Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

She sighed and was about to chuck her phone aside when a new message buzzed in. [Wesley mentioned you skipped dinner tonight?]

Brielle's nose tingled as she read the message, a lump forming in her throat.

[Brielle, where are you?]

He was asking why she wasn't cozied up at Premier Palace. She was about to respond when Max sent another text. [Don't believe anything Victoria told you.] Clearly, Wesley had spilled the beans to Max about Victoria's visit to Premier Palace, prompting this message at such a critical moment.

Brielle tasted the bitterness in her mouth. [I'm just out for a walk, don't worry.]

After sending that, she felt at a loss for words, and Max didn't reply either. He was probably bogged down with his own affairs.

Max was indeed preoccupied. Martha had fainted again, with doctors monitoring her vitals continually.

If Martha didn't pull through in the ICU, she'd be more than just a vegetable. The doctors had the family brace for the worst.

Martha had woken several times, only ever seeing Alivia, and no one knew what was exchanged between them.

For this reason, Alivia had remained at the nursing home. Her mood was soaring, but she kept a facade of utmost despair.

stoodsolemnly outside the ICU. "Max, you should eat something," she soothed gently. "You won't last

glanced back at the ICU and finally turned toward the

his favorites. Alivia sat opposite him, careful to mask any hint of joy. "The chefs made all our favorites. Martha might be here for a while, so let's make sure we have the energy to take care of her." Max nodded, not cold or

him dine with refined ease, the

Max were rare, without the intrusion

little longer, and her patience would

game. They were playing their roles and driving a wedge between

now. If she stayed at the nursing home, wouldn't he grow fond of her over

him. All of Beaconsfield seemed to be on her side; what chance did

room was meant for guests like them There was no need for special arrangements. It

Brielle, who'd left Premier

resist, pulling out his

pick up. She was exhausted and asleep

"Find out where

now and then. She should take care,

bowed respectfully.