Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 416

Max wasn’t surprised, really. After all, Ryan had always been the black sheep, a playboy whose escapades were the talk of the town. Poor Faith, the cuckoo in her nest, probably didn’t even know the count anymore.

However, Faith had the patience of a saint. She turned a blind eye because she adored Ryan, and he had only one son, Spencer, so she chose to overlook his dalliances.

But an illegitimate child? That was a whole different can of worms.

Back in the day, Michael had his fair share of lovers, but only those he permitted could have his children. Even with his wandering eye, Michael never let any of those nameless flings cause the scandal of a bastard child. The Dorsey family despised nothing more than the stain of illegitimacy.

And now Ryan, fresh back at Dorsey International, had stirred up this hornet’s nest. It seemed this woman was playing for keeps.

Max frowned, and Michael’s stern voice carried on. “Max, your brother has really crossed the line this time. His affairs are one thing, but a bastard child? That’s a stain on the Dorsey family legacy we simply cannot abide.”

“Father, we all know the rules. A child born without our blessing cannot be part of the Dorsey lineage.*

Michael’s eyes were cold as he massaged his temples. “I’ll see to it that the child is taken care of. Keep an eye on Ryan at Dorsey International.”

“Understood.”

side, couldn’t shake the weight of the words–‘a child born without our blessing cannot be

lashes fluttered down, her mind reeling in a void.

status? I told her, she’d

blot on the Dorsey

tried to tune it out, but each word Max

mind.

everyone would assume she was just like that woman,

her so out of sorts, and he found it amusing, pinching her earlobe affectionately.

Chapter 416

something?”

to reality, shaking

now would clue Max in on her unease. She forced a smile. “I’m going

was still buried in work and pulled her into a hug, pressing a kiss to her

after a shower, she examined her stomach in the mirror