Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Kenzo stepped out of the ward room, catching sight of William and Ryan standing not too far off, deeply engrossed in a conversation. When they noticed him, smiles stretched across their faces.

“Kenzo, what did the old man talk to you about?”

Kenzo offered a small grin. “Just some trivial matters, nothing to fret over. Guys, I’ve got to run, so I’ll be off.” With a polite nod, he turned and made his way toward the staircase.

William and Ryan exchanged a glance, unsure of what Michael was really thinking.

Meanwhile, Victoria was seated to the side, brow furrowed as she texted furiously on her phone.

Ryan knew exactly who she was in touch with and couldn’t help but scoff. “After all these years, Everett’s still treating you like that. Your brother’s passed out and he can’t even be bothered to show up.”

Victoria’s expression turned somewhat unpleasant. Everett had always been a sore point for her, and no one was allowed to bring him up.

“Ryan,” she retorted sharply, “Everett’s swamped at work. As for Spencer, doesn’t he work at Dorsey International? Why isn’t he here checking on his own family?”

Mentioning Spencer brought to Ryan’s mind the kidnapping video. He had people track Spencer’s phone to Beaconsfield, but the exact location remained elusive. The kidnappers had only sent a video and hadn’t yet made their demands.

Spencer was Ryan’s only son; he couldn’t afford any harm to come to him. Yet, he also couldn’t let himself be too vulnerable. Other than sending people out to search, he was left to wait for the

kidnappers‘ next move.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a new message: photos. One showed a red handprint on Spencer’s cheek, another a dagger gleaming ominously. The threat was implicit.

Ryan’s expression turned to ice as he strode briskly out the door, only to be stopped by Michael emerging from the room. “Max’s awake. Patrick, he wants a word with you. William, Ryan, your two come in as well.”

The men addressed entered the room, leaving Victoria awkwardly standing in the hallway.

Michael cast a glance her way, knowing she was waiting for someone, and let out a curt huff. Victoria tried to mask her unease, and quickly offered an excuse. “Dad, Everett’s got a concert tonight, that’s why-”

“Enough,” Michael cut her off. “The Dorsey family knows all about you two. If it weren’t for your constant protection, he wouldn’t have lasted this long. Victoria, you should learn from Max. It’s only when you let go of your emotions that you can stand firm.”

Victoria’s hand, hanging by her side, clenched tightly, and she fell silent.

Inside the room, Max had already propped himself up, though his complexion was still pale.

Patrick fluffed up a pillow behind him and then stood back quietly.

William and Ryan feigned concern with a few perfunctory words: they wouldn’t mind if Max was out of the picture.

Michael, seeing through the facade, pressed on. “Max, have you had your blood checked? Are you certain it’s just exhaustion?”

Given Max’s importance, any mishap raised suspicions of foul play. The Dorsey clan was rife with infighting, and at the heart of it, the main family was a nest of vipers, constantly scheming against one another.

Michael had always let the minor squabbles slide, but should it escalate to a matter of life and death, that was another story. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Max closed his eyes, his voice icy even toward his father. “Dad, I’m fine. I just need a few days” rest. You can let my brothers go back.”

Michael narrowed his eyes, his words a clear warning to all present. “If I find out that someone is behind this, I will definitely not spare them.”

William and Ryan stiffened but kept their composure.

After they left, Michael stood up as well. “If it’s those two, I’ll make sure they’re sent out of the

country.”

“Father, I’ll handle it myself.” Max insisted.

Knowing his son’s temperament. Michael nodded. “Just be careful, Max. If anything happens to you, the Dorsey family will be in chaos.”

After a few more words of caution, Michael left with Victoria’s support.

Once alone, Max turned his gaze out the window.

Patrick, sensing his thoughts, offered, “Shall I call Ms. Brielle? She probably doesn’t know you’re in the hospital.”

Feeling the weight of exhaustion, Max closed his eyes. “No need.”