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

you?

of Stellar Stage Entertainment.

to

running smoothly lately, thanks to the numerous meetings she'd conducted. The next few days weren't going to be as hectic. Except for

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

entered the lobby and spotted Kenzo

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

Kenzo but quickly

gaze swept the room, and after spotting Kenzo, she made

handed him the speech, apologizing as she did

If not for this mess, she'd definitely have attended the

just too pressing. There was no

dean has other candidates. Are you dealing

Premier Palace now, so I can't stay. I'll treat you to dinner next time to make

II

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

their centenary,

wearily. "I'll

again. This time, Patrick asked her to visit the sanatorium. Frowning, Brielle knew Martha was awake and