back, setting his glass on the coffee table. "You know I'm not short on cash."

Brielle's gaze was steady, her striking eyes locked on his.

"Since we're talking business, I

expect you to have what I want, and

I'll provide what you desire. It's only

fair. I want to know Alivia Barnes'

true identity. And what do you want?"

The man went quiet for a second before saying, "Your kiss." "Done."

Brielle agreed readily, standing up without hesitation.