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.

the same bench, dizzy with hunger. She had never been to a mall before, and this one was all about luxury brands, with

suffocated by the concrete jungle around her. She started to feel the chill seep into her bones. The sales ladies she encountered had been dismissive, glancing at her from head to

tiny, claustrophobic elevator was too much for her, so she retreated. Now, cold and hungry, she curled up on

more anxious until she could hardly speak. She positioned herself under the bright lights at the mall entrance, hoping her daughter would find

"Mom!"

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

Beaconsfield, which had thrown her mother, who'd never left their small

now. We're going

police officers were behind Emma, all wearing expressions of fatigue. Emma quickly

you, thank you so much.

wave of relief

trust in their

officers.

you."

"Glad you found her. Head home, Ms. Emma. You've had

home in a police car, Peyton's stomach growling loudly. Ashamed, she

she was just hungry, Peyton murmured,