Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

She sank back into her car seat. The string of numbers on her phone screen pressed on her chest like a weight, making it hard to breathe. Her heart was a chaotic mess. She was already leaning toward believing James. Their brief encounters had painted him as

someone who didn't seem capable of deceit.

If that was true, then she had inadvertently dragged James into this mess. Martha had targeted James as a way to get at her.

From a moral perspective, Brielle felt the need to help James out of this tight spot, but doing so would mean going against the entire Dorsey family, including Max.

Every piece of evidence, from the video footage to the statements of bystanders, only showed James as the aggressor. His face twisted in anger as he acted out. Michael had already given his orders. No quarter would be given to the Fox family. They would all head straight for jail.

Was it Brielle's fault that the Fox family was on the brink of ruin?

Exhaustion washed over Brielle, a deep, soul-sapping weariness.

Her phone rang at that moment, breaking through her fatigue. It was Kenzo checking on the progress of her speech.

With all this happening, how could she focus on attending the centennial celebration at her alma mater? She'd have to miss it, regretfully.

"Kenzo, I can't make it, I'm sorry. Someone else will have to deliver the speech."

There was a brief pause on the other end before Kenzo asked softly, "Did something happen?"

urge to cry but held

Where are you?

the entrance of Stellar Stage Entertainment. I'll wait for you

Brielle drove to Stellar

numerous meetings she'd conducted. The next few days weren't going to be as hectic. Except

was wait for John's movie to wrap up and hit the screens, marking their first big

entered the lobby and

sat by a window. The receptionists recognized him and eagerly served him tea. He was the screenwriter of the moment, rarely seen in interviews, releasing only one script a year. Stellar Stage Entertainment had snapped up this year's script. Here he was in the flesh, suggesting

sneaked glances at Kenzo but quickly composed themselves when Brielle

gaze swept the room, and after spotting Kenzo, she made her way over.

handed him the speech, apologizing as

commissioned by the school and needed personal touches. If not for this

just too pressing. There

has other candidates. Are

busy. I have to head back to Premier Palace now, so I can't stay. I'll treat you to dinner next time to

II

be so formal with me. Kenzo's voice was still gentle as

the celebration. It's their centenary, after all. Many of your former teachers will be

blinked wearily.

sanatorium.