Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In the late afternoon glow, Aubree buzzed Brielle's phone, suggesting a casual jaunt to the mall.

Brielle felt the urge to decline, but Aubree was like a whirlwind, sweeping into Stellar Stage Entertainment and whisking her away without a moment's hesitation.

Amid the bustling crowds weaving through the shopping center, Brielle felt as if she had stepped into another era.

Ever the bold spirit, Aubree tugged her along, bee-lining straight for the women's fashion section.

"Guess what? My foster mom just rocked my world. She's giving me five percent of the Clements family fortune. That's billions, with a 'b'! I can literally live off this and never work another day. Bri, pick something out, it's on me. We're going top shelf, no skimping." Joy painted Aubree's face as she reached for a dress with a price tag that screamed luxury.

After draping it over Brielle, she nodded in approval. "Perfect fit. It's a done deal."

Brielle seldom wore dresses, preferring the practicality of pantsuits a testament to her years in the corporate trenches.

As she attempted to return the dress, insisting it wasn't necessary, a hand suddenly snatched it from her grasp.

She followed the hand to its owner and locked eyes with Alivia.

Radiating a stark contrast to Brielle's somber mood, Alivia was the picture of vitality, flanked by several high-profile ladies from Beaconsfield's social elite-all familiar faces to Brielle.

Alivia arched an eyebrow, a smirk unfolding across her lips. "Fancy seeing you here, Brielle. I thought you'd left Beaconsfield for good."

and Max were history, Alivia no longer felt the

Brielle was no more than refuse-an afterthought unworthy of their attention. The ladies behind Alivia giggled behind their

Weren't you on top of the world not so

shouldn't covet what they

slights. No one's got your back now. You're just a stray dog we can kick around as we

Her eyebrow quirked in amusement. "What's with

faces stiffened, their eyes

but Brielle was quicker, her slap resonating with a crisp "thwack!" "You

at Aubree, who looked ready to

footing the bill today, right? Does that include their medical

shock gave way to wild elation. "Hell yeah! I'm rolling

longer hesitating, Brielle

her abdomen. Aubree joined the

was unmatched. Aubree's sparring sessions

rich ladies were unaccustomed to

had lost

Damn it all!

fortunes could crush