Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"Smack!"

Emma's hand flew up and delivered a sharp slap across Leona's face. Leona's head snapped to the side, so stunned that she couldn't react at first. She had been pampered all her life, always getting what she wanted. Her parents had never laid a hand on her, and now Touching her swollen cheek, fury ignited within her. She was ready to lunge at Emma.

this nobody had the nerve to slap her.

"You trash! I'll kill you!"

"If anything happens to my mom, it's you I'm coming after!"

Emma's face was a mask of rage, her eyes burning with intensity. Leona had never seen such a murderous look before. It was as if Emma would really get physical if the cops weren't around.

She was scared, but her pride wouldn't let her back down.

"You just wait. You'll see how I'll make you pay."

The police officer quickly intervened. "Knock it off, or I'll haul both of you down to the station!"

Emma and Leona finally shut up, but the hostility in their glares remained. After the police sent someone to find Peyton, Emma shot Leona one last searing look before heading off.

sitting on the same bench, dizzy with hunger. She had never been to a mall before, and this one was all about luxury brands, with food courts nowhere to be found on

the chill seep into her bones.

so she retreated. Now, cold and hungry, she curled up on the bench, planning to rough it out for

and too shy to ask strangers for help, she waited until darkness fell, becoming more and more anxious until she could hardly speak. She positioned herself under the bright lights at the mall entrance, hoping her daughter would find her. As the mall began to close at 10

"Mom!"

her, and she looked up to see Emma striding over, her face covered in

had

now. We're

behind Emma, all wearing expressions of fatigue. Emma quickly expressed

thank you so much. We

felt a wave

trust in their

you, officers. Really,

you."

were also relieved. "Glad you found her. Head home, Ms. Emma. You've had a long day. Get

loudly. Ashamed, she pretended her stomach

to admit she was just