Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Ricardo leaned in closer to the phone, his voice steady and deliberate. "Mr. Dorsey, I've got a proposition for you." King signaled for his people to back off, his tone cool and measured. "Alright, but you've got to ensure Brielle's safety." "That goes without saying. After all, Mr. Haywood is my bargaining chip here."

Ricardo's presence seemed to soften as he pulled a sleek dagger from his sleeve, his eyes sharp as ever. "Previously, Mr. Dorsey, you and the Lynch family took down the compound together. But I've recently gotten a call from the Professor. The survivors from the compound have sought refuge with someone else someone you're quite familiar with, who seems to know you inside and out."

King's eyes narrowed slightly, his fingers tapping gently on the armrest of the sofa, revealing the pale skin of his wrist. "Ever since you thwarted Ronald's scheme, your father, the former King of Saudi Arabia, has vanished. Although the Lynch family managed to capture the butler, Seamus, the Professor somehow slipped through the net. And now, with Ronald under your control, the Professor has reached out to me, using what I care about most as leverage."

Ricardo's tone turned colder. King remained silent. He had vetted everyone around Brielle thoroughly, unable to bear the thought of her facing any more danger. That's why he felt safe bringing his team here.

He was aware of Ricardo's past, but since Ricardo had retired, he should have cut all ties with the compound. Why the sudden change of heart?

"Mr. Dorsey, you're well-informed. You've probably dug up everything there is to know about anyone close to Mr. Haywood, including me. You spared me before, trusting me. Mr. Haywood has been good to me, and I couldn't bring myself to betray him. But I hope you can sort out the issue with your father."

"Ricardo, what exactly are they using to blackmail you into coming back into the fray?"

pause, Ricardo finally said, "My sister's

nausea sweeping over him. Blackmail with a

people at the compound. Desperate, easily brainwashed by their obsessions be it family, love, or money. The Professor took care of my sister's case back then and personally oversaw her burial. Only now do I learn he's been using this tactic to bind people to him, and the bodies he buried have all been exhumed, preserved as if they were merely sleeping. If I don't comply, can you

little

anyone. Ricardo leaned back against the car, suddenly looking

learned that

man disappeared years ago, and his whereabouts are a mystery. Given his hatred for you, Mr. Dorsey, he's like a landmine waiting in the dark. If you're looking for peace, it

wry smile. "I might even suggest, Mr.

swnovel

for