Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 444

Andrew couldn’t fathom how someone like Max, who he thought was oblivious to matters of the heart, could possess such insight. It was true–Max wasn’t well–versed in emotions, but he had eyes that saw clearer than most.

Society had always been harsh on women, especially within the elite echelons, where it seemed a woman’s role was to fawn over men.

Within such circles, infidelity in married men was so commonplace it barely raised eyebrows. Elders would advise the women to be patient, assuring them that the wandering husbands would return home once the novelty wore off. A wife who couldn’t accept such behavior was labeled as lacking understanding.

Flip the script, however, and a woman who strayed was considered unforgivable, a stain on male pride. Her husband wouldn’t hesitate to kick her to the curb and find another.

For Max, when it came to Brielle, there were no such calculations of what should be or questions of dignity. The array of emotions Brielle stirred in him was novel, yet not unwelcome. She made him feel enriched in ways he hadn’t known, but also more wanting.

Max was high above everyone else, but he never demanded Brielle to stand on tiptoes to reach him.

After a long silence, Andrew couldn’t contain himself. “Max, what you feel for Brielle–is it affection, or love?”

The difference was monumental.

because he loved her. But Max and Brielle had only known each

the question, “It’s affection,” he said after a brief

it was more burdensome than

Andrew thought it was good that for men, affection was a shallow thing. Something so easily drowned in a few extra beers or

as a canary. And there was

attention and love. Women fall in love through their ears–they just want to hear sweet nothings.

recognizing his friend’s tactics

Brielle was

1/2

11:43

Chapter 444

If Brielle has feelings for you, she’ll be influenced by that. How about this–in a week, some of our friends are heading to a vacation lodge for a barbecue. It will be

affluent set, a chance to build connections that could lead to strategic marriages.

smirk. “Don’t worry, I’ll vet the invitees. No

do his best to protect her from harm. However, the purpose of Brielle hiding the

respected her