Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Victoria rose slowly from her seat, her words hanging heavy in the air.

"Let's be real here," she said, "Alivia was always Max's best bet. Without you in the picture, they would have tied the knot, and all of Beaconsfield would've been popping champagne in celebration. He wouldn't be stuck in this mess. Face it, your relationship has only brought him down." Brielle blinked back the dryness in her eyes, wanting to challenge this one-sided narrative. But recalling Max's demeanor from the night before, she found herself speechless.

Long after Victoria had left, Brielle remained dazed, staring blankly at the card on the coffee table, lost in thought.

The slump dragged on until dusk when her phone buzzed with a new message. [Hey, how's James doing? Right before the cops took Kingston away, he gave me your number. I didn't wanna bother you with a call, so I'm just texting to check in.] Reading the message brought James back to Brielle's mind. Kingston and his wife were locked up, facing five years. James, who was seen as Martha's assailant, would likely spend his life behind bars, enduring daily beatings.

The feeling of helplessness surged again, and for the first time, Brielle felt utterly restless. She didn't want anyone's life ruined on her account, nor did she want her relationship with Max to suffer.

She was never selfish. She couldn't bear to let others sacrifice for their love. Besides, she had sacrificed enough since the beginning.

With resolve, Brielle decided she had to get James out.

All evidence pointed to James as the culprit, a fact that seemed irreversible with surveillance and eyewitnesses against him. Legally, James had to pay the price.

She stood up, slid the card into her purse, and planned to return it at the first opportunity. Her mood was sour, and staying at Premier Palace only made her more agitated. The only person who could possibly help her now was Dustin. Brielle bit her lip, feeling guilty for always turning to Dustin for help. But who else would be willing to assist her?

last time she had been to jail, Dustin visited her despite the Dorsey

since Dustin was currently tending to his

she was opening the door to the Premier Palace

had sent Wesley away during their conversation

dining

up. I won't

car that darted out

would help clear

her hands together and noticed a cozy glow emanating from

nondescript alley, but as the door opened, she sensed something

her. "Ms. Brielle, someone wishes to meet with

but rather a polite demeanor, Brielle walked down the alley and

vintage courtyard lit by lanterns, where someone was feeding fish in a pond. Koi fish competed eagerly

watched for a

as though she

world, a haven amidst