Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 864

Since they had plans to head out later, Max didn't bother with an elaborate dinner-just enough to whet his appetite. Once they were ready, they set off for the much-anticipated masquerade ball. As they drove, Max gazed out at the city lights flashing by, his fingers tapping a rhythm on the car window. A faint, indifferent smile played on his lips.

"The masquerade was Dustin's idea," Max remarked casually. "It's always a wild time. When we get to the entrance, a waiter will hand you a mask. And there's a rule-no sticking with people you already know. Dustin thinks it's pointless to hang out with familiar faces at these things."

That was the line Dustin had fed to the media in an interview.

And true to form, under the cover of their masks, the so-called elite would let loose, shedding their inhibitions. With the Lynch family keeping an eye on things, it never got too out of hand.

"The masks are random, and you'll have to lock up your phone in a secure locker when you get in. If you're not feeling it, we can skip the whole thing," Max offered.

But Brielle had her reasons for going.

She lowered her lashes and looked at Max. "Let's go."

questioned her choices; his role was to

over their phones, Max pulled her aside into a quiet lounge before they

knew what she was planning, though he never pried into the details. And there

They split up.

led to a

cat-ear mask. It covered most of her face, making recognition nearly impossible unless someone knew her very

en

the throng. Mingling behind masks, the guests were like shadows against the city lights outside a romantic

space was

two thousand square feet

freely, secret trysts unfolded in hidden corners, and bold kisses

they all had significant others, but

thinking that if Dustin were here, the energy would be even more electric.

famed starlit terrace, known for its view of the night sky through a glass dome. Few came to truly appreciate the scenery; most sought the