Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Those who'd been to the casinos in Beaconsfield knew the enigma that was the man behind the curtain. You could only get an audience with him with a win of ten billion in one night.

And yet, here she was, meeting him in this most unexpected place. Naturally, Brielle couldn't help but wonder if there was something about her that he wanted.

For the life of her, she couldn't figure out what that could be.

She had an average family background and was currently tangled in a mess. Why would this shadowy figure want to meet with her?

Perhaps her wariness was all too apparent as the man let out a soft chuckle, his gaze softening. "Come, have a seat."

"Is there something you need?" Brielle stood her ground, her expression composed, while she subtly scanned her surroundings.

The door she entered was now closed. She was in a tastefully decorated garden area with no escape in sight.

"Calm down. I just wanted to let you know that I might be able to help you."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Brielle frowned. She knew that nothing in life was free. She slowly approached and stood before him.

He exuded a laid-back vibe, but it was nothing like Dustin's. Dustin was the epitome of clean, pure nonchalance.

This man's ease seemed to ooze from a place of darkness.

"What would I have to give in return?" Unsure of his intentions, she played along, trying to keep the situation under control.

Noticing her cautious approach, the man pointed to the seat beside him. "Take a seat."

As Brielle took her seat, her mind raced with thoughts of her current predicament.

In the next moment, his head leaned close, his breath tickling her ear. "All you have to do is kiss me."

Brielle felt as if a venomous snake was hissing beside her ear, her hair standing on end. Instinctively, she wanted to recoil. But showing too much fear would be a loss. It would mean she'd be at his mercy from here on out. What a psycho.

Her expression darkened, and after a moment, she stood up, her gaze sharp and piercing.

The man had already reclined back, appearing unbothered by his own offensive suggestion.

A woman emerged from the side, kneeling obediently at his feet, massaging his legs.

Brielle frowned, disgusted by the salacious scene. "I'll give it some thought."

Her tone was indifferent as she eyed the door She'd entered through. "May leave now?" Her

'consideration' was simply a means to make a swift exit.

"Please."

The man's face curled into a smile, his lips beneath the mask forming a taunting curve as he appraised her.

Brielle felt like prey in a hunter's game, a sense of discomfort washing over her. As the door opened, she all but dashed outside.

Just as she was leaving, she heard him say, "You'll come back to me."

Brielle's stride faltered, a wave of anger spreading through her, but she said nothing, silently returning to her car.

When she noticed the vibrant roses in the car, her mood soured further. She grabbed the bouquet and

tossed it into a nearby tra ther

can.

She sensed danger in that place, and from that man, prompting her to drive straight back to her residence at Pearl Estate.

After a shower, she still felt the chilling presence of that man clinging to her.

Exhausted, Brielle sat quietly on

sofa. She wasn't vain enough to

think that the man desired her,

sparking his ludicrous rehenet

The only plausible explanation was that he knew Max, perhaps even as a rival, aiming to strike at Max through her. Feeling restless, she waited for her emotions to settle before pulling out her phone and finding Max's number. But what could she say?

Their last meeting had ended on a sour note, and he refused to believe her about James' innocence.

Brielle didn't blame him. If she were in Max's shoes, she wouldn't have believed it either.