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.

you should eat something," she soothed gently. "You

back at the ICU and

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

with refined ease, the gleam from

moments of dining face-to-face with Max were rare, without the intrusion of others. Her heart swelled, a smile

little longer, and her patience

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

was so close to Max now. If she stayed at the nursing home, wouldn't

him. All of Beaconsfield seemed to be on her

a glance. The nursing home's dining room was meant for guests like them

Max thought of Brielle, who'd left Premier Palace without a bite. His

couldn't resist, pulling out his phone to call

didn't pick up. She was exhausted

Patrick from the shadows. "Find out where Brielle is. Take her some dinner and grab some

then. She

respectfully. "Right