Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Ramey had done everything within his power, and if Max, with all his connections, couldn't figure out why Brielle had undergone hypnosis years ago, then Ramey was truly out of his depth. He could only hope that the orders he had given wouldn't conflict with the deep- seated suggestions his cousin had left behind. Max had been clear: the conscious Brielle would never agree to terminate her pregnancy. Deep hypnosis was the only way.

With only a few days left, he needed to come up with the perfect plan.

When Brielle woke up, she felt completely drained, like she had just run a marathon. A blanket was draped over her, probably Ramey's doing. Despite being young, the new butler cared for her just as Brent had, and she had grown fond of him.

Night had already fallen. She called Max to check on Tiffanie, but there was no answer.

A wave of anxiety hit her, and she couldn't help but get up.

She quickly dialed Patrick's number. He answered, but he had no idea where Max was.

"An hour ago, our team rescued Tiffanie. The boss left on his own, just told me to drive Tiffanie home."

If even Patrick didn't know where Max had gone, Brielle's worry deepened, and she tried calling Max again. Still, no answer.

Patrick was also getting anxious. Max had taken painkillers before leaving, complaining of a headache. Could he have passed out somewhere? With enemies lurking around, what if they found Max?

Once Tiffanie was safe at home, Patrick immediately sent out a search party for Max.

But as time went by, there was no trace of him.

Brielle started scouring the internet for news and found that Dorsey International was dealing with several major project issues. The Dorsey family was in chaos. Max wouldn't go to the Dorsey family; they didn't need him. So where could he be? Why wasn't he answering his phone?

She felt a sharp pain in her stomach, and it began to cramp.

As she rushed to open the living room door, she was relieved to see Max standing there. It had started raining outside, and he stood there without an umbrella, eyes slightly downcast.

Brielle exhaled in relief, moving to hug him, but he gently pushed her away.

"It's cold, don't get too close. Why aren't you wearing shoes?"

Max bent down to pick up a pair of slippers from the entrance hall and placed them at her feet.

Tears welled up in Brielle's eyes as she bit her lip. "How could you not answer your phone? Patrick didn't know where you were, I was sick."

She slipped on the slippers, her eyes red and fragile.

Max took off his coat and leaned in to kiss her gently.

Sied

"I went to Beaconsfield College and brought back some snacks."

Since Tiffanie's kidnapping spot was near Beaconsfield College, Max had Patrick take. Tiffanie home while he visited the college himself. He remembered the last time he and Brielle had roamed the campus together and couldn't resist buying some snacks.

"It was crowded, I lost my phone, couldn't answer your calls. Don't worry so much next time."

Part of Brielle's anxiety was due to her pregnancy, making her emotions more volatile.

Now, seeing the comfort food he brought-chili, pot pies, and pickled snacks-she paused, not expecting Max to ever buy such homely treats.

Lately, she hadn't had much of an appetite, forcing herself to eat, but the aroma now triggered a surge of hunger.

"Tiffanie's alright?"

"Yeah, she didn't even get scared. She's smart; she'll know who did it."

As Brielle took a bite of the chili Max fed her, it melted in her mouth, and her spirits lifted with the flavor.

"Antonio or William? Couldn't these guys come up with something more sophisticated to threaten me?"

Compared to Max, those two were leagues behind. No wonder Michael still hoped for Max to take the reins of Dorsey International.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Michael had probably realized early

on that his own sons weren't cutout

to run the company, which is why he had pushed ten-year-old Max forward, shaping him into his own tool.

After all, even if Max died, it wouldn't be a loss to him; Max wasn't a Dorsey by blood. He wouldn't even spare a moment of regret.