Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The mere thought of it sent a surge of anger boiling up inside Miranda, threatening to scorch away her sanity.

She parked her car outside the nursing home, but the sight of the deserted entrance knotted her brow in confusion.

What in the world had happened? The Haywood family had placed Julian in this care facility years ago, yet now it looked as if the place had been abandoned.

Weeds had claimed the front walk, and the building bore the unmistakable signs of neglect. Panic fluttered in Miranda’s chest. She hastily dialed a few numbers, seeking answers.

It took ten minutes to discover that the nursing home had relocated three years prior.

Three years–Miranda hadn’t been back since. She was out of the loop.

Hastily, she got back in her car and drove to the new address. Upon arrival, she saw a nurse wheeling an elderly gentleman out into the sun.

Julian, with his snowy hair and wrinkled, kindly face, was a picture of amiable old age. The nurse was chatting with him, and Julian chuckled, pointing at a robust tree in the courtyard. “Ah, that one was planted by Bri. She’s such a devoted girl,” he said.

His voice had barely faded when he heard footsteps approaching, sparking a glimmer of hope. Turning, he saw a stranger–not Bri.

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Miranda’s voice cut through the air as she rushed over and grabbed his arm. “There’s trouble with Lillian. We need you to come back.”

Julian’s thoughts were muddled. It took him a while to recognize his daughter–in–law. Hadn’t it been three years since he last saw her?

The nurse, observing Miranda’s forceful grip, quickly intervened. “Ma’am, the gentleman is frail and his bones are brittle. Please be gentle with him.”

But Miranda was beyond listening. Her eyes seethed with resentment. “Julian, it’s me. Miranda. Brielle is ruining the Haywood family. That curse, you must talk to her yourself.”

A sparkle of clarity crossed Julian’s eyes. It had been two months since Bri had visited. Was something amiss? Were she and Spencer still okay?

His memory was failing him. He couldn’t remember phone numbers, and his cell phone was lost. All he could do was wait for Bri to come by. Perhaps she was too caught up in work.

He felt a pang of loneliness, his gaze returning to the trees in the courtyard. The one right at the edge was the one he and Bri had planted together. It had grown lush and verdant.

“What’s happened to Bri?” he asked slowly, catching his breath between words, his eyes full of

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hope as he looked at Miranda.

Miranda was seething, unable to fathom why this old fool cherished Brielle so much. “It’s a long story, but for now, come with me. You wanted to see Brielle, didn’t you? I’ll take you to her.”

Julian nodded, signaling the nurse to help him back inside. But Miranda pushed the nurse aside. “Why go back to the room? We’re leaving now!”

“Miranda, I’ve knitted Bri a scarf and a pair of gloves. Winter is coming, and she’ll need them to keep warm.”

Miranda clenched her teeth in frustration. “She doesn’t care for your knitted gifts anymore. She’s climbed the social ladder, doesn’t even acknowledge us. She’s even threatened to bankrupt the Haywood family. Lillian is stuck at the police station because of her, your son is worried sick, and it’s all Brielle’s fault.”

Julian was dragged forward, struggling for breath. “Miranda, slow down, there’s no rush.”

The nurse followed, trying to intervene. “Please, ma’am, don’t treat him like this.”

Miranda snapped back, “Our family is in crisis, and he needs to come with me. This is private family business, and it’s no place for an outsider.”

Though the nurse disagreed, she was powerless to stop it.

Julian was hustled into the car, gasping for air. “Miranda, please… slow down.”