Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The most vociferous of the lot was Catherine from Kingston Enterprises. On a normal day, she was thick as thieves with Miranda and seemed ready to jump into the fray herself to defend her friend’s honor.

Brielle couldn’t help but find the whole situation amusing. Under the tablecloth, her hand firmly gripped Aubree’s, signaling her not to do anything rash. Knowing Aubree, she would have snapped back at the first biting word from the gaggle of women.

Miranda, bolstered by the support of the high society ladies, felt even more confident. She had been preoccupied with Lillian’s legal troubles for the past couple of days, so seeing Brielle with nothing more than a cast on her leg while Lillian faced possible jail time infuriated her even

more.

Brielle was clearly taking it!

Miranda was so focused on saving her daughter that she even disregarded the relationship Brielle had with Max. “Brielle, if you don’t drop this, forget about ever having a peaceful life again.” Miranda threatened.

Brielle took a sip of her coffee, a picture of serene indifference. “Are you done barking? If so, please leave. I’m trying to dine here.” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Miranda’s pupils shrank with rage, and, snatching up her coffee, she hurled it towards Brielle’s face. Catherine, not to be outdone, aimed a kick at Brielle’s plastered leg.

Brielle could have dodged the flying coffee, but the sharp agony from the kick to her leg turned her face pale, leaving her unable to focus on anything else. The scalding coffee splashed onto her collar, and

she tumbled from the chair, the sharp pain drawing a muffled groan from her lips.

Aubree, standing opposite to her, instantly stood up, exclaiming in panic, “Bri!” She didn’t have time to glare at the other women: she dashed to Brielle’s side, noticing the shattered cast. The pain must be excruciating.

“I’m taking you to the hospital!”

Brielle’s eyelashes fluttered, a premonition telling her the bone that had just healed was likely broken again. Her lips trembled weakly, unable to even glance at Miranda and the others.

Aubree wasted no time, prioritizing the hospital over a confrontation. She helped Brielle to her feet, slinging her arm around her neck and shot Miranda a furious look. “You just wait.”

Miranda arched an eyebrow, dismissive. What could a Clements family’s foster daughter do to her anyway?

A person’s social circle spoke volumes about their class, and to Miranda, Brielle would always be relegated to friendships with other foster daughters, never entering the inner circle of the elite.

The laughter of the wealthy matrons reinforced Miranda’s confidence. She had no reason to fear Brielle.

Brielle, dizzy from pain and unable to put weight on her foot, finally spoke hoarsely after a moment. “Aubree, I–cough, cough, cough.” Each breath was a struggle, and the coughing fit took over.

Aubree clenched her teeth in anger. “Those harpies. Once I get you to the hospital, I’ll come back to settle the score.”

Brielle leaned on her, the counterattack she had planned after Miranda’s coffee assault interrupted by the unexpected kick.

Catherine of Kingston Enterprises, she noted that name.

Sweat beaded on Brielle’s forehead, the scent of coffee lingering in her nostrils. Aubree supported Brielle into the car and drove straight to the hospital.

Back at the restaurant, the matrons continued to gossip about Brielle. The conversation shifted. towards Spencer and Max. At the mention of Max, a glint appeared in their eyes. Every mother with a daughter of marrying age dreamt of linking their child with Max, but he had always been aloof, only showing interest in Alivia. Therefore, everyone in Beaconsfield considered Max and Alivia the inevitable pair.

“I heard Max went abroad again to see Alivia. A friend of mine spotted him at the airport.”

“Those two families are probably going to join forces by the end of the year. It’ll be the talk of Beaconsfield.”

“The Barnes girl sure is lucky, having caught Max’s eye since she was young.”

Miranda had been feeling a pang of regret, considering Brielle’s current connection with Max. If Brielle whispered in his ear, the Haywood family would surely face consequences. But as she heard them talk about Max’s trip abroad, a smug look crossed her face. It seemed Brielle couldn’t hold onto him.

Max had left an injured Brielle behind to see Alivia overseas. The priorities were clear; the scales had tipped.