Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 244

Max had pondered the question before, back when his response would’ve been a no–brainer, al surefire “Yes.” But now, as he wrestled with the inquiry, a different face flickered through his mind. He frowned in confusion. It had been a while since he’d been out here, and Brielle hadn’t even made a phone call or sent a message. And him? He’d been so tangled up in a web of endless tasks that he realized it’d been days since they last connected.

“Alivia, I’ve been clear from the start. It I fall for someone, I won’t marry you. I told you not to

wait for me.”

He’d turned her down before, but if everyone thought Alivia had been waiting for him all these years, it would pressure the Dorsey family. It would paint him as a promise–breaker, when he’d never made any promises.

Relief washed over Alivia. She always knew Max didn’t quite grasp the concept of liking. someone. If he was saying this, he clearly wasn’t interested in anyone at the moment. “I get it. Max. Don’t worry. I won’t push you.”

Max raised a hand to his temple, rubbing wearily. Even after downing a coffee, exhaustion clung to him. He shuffled toward the break room, expecting Alivia to take her leave. But she didn’t. Instead, she settled into a seat inside.

Max only shed his blazer before succumbing to sleep quickly. When he sensed someone nearing, his eyes snapped open, his body on high alert.

stood just a step away, her plan to snap a sneaky selfie with him while he slept now thwarted. She pointed awkwardly at the

icy. “Get

pressed together in silent frustration as

reached out beside him,

to sleep and pulled out his

night, and her

sending one question

three.

message, and none received a

proving more effective than the strongest espresso. He rose, returning to his desk to tackle the paperwork, his irritation mounting.

14:26

Chapter 244

buzzing silently in the dead of night. When she finally checked it upon waking. Max’s messages were hours old.

a call from the office, “Ms. Haywood, we have a meeting with some senior executives this noon regarding the bidding matter. The time is at eleven