Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Michael's lips curled into a cold, mocking smirk as he heard the words he'd been waiting for. "Really? Then let's see if she likes you enough."

Leaning on his cane, he made his way slowly out of the corridor. His eyes were a stormy sea of dark thoughts, as if he could already foresee the grim fate awaiting this pair. The human heart is a curious beast, spinning webs of deceit without a single spider in sight. Bathed in sunlight, it could shroud itself in a darkness of its own making.

He figured Max's heart was already caught in this web, spiraling into the shadows. Just a little longer, and Brielle's true, hideous nature would come to light.

After Michael left, Max remained seated alone, his face a mask of bone-deep indifference and weariness.

The doctor emerged from the ICU, removing his mask upon seeing Max. "Her stats are stable for now, but I'm afraid Ms. Martha has lost all sensation in her limbs. I'm terribly sorry." Max rubbed his temples, a gesture of fatigue more than concern.

"You haven't rested in days. Now that her vitals are stable, why don't you take a break?" The doctor's gaze shifted to a point just beyond Max, a smile playing on his lips. "Ms. Alivia, please take Max to rest. You should also ensure you're getting enough sleep. Ms. Martha will want to see you as soon as she wakes up."

For reasons unknown, Martha seemed eager to see Alivia, more so than even her son, Max. This worked in Alivia's favor. The more Martha favored her, the less suspicion she would face when Martha passed.

Suppressing her glee, Alivia approached Max. "Let's get some rest, Max. If you're uncomfortable here, you could head back to Premier Palace."

"If anything changes, we'll notify

joined in, "Let's go,

served no purpose. He headed to his car, only to

driver I wouldn't need

the request laid out, Max barely frowned before opening the car

Max felt a twinge of discomfort. Patrick

the accelerator, the car drifted away from

Meanwhile...

whip up something to eat, when the doorbell rang.

I get these for you. He wants you to remember to eat and take care

was at a loss for words.

to her, but she knew her upcoming actions would disappoint him. The

James, could she really stand by and watch an innocent man suffer