Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"Ms. Brielle, you seemed to hit it off quite well with that new butler lounging on the couch. No need to ring up Max tonight; he's not around, and I reckon he's in a world of hurt. I'm giving you ten minutes to get moving, and don't you dare breathe a word to anyone. Otherwise, I'll make sure Aubree relives the agony she once endured. You wouldn't want her to plunge back into hell just as she's seeing the light of day, would you?" Brielle froze, a chill creeping up her spine.

She had thought this was another low-brow kidnapping scheme like the one they'd pulled on Tiffanie, which she could easily unravel with a bit of digging to find out where Aubree had been taken.

But this was different; this person knew the ins and outs of Aubree's ordeal.

And how could that be? Only a handful of people were privy to that incident.

Even within the Clements family, it was likely only a couple of people were in the know. But how did the caller come by this information?

She felt cold, her hand slowly tightening at her side.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice a calm veneer.

The voice on the other end chuckled with a hint of sarcasm. "Have you forgotten about those three men? This time let's spice things up a bit. How about six men, for starters?"

It felt like a needle had pierced Brielle's heart.

Anger, defiance, humiliation-all these emotions surged within her.

"What do you want?" she demanded.

"That new butler's right by your side, I've seen it, Brielle. Don't try any funny business. Your every move is practically transparent to me, and if I catch even a hint of you straying from my instructions, Aubree's finger gets chopped and delivered to you personally." The stakes involving Aubree were too high for Brielle to gamble.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

She had thought about stealthily contacting Max or silently alerting the police, but as soon as she pulled the phone away from her ear, the caller reminded her.

"Brielle, you're not being very cooperative."

Her face darkened, an icy resolve enveloping her.

"Now tell your butler you need to step out for a bit. He's engrossed in his chess game; he shouldn't be too concerned about where you're headed. Just follow my directions, step by step."

The more the man spoke, the more Brielle felt a chill down her spine.

Was there surveillance inside the villa?

Impossible, this was Premier Palace, surrounded by layers of security, each guard highly trained. There was no way surveillance could have been planted inside.

But how did this person know her every action, even down to Ramey playing chess?

Brielle did not suspect Ramey; he was Max's pick, and she trusted Max's judgment.

Furthermore, Ramey hadn't exhibited any suspicious behavior during his time at the villa.

Her eyelashes fluttered down, and after a brief moment of panic, she regained her composure.

She had to save Aubree, and she had to save herself. But how?

"Ms. Brielle, my patience is wearing thin."

Taking a deep breath, she looked down at Ramey, still contemplating his chessboard.

"I've got to step out for a bit. If Max gets back, let him know I'll return shortly."

Ramey paused, his expression puzzled.

It was late; what could possibly be so urgent?

Lately, everyone in Premier Palace had been treating Brielle like the crown jewel, fearful of her coming to any harm And with Max's

comforting presence, her spirits had been gradually lifting, the past few days cocooned in sweetness.

Ramey was well aware of Max's plans. Likely by tomorrow, Dorsey International would be under new ownership, and the day after that, Brielle was scheduled for deep hypnosis.

The timing was deliberate. Once

Brielle saw the news, her mood

would further relax, especially since the acquisition of Dorsey

International was a testament tonet

Max's prowess. He had proven to all that he never needed Dorsey

International, and the rumors on the net would crumble. Max remained the untouchable figure in the clouds.

For Brielle, Max's lover, watching him endure public criticism must have been distressing. But once the acquisition was a success, her surprise and joy would overshadow any remaining wariness.

And that's why the deep hypnosis was planned for the day following the triumph of the acquisition.