Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The man with the mask smirked. "Keep giving him those meds, and you'll just speed up his demise."

"I know. Thanks to your extensive connections, I managed to get my hands on it."

Antonio had been on the hunt for a partner, desperate to find this particular drug. But it was a fierce thing, banned not just domestically but internationally. It was rare even in places with more lenient regulations.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Then, out of the blue, this mysterious guy reached out, offering a partnership and a way to secure a foothold within the Dorsey family. Antonio had always lived in his father's shadow, doing whatever he was told. But he was tired of being a puppet. William's mediocre tactics were constantly overshadowed by Max's dominance, leaving no room for a turnaround.

Deep down, Antonio felt he was the one destined to take Max down. Brimming with confidence and now with a powerful ally, he was certain Max's downfall was imminent.

The mysterious man slowly stood up, setting down his glass. "Nice tea," he said, and then he was gone.

Antonio stayed rooted in place, respectfully looking down.

Meanwhile, Brielle had returned to the Premier Palace. She was restless, not having seen King's true face. She was due to travel abroad tomorrow, and now at eleven o'clock at night, Max was still out. It left her tossing and turning, uneasy.

It wasn't until 2 a.m. that the other side of the bed dipped. A cool breath approached, followed by the loosening of her pajama strings and a spread of warmth. Her dream world began to shake, and she groggily opened her eyes.

A deep male voice whispered in her ear, and with just a single lamp on, their mingled sweat glistened. Her cheeks flushed at his intensity, and she couldn't help but moan softly.

Max looked down at her, still stunning even in the dim light. His lips sealed hers, and she couldn't speak a word.

Brielle knew he didn't want to let go, so she let him be.

By eight in the morning, he was nibbling on her earlobe, breathing heavily against her neck. She was too spent to speak, but she had a flight at eleven and had to get up. She nudged him, and Max bit down on her lips one last time before reluctantly letting her go.

Brielle hurried into the bathroom for a shower, then grabbed her suitcase, packed the night before with a few clothes.

Max hadn't slept, the covers draped below his waist, watching her bustle about.

She called Keiran, asking him to head to the airport first.

As she was about to leave the bedroom, she couldn't resist looking back at Max. His exposed torso was enough to make her heart race. His skin was porcelain, his hair a disheveled halo, his satisfaction unhideable.

She was indeed bewitched, so she dropped her suitcase and returned to bed for one last kiss. "Wait for me." Max chuckled softly, a light "Mhm" in response.

As much as she didn't want to leave, it was time to go. Max also had to start his day at Dorsey International.

On the way to the airport, she felt her bones still soft from their encounter, with the image of Max sitting on the bed like a celestial being or a fallen deity playing on a loop in her mind.

She always knew Max had this power over people, but after every intimate moment, the sensation seemed to etch deeper into her bones.

At the airport, she spotted Keiran wrapped up tight.

He had already described his disguise over the phone-a necessity for a major celebrity like him to avoid causing a commotion.

Brielle hurried over, tapping his shoulder. But Keiran just glanced up, coldly brushing off her hand. "No autographs."

"It's me, Brielle. Let's go."

Frowning, Keiran sluggishly followed her.

They sat together on the plane, Brielle having booked a hotel near the rehab center under Keiran's name to keep her own profile low.

Upon landing, Keiran refused to go to the hotel, claiming he had friends in the area.

Brielle was surprised; the man who could hardly recognize faces had friends abroad. "Fine, I'll leave you to it. Remember, stay put. I'll contact you when it's time to head back." Keiran gave an 'okay' sign and departed.

Brielle then went to freshen up at the hotel for half an hour.

Max had messaged her about Owen from Infinity Brilliance attending a charity dinner that night, and for the rehab center, he had arranged for

her

to take on the role of a nurse.