Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Dustin's eyes narrowed slightly, and a shadow passed over his face. "I had a fling back in North America," he admitted, "and not too long ago, she got caught up in a mess and ended up pregnant. I was there with her when she went through the abortion."

Brielle was taken aback. She wasn't like Emma or other women who might brush this off. "Bro, I told you not to hurt Emma because you're such a ladies' man. Women are always throwing themselves at you. Even if you turn them down, is it because of Emma herself? Or just because she's the mother of your kid? You should talk to that woman in your villa, see if she's been stirring the pot with Emma or Peyton. If she is, you owe Emma a big apology."

Dustin fell silent, then went straight to see Clare. Clare was at home, recovering, and her eyes brightened when she saw him. "Finally, you've come to see me," she said, trying to hug him, but he stepped back.

"Did Emma's mom come looking for you?" Dustin asked, standing aside.

Clare nodded, her eyes wide and innocent. "Yes, she showed up out of nowhere, asking a bunch of questions. She seemed really worried about her daughter."

Dustin's gaze was sharp, his dark eyes probing. "Clare, she wouldn't just show up without a reason. She knew the address and that there's a woman living here."

"Don't be mad," Clare replied. "I sent Emma a few messages. Maybe her mom saw them and that's why she came. But I explained everything. I told her I'm just here to recover and would leave in a couple of months. She didn't say much after that. As for the messages, you know I've always been curious about Emma."

don't believe me, check the surveillance around the house. I

talk with Peyton, she was careful to keep her

she

serve to drive a wedge between Emma and Dustin, which was exactly what she wanted. If

chance to swoop in.

her voice soft. "I shouldn't have sent those messages. I just wanted to meet her,

sharp, but Clare's face showed no emotion. She lowered her lashes. "If you can't handle a few messages from me, I'll leave Beaconsfield tonight and

rubbed his temples, his tone icy. "Then go. It's because of your messages that Emma's mom showed up and

eyes filled with tears, her lips twitching. "Shouldn't the blame be on the driver who caused

spoke, Emma

away. She watched Clare suddenly embrace Dustin. Brielle had already called her, explaining that Peyton had gone out to meet this woman. Brielle couldn't keep it from Emma; she had a

with herself, for ever hoping for more from him. Her mother had died because of this woman, and now her