Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Inside the Premier Palace, the sound of Patrick’s phone ringing cut through the quiet intensity of the room. He glanced at the screen, saw the name flashing, and promptly notified Max. “Sir, you have a call from Ms. Brielle.” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Patrick was expecting Max to pick up immediately, but he was met with a surprise. Max continued to sift through the corporate documents as if deaf to the world.

The phone continued its persistent melody.

Patrick was perplexed. What was going on with the boss? Just last night, Max had someone stationed at the hospital to protect Ms. Brielle from the desperate Haywood clan, who might threaten her.

All signs pointed to Max caring for Ms. Brielle. Yet now, his reaction was non–existent.

Though Max didn’t say. Patrick surmised that the scheme that unfolded last night must have involved Brielle. They had since locked down all information from reaching the outside world. No one would know Max had been there.

As for Lillian, the instigator, her fate was uncertain after falling from the high wall. Perhaps she had already been consumed by the flames.

Patrick had personally overseen the information blackout, confident he knew Max’s mind inside

out.

Patrick assumed that Max’s actions were to shield Brielle. Even so, he was not a deity; oversights occurred. If something happened to Brielle, what then?

Andrew’s face flashed in Patrick’s mind, and he frowned. He couldn’t help but feel that Mr. Clements wasn’t too fond of Ms. Brielle. He hoped Mr. Clements wouldn’t take any drastic

steps.

With a sigh, Patrick noticed Max’s phone finally quieting down, while Max himself remained in a state of cool detachment.

Soon after, Patrick’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and promptly informed Max. “Sir, Ms. Brielle is calling me now.”

Max finally reacted, lifting his gaze slightly. “Mmm, tell her to focus on her recovery. Dorsey International needs her.”

It that needed her, not Max. Brielle was a smart woman; she would

as Dorso Int

understand.

Patrick grew more puzzled. Had they fought again? But judging by Max’s demeanor, this seemed particularly serious.

He answered the call. “Ms. Brielle.”

14:40

“Patrick, where’s Max?”

“The boss isn’t feeling well and can’t come to the phone right now. Perhaps you could try again tomorrow, Ms. Brielle.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

Brielle’s voice was laced with urgency, but remembering Aubree was nearby, she restrained herself. “Has he seen a doctor?”

Patrick paused briefly before delivering the premeditated response.

“Mr. Dorsey has been running on empty since his trip overseas. The doctor has seen him and prescribed rest. So he’ll be stepping back from company matters for a few days.”

He emphasized ‘company,‘ unwilling to be too explicit. But Brielle misunderstood. Max was a workaholic, who wouldn’t leave the office as long as he could hold a mouse. He wouldn’t drop work unless it was serious.

He didn’t even take her call. Was he unconscious?

Brielle was worried sick and felt the phone call wasn’t enough to express her concern. She considered visiting Premier Palace. “I understand. Tell him to rest well.”

Patrick, unaware of Brielle’s turmoil, felt a twinge of frustration hearing her not press further. Max had exposed himself to danger for Ms. Brielle’s sake. He almost got hurt in the process. and she was none the wiser – such an unbalanced affair.

Yet, that was just Max’s way. He never boasted about his actions. Maybe he did not understand why he felt compelled to be there for Ms. Brielle.

even

Max didn’t understand affection, but he knew the craving that spread from deep within his throat–a desire to treat Ms. Brielle well. This was more controlled, more profound than mere liking.

A fleeting romantic gesture was merely a momentary dazzle, but enduring affection was true tenderness.

Still, what Max was doing now was beyond Patrick’s grasp.