Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In a quiet corner of Beaconsfield, Annie played with her switchblade, her eyes fixed on the film crew in the distance. She waited until they had all dispersed before leaping down and wrapping her arms around Ricardo.

"Ricardo," she murmured.

Ricardo frowned, trying to push her away, but his resolve melted when she said, "Murray's gone, he's..." Her voice trailed off into sobs.

Annie's tears soaked through the fabric of Ricardo's shirt. He stood frozen for a few seconds before finally pushing her away and asking, "How did it happen?" ""Brielle did it."

Ricardo laughed, half-believing he was hallucinating. "Annie, are you pulling my leg?" Even with some skills, Brielle wouldn't stand a chance against Murray.

raised her arms and clung

after Brielle instead?" His

okay? Don't be mad at me, Ricardo. I'm really torn up about Murray." Her

was Patrick, calling for a late-night meeting. As his secretary, Annie had to go. She bit her lip, mimicking Brielle's poise

gone, I've got no one left. Won't you come back?" Without waiting for his response, Annie's gaze lingered on the film set as she chewed her

expected reply never

no one there, a stark reminder that Murray was indeed dead, taken by Brielle. The candy lost its flavor, and in desperation, she reached for another, only to realize she'd run out. Lately, she'd been going through dozens a day, unable to fill the void inside. This new, odd

of Brielle, glancing back at Murray one last time, missing her prime opportunity to strike. Brielle hadn't seen her face, so Annie could still masquerade within Dorsey International. Chewing her candy, Annie walked away with a heavy heart and sighed deeply. Despite numerous losses in the past, Murray had been different. Loyal and always by her side. It seemed she needed to find herself a new companion, to keep the loneliness at bay. Her lips curved into a smile, her eyes regaining