Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Max's words faded into a muffled backdrop as Brielle's focus narrowed on the video file on the computer. It was the footage of James pushing Martha, clear as day.

With a click, Brielle watched the entire sequence, her eyes narrowing at the damning evidence. James had indeed pushed Martha, and his face, post-incident, was a mask of smug satisfaction.

Blinking away the sting of fatigue, she scrutinized Martha's hand movements in the video. However, the footage was too distant, too devoid of sound to capture such minute details. It was all but impossible to discern the truth from this angle. This video was tantamount to a conviction for James.

Footsteps echoed from the master bedroom, pulling Brielle from her thoughts. Max was up, probably roused by the noise she'd made. Without glancing at him, she remained transfixed by the screen until Max sat down beside her and softly closed the laptop. "Did you sleep well last night?" His tone was casual as he tenderly inspected the faint shadows under her eyes, evidence of her restless night. Thankfully, the bruise that had marred her cheek had vanished.

She tried to muster a smile for him, but it was a struggle she lost.

Deep down, she had started to believe James' side of the story. Martha had released the brake herself, framing him.

But what could Brielle do? Michael wanted the Fox family to pay the price, Max himself demanded retribution, and her lone knowledge of the truth seemed futile.

Was she really going to suggest to Max that Martha might have sought her own end?

Brielle closed her eyes and recalled the misunderstandings that had once clouded her relationship with Max. Perhaps, just maybe, he would trust her. Max had always been her greatest believer, though the hope seemed faint.

want to tell me?" he asked, releasing her chin to pour

"Max, I visited James in jail. He claimed

couldn't finish her sentence, and the chilling shift in Max's demeanor stopped her

at her, a

gently set down the jug, his voice calm but frosty. "Are you suggesting my mother sought her own death and that

face her, his gaze remained unsettlingly serene. "How long have you known

truly known each other for just one day. Yet Max and

traced the rim

nights from pain, she fought to live. She always urged the doctors to do everything they could, regardless of the

was clear. Here was Brielle, swayed by someone she barely knew,

silence that fell was stifling, an endless void indicating

Brielle, spreading from her heart

had her moments of despair, but she came around, actively cooperated with her treatment, and was determined to live. Why would she want to die now?" Max's tone was eerily detached, a match

nearly too