Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

If Brielle did nothing, she'd probably spend her entire life draped in a shroud of guilt. However, taking action might just be the wrecking ball to her and Max's relationship, possibly leading to a breakup that neither could mend. It was a tug-of-war between heart and conscience, and she felt utterly drained by the emotional battle.

Back in her car, she took a deep breath, reached for a bottle of water to quench her thirst, and noticed a text from Patrick.

Kingston and his wife were behind bars, serving about a five-year sentence.

She harbored no sympathy for Kingston and his wife. Their shady dealings were no secret. However, the thought of James was like a thorn lodged in her throat.

She sat in her car, lost in thought, but couldn't come up with any solution. Defeated, she drove back to Premier Palace.

In the end, she felt too powerless to stand against the Dorsey family.

That night, her sleep was restless again, compounded by the centennial celebration of Beaconsfield College looming over her. She felt adrift and overwhelmed. She had always wanted to be someone capable and strong, but now, it seemed like misfortune befell anyone linked to her.

With hardly any rest for two nights straight, her eyes were bloodshot.

with Alivia at the nursing home. Martha seemed to

see Brielle the

to scrounge up some comfort food when a visitor arrived an unexpected one, Max's sister, Victoria. "Miss Brielle,"

had imagined countless times, but she never expected Victoria to be the one

Max is caught between a rock and a hard place because of you. It's clear enough that he's avoiding Premier Palace... avoiding you, even if he won't admit it." Victoria's words cut

not that he doesn't want to come back,"

million in

own money.

are undeniable. And because of you,

a

guilt? She's

mother, for heaven's sake."

mother and appeared unaffected. Either Brielle had nerves of

once supported your