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."

were history, Alivia no longer felt the need

ladies, each worth a cool billion, Brielle was no more than refuse-an afterthought unworthy of their attention. The ladies behind

with Max, tsk tsk. Weren't you on top of the world not so long ago? How

shouldn't covet what they can't

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

a smirk from Brielle. Her eyebrow quirked in amusement. "What's

debutantes' faces stiffened, their eyes

Brielle's cheek, but Brielle was quicker, her slap resonating with

the others readied to pounce, Brielle glanced at Aubree, who looked ready to

bill today, right? Does that

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

hesitating, Brielle

and delivered a solid kick to her abdomen. Aubree

in self-defense, Brielle was unmatched. Aubree's sparring sessions with Andrew made her no pushover,

unaccustomed to such brawling,

was convinced Brielle had lost her mind to

Damn it all!

one of their fortunes could crush Brielle. Did she not