Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Michael had been slipping Brielle birth control pills for years without her knowing.

Because of Michael's underhanded tactics, Brielle was now at risk of losing their child.

When Max got Michael's confession over the phone, he had been holding back his anger. But after speaking with the doctor, who confirmed that the pregnancy was in jeopardy, his fury erupted like a volcano. Max never wanted to fight over the Dorsey family's assets. After all, he wasn't truly one of them. But Michael had gone too far in his treatment of Brielle.

The mere thought of it made Max's chest tighten with pain.

If only he had known sooner. If only he had done a thorough medical check-up on Brielle, maybe she wouldn't be in this situation.

Rubbing his temples, a pained expression crossed his face.

Patrick came in with a fresh cup of coffee and tried to offer some comfort. "Boss, Ms. Brielle likely started on birth control after she graduated from Beaconsfield College, about three years ago. Her body will recover."

Max had already pieced together the timeline. After Brielle joined Dorsey International and started closing deals for the company, someone had the opportunity to slip her the medication regularly. Her meals at Dorsey International were always catered, making it easy for Michael to interfere.

Growing up in an orphanage had already weakened Brielle's health, and the years of medication hadn't helped.

"Patrick, reach out to our contacts on Wall Street. Acquiring Dorsey International should take less than a month. And keep a discreet eye on Stellar Stage Entertainment too."

Dorsey International was pushing hard into the entertainment sector, likely to cut off Stellar Stage Entertainment. Brielle's health was fragile, and Max didn't want her to worry about the company any longer.

But if he made his moves too obvious, Brielle might grow suspicious, or worse, resentful.

She was pregnant now, and Max couldn't risk any complications.

Patrick nodded. He was well aware of Max's operations on Wall Street, having managed them over the years.

"Boss, Dorsey International is a mess internally. Most of the executives have resigned, and the board isn't confident in William's leadership. We could wrap up the acquisition in two weeks, but Michael will probably make a move against Ms. Brielle soon." Max reached for a cigarette, longing for the smoke, but then thought better of it and put it down.

"Speed up the acquisition. All he's banking on is Dorsey International."

To truly hurt a man, you target what he holds dear. For Michael, it was Dorsey International. Once it was out of his hands, he'd likely crumble.

Patrick was about to leave and get started when he saw a man in a wheelchair at the door.

The man, dressed in a crisp white lab coat, smiled calmly at the sight of Patrick. "I'm here to see Max."

Patrick had never met Brodie. He had disappeared before Patrick entered the Dorsey family's circle. Nonetheless, he immediately guessed Brodie's identity and

stepped aside to let him in

As the living room door closed behind them, Brodie sighed upon seeing Max slouched on the sofa.

"Where's Brielle?"

Brodie had only ever heard about Brielle through Max or caught glimpses of her in the news. Curiosity got the better of him.

Max's gaze lingered on his steaming coffee, his voice cool. "You didn't come just to see her, did you?"

Brodie chuckled and wheeled closer. "Of course not. Dad sent me to probe you, to see how you plan to tackle the current predicament."

Max leaned back, his expression chilly to the bone. "Sorry, Brodie, but I'm not about to tell you. You'll find out soon enough on the news."

Brodie shrugged nonchalantly.

"Truth be told, I'm not that

е

interested. I'm more concerned about next month when you run out of your medication. Without dad's approval, you'll lose your composure and suffer immensely. Just when I was one step away..."

"It's my fault."

He couldn't ignore the message about Brielle.

Brodie remained silent, simply maneuvering his wheelchair around the room.

"It's been years since I've been here. This place feels livelier. There are lanterns in the yard, couplets by the door. Brielle's doing?"

Max would never have allowed such gauche embellishments at Premier Palace before, a place that resembled an exquisite ice cellar. Mentioning Brielle softened the frost on Max's face. "Yes."

Brodie wheeled around, pausing to

gaze at the crystal chandelier with a hint of nostalgia. "Max, you've always been this way. A man of few words but decisive action. You care about her more than I

thought."

"Brodie, I too find it odd. So many women have tried such

schemes, yet only she succeeded."

From the moment he laid eyes on her, it felt like fate. As if all his actions were in preparation for her arrival.

So he let her come to him on her own terms.