Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Alivia stood in the silent room, her heart oddly calm as she processed everything that had transpired. From the moment Martha had declared her willingness to trade her life for Alivia's union with Max, Alivia had internally prepared herself. She had asked herself countless times if she would accept such an offer once it was presented.

The truth was, Alivia was more than willing. In her eyes, any sacrifice made for her relationship with Max was a sacrifice worth making.

Martha had drifted into sleep, and Alivia rose from her bedside, stepping out into the corridor. She peeled off her protective gear and handed it to a nearby nurse with a nonchalant air as if she hadn't just been contemplating the gravity of life and death.

All eyes from the Dorsey family turned to her, a mix of concern and curiosity in their gazes. But Alivia wasn't shaken. She might as well have been discussing the weather when she said, "Martha only had a few things to say about me and Max. Don't worry. She's feeling quite content now."

She turned to Max, who stood silent, his stoic demeanor unbroken, while the others let out sighs of relief.

Victoria hesitantly approached the attending doctor. "How long does she need to stay in the ICU?"

"At most three days. We're not sure what might happen, so please be prepared for any outcome," the doctor responded cautiously.

Victoria nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Despite her strained relationship with Martha, Martha was still Victoria's mother, and concern was inevitable. Martha had lavished all her affection and attention on her son, Max, leaving Victoria to linger in the shadows.

As the daughter of a family that valued sons, Victoria's longing for attention had never been satisfied by her father, Michael. The Dorsey name provided her with a prestigious status and wealth but not the emotional fulfillment she craved. This emotional void made her cling to Everett when he appeared in her life as if he could make up for all she had lacked.

had caused both her and Everett years

locking onto Max. "Max, what are you going to do about

implication was clear-it was time

away. "I will

there and did nothing to stop it. Can you

came to speaking his mind, Michael was always the sharpest knife in the

with you aren't pure. You two aren't suitable for each other, but you wouldn't

his cane, made his way out. The rest of the Dorsey family followed, leaving only Victoria and

to physical contact, she thought better of it. "Max, Mother really despises Brieffe, and honestly, I have to ask, does it have to

Everett?" Max shot

a mix of anger and

not do this now. Max isn't in the best state of mind, either. Let's give each other

Alivia's hand,

only wanted Max to be happy. But now, I can't help but think that if you were with him, our family wouldn't be in such disarray. Max has always been so untouchable, but because of Brielle,

in their world. Max used to be admired and almost worshipped, but now, his name conjured up images of Brielle and her less-than-ideal family background. It was as if she