Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Victoria rose slowly from her seat, her words hanging heavy in the air.

"Let's be real here," she said, "Alivia was always Max's best bet. Without you in the picture, they would have tied the knot, and all of Beaconsfield would've been popping champagne in celebration. He wouldn't be stuck in this mess. Face it, your relationship has only brought him down." Brielle blinked back the dryness in her eyes, wanting to challenge this one-sided narrative. But recalling Max's demeanor from the night before, she found herself speechless.

Long after Victoria had left, Brielle remained dazed, staring blankly at the card on the coffee table, lost in thought.

The slump dragged on until dusk when her phone buzzed with a new message. [Hey, how's James doing? Right before the cops took Kingston away, he gave me your number. I didn't wanna bother you with a call, so I'm just texting to check in.] Reading the message brought James back to Brielle's mind. Kingston and his wife were locked up, facing five years. James, who was seen as Martha's assailant, would likely spend his life behind bars, enduring daily beatings.

The feeling of helplessness surged again, and for the first time, Brielle felt utterly restless. She didn't want anyone's life ruined on her account, nor did she want her relationship with Max to suffer.

She was never selfish. She couldn't bear to let others sacrifice for their love. Besides, she had sacrificed enough since the beginning.

With resolve, Brielle decided she had to get James out.

All evidence pointed to James as the culprit, a fact that seemed irreversible with surveillance and eyewitnesses against him. Legally, James had to pay the price.

She stood up, slid the card into her purse, and planned to return it at the first opportunity. Her mood was sour, and staying at Premier Palace only made her more agitated. The only person who could possibly help her now was Dustin. Brielle bit her lip, feeling guilty for always turning to Dustin for help. But who else would be willing to assist her?

The last time she had been to jail, Dustin visited her despite the Dorsey family's influence. It seemed Dustin had his own ways to make a visit possible.

Still, Brielle hesitated, since Dustin was currently tending to his grandmother.

As she was opening the door to the Premier Palace living room and about to leave, Wesley appeared.

Victoria had sent Wesley away during their conversation earlier.

"Ms. Brielle, aren't you dining here tonight?" he asked.

"Wesley, something's come up. I won't be staying for dinner."

Brielle drove off, her lack of focus nearly causing an accident with a car that darted out in front of her. Realizing she was in no state to drive, she pulled over, hoping the

chill wind would help clear her head.

Spring had arrived, but Beaconsfield remained cold. She rubbed her hands together and noticed a cozy glow emanating from a nearby alley.

Brielle had stopped by a nondescript alley, but as the door opened, she sensed something special within.

A respectful voice approached her. "Ms. Brielle, someone wishes to meet with you."

Sensing no threat from the person but rather a polite demeanor, Brielle walked down the alley and entered through the welcoming door.

Once inside, she found herself in a vintage courtyard lit by lanterns, where someone was feeding fish in a pond. Koi fish competed eagerly for the food.

Brielle watched for a moment,

feeling as though she had stepped

out of Beaconsfield and into another world, a haven amidst a place driven by material desires and skyscrapers.

"Ms. Brielle, we meet again."

The man's face was hidden behind a mask as he set down an exquisite bowl and stood by the fireplace in the courtyard.

It was that enigmatic casino owner. Brielle hadn't expected to encounter him here.

"It seems you're in a bit of trouble," he said, his lips curving into a smile as he lounged comfortably on a plush sofa, legs crossed. It was as if he had anticipated her current predicament. en FindNovelText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Brielle did not succumb to desperation and ask for his help. Instead, she cautiously stepped back.

The drive from Premier Palace had taken a significant amount of time, and she had been conveniently stopped by another vehicle, leading her right here.

In a world with so few coincidences, she realized she was playing into someone else's hands.

What was his endgame?