Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"Boss, Ms. Brielle needs you right now."

"I know," Max replied, his voice rough. He gathered the documents, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "But there will be times when I can't be there, Patrick. When that happens, Brielle's word is as good as mine." "Got it," Patrick nodded.

Max massaged his temples and reached for some painkillers. He swallowed one, trying to maintain his usual stoic demeanor, but the throbbing pain was too much to hide.

As time passed, the pain only grew worse.

Two days later.

"Lone Walker" was smashing box office records, dominating online discussions. Those who had mocked Brielle were now eating crow. The movie was outperforming all its competition, with rave reviews hinting at even greater success. This was just the beginning. The online buzz was electric, and Stellar Stage Entertainment was riding high.

Inside Stellar Stage, excitement was at a fever pitch. Employees joked about hanging Brielle's picture on the wall like a trophy.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The aspiring artists, witnessing the film's success, were moved to tears.

They had all endured the rough times at Stellar Stage, and just days ago, they had turned down an offer from Dorsey International. Truth be told, they were scared. With the internet gunning for Stellar Stage, no one knew if the company would make it.

If Stellar Stage collapsed, rejecting Dorsey International would mean being blacklisted everywhere.

They were worried and afraid, but they wanted to follow Brielle's lead, come hell or high water.

Brielle was a leader worth following. Since taking over at Stellar Stage, every decision she'd made was for the artists and staff.

Those young artists with dreams in their hearts wanted to follow their own, right behind her.

Even if the road was tough, even if they stumbled along the way.

But they hadn't expected their loyalty to pay off so quickly.

Stellar Stage had made it. They were on fire.

Ricardo and Aubree, the newbies, had shot to stardom with this movie.

Now, investors were flocking to the company, eager to sign the two for endorsements.

Before, Stellar Stage didn't have the clout to pull this off.

Hope was on the horizon, and with Stellar Stage planning more films, everyone doubled down on their efforts.

Brielle had painted them the most

beautiful picture: everyone had anet

chance to star. Stellar Stage was all about talent, not connections

"Just focus on honing your craft," she'd say, "leave the rest to the agents at Stellar Stage."

Having a reliable mountain to lean on was a blessing for these young artists.

Stellar Stage was united, taking their cues from Brielle's orders.

Even though Brielle hadn't been to the company these past few days, Stellar Stage was running smoothly.

The higher ups said Brielle was

under

thing weather, so they'd handle themselves rather than el

bother her.

Everyone at Stellar Stage wished for Brielle to get the rest she needed.

But Brielle, cocooned in the opulence of Premier Palace, was oblivious to the changes at Stellar Stage.

Lately, she'd noticed Max becoming more withdrawn, spending most of his time in the study. Thinking he was just busy, she didn't intrude, instead chatting with Aubree over video call downstairs.

Aubree and Ricardo's fan counts

fe

were still skyrocketing. In just a few days, they'd broken the ten million barrier and were now marching towards fifteen million.

Aubree felt like she was dreaming. She never imagined that one day she'd be so adored.

Without a doubt, she and Ricardo had hit the big time with this movie.

Their value had skyrocketed to A-list status!

"Bri, I feel like I'm dreaming!" Aubree gushed.

But before she could finish, Brielle's phone chimed.

Brielle had to cut off the video call with Aubree, promising a celebration later, and answered the call. Michael's voice came through.

"Brielle, Max's court date is today. Can you really stand to see him trampled like this?"

There was a certainty in Michael's tone, as if victory was already in his grasp.

"Before the gavel drops, I can offer you one more chance. All you have to do is leave-"