Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

It wasn't just Michael's ace up his sleeve; it was also why he didn't bat an eye at handing Dorsey International's reins to an outsider.

This outsider, Max, was something else. Under his leadership, Dorsey International had been thriving. Michael had no second thoughts about his choice. Besides, Max had survived years of literal firefights. No one else in the Dorsey clan could've handled things as well as he did. For Michael, the Dorsey family was everything. As long as he could elevate the Dorsey family, ensuring they stayed at the top in Beaconsfield before he kicked the bucket, nothing else mattered. Posthumous fame? Who cared? Michael wanted to enjoy the best resources and the finest treatment while he was alive. If the Dorsey family had a contest for the most selfish member, Michael would win hands down.

He always thought he had Max wrapped around his finger, using the remnants of family ties to keep him in check. Plus, his third son's paralysis was because of Max, so Max's servitude was well-deserved. But Max defying him over a woman? That was a line crossed, not once, but repeatedly.

"Max, I bet Brodie hasn't found a substitute for that drug yet, huh? Your migraines must be getting worse. Running back to Brielle now? That's just plain stupid."

Max's eyes lowered as he listened to the cold voice on the other end of the line. "No need to make things hard on Brodie."

Before he could finish, Michael pulled out a gun and aimed it at Brodie's leg. "The Dorsey family has never been short on sons, just obedient ones."

threw away all their plans to see Brielle, Brodie had seen this coming. After years of outsmarting the old man and secretly studying that drug, they had a plan. Max was supposed to hold off on taking it. Sure, the withdrawal would make him

that drug, make a replica, and free Max from the old man's grip. But

cut

head with a bitter smile. He knew his father too well. To break ten-year-old Max, Michael had even ruined his legs.

understood the Dorsey

into an icy pond, and it was Brodie who had saved him. His legs were already

sealed their fate.

blame on ten-year-old Max. "You're why Brodie lost his legs and needs a

burden? Brodie, now confined to a