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 food courts nowhere to be found on the first floor. After wandering

ever felt, almost suffocated by the concrete jungle around her. She started to feel the chill seep into her bones. The

was too much for her, so she retreated. Now, cold and hungry, she curled up on the bench, planning to rough it out for the night. Surely, if Emma realized she was missing, she would call the police? Yes, the police would help

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 p.m., the diminishing crowd and the growing unease nearly made her faint. So hungry, so

"Mom!"

over, her face covered in sweat and

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

okay now.

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

you, thank you so much. We

wave of

deep-seated trust in their authority comforting

officers.

you."

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

car, Peyton's stomach growling loudly. Ashamed, she pretended her

she was