Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 431

Alivia thought for sure that Brielle would be a bundle of nerves, maybe even shoot Max some subtle, desperate looks. But from start to finish, Brielle was the picture of composure.

The cooler she remained, the more Alivia felt like a jester, juggling her emotions for naught.

A flash of bitterness crossed Alivia’s eyes as she tilted her head up to Max and said, “Since you’ve brought Ms. Brielle along. I’ll skip going in. You must want her to meet your mum, right? I’d just be a third wheel. I’ll swing by this afternoon.”

H

To any guy, it sounded like the epitome of understanding – faultlessly so. It was at this moment that Brielle realized Alivia could play the game far better than she had expected.

Such a woman was truly formidable.

Hearing Alivia’s words, Max simply nodded. Alivia flashed a smile at Brielle, a cursory greeting of sorts, before making a swift exit.

The moment she turned away, her face twisted slightly. The thought of Brielle carrying a child and the possibility of Max finding out any minute now, had her on pins and needles.

She bowed her head and shot a text to Martha. [Aunt Martha, Max has brought that woman to see you. I think I’ll stay away to avoid being a burden. If you need someone to chat with, just holler.]

she’d been all magnanimity, but in her message to Martha, she played the pity card to the hilt.

Alivia wasn’t concerned about Marthal actually getting sick. A meltdown would

stood at the door. Max pushed it open and saw Martha by the window, phone

hand.

over, Max asked, “Mother, feeling any better today?”

Martha’s gaze

slicing past him to land squarely on Brielle, but it was fleeting, and her expression quickly softened. “Better, thanks to Alivia. She found some caretakers to keep me company. They’re quite the chatterboxes.”

to Brielle, giving her a thorough once–over. Brielle frowned, sensing a

asked, delicately sipping tea from a nearby cup.

International. Thought I’d bring her by to see you,” Max replied.

a wave of scorn well up inside her. Was this the seductress who had bewitched Max? Sure, she was

11:46

Chapter 431

Max had been tricked by her allure. Her heart twisted uncomfortably at the thought of the text she’d received from Alivia,

had picked out, and there was no

Martha realized that the more she resisted, the likelier Max was to ignore her completely. He’d always been independent, with his own way

by his side, you must be quite capable. Max, the doctor had a word with me this morning about some new medication. He said to have a word with you when you arrived.”