Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Max had always been cold-hearted.

Alivia, seething with rage, gripped her phone so hard she nearly flung it across the room. No matter what she did, Max stayed ice-cold.

Fine, she thought, he had it coming.

She navigated to the official forums of Dorsey International and posted all the screenshots she had collected. Now, not only were online trolls attacking Brielle, but there was also a stir within Dorsey International itself.

Everyone knew Mr. Dorsey and Kenzo had been tight for years. But Mr. Dorsey and Brielle? That wasn't exactly a secret in the company. It made people wonder: did Kenzo really leave the industry because he was heartbroken?

As a screenwriter, Kenzo was a fan favorite. Anyone who read his scripts fell in love with his talent. His abrupt departure had the rumor mill working overtime.

Adding fuel to the fire was Brielle's past engagement to Spencer. People couldn't help but think she was a bit of a trouble magnet. Why else would she be involved with so many people?

The higher-ups at Dorsey International kept their mouths shut, but that didn't stop employees from gossiping about Brielle behind closed doors. The public was in an uproar.

A smug grin danced in Alivia's eyes. She had done her part and headed to the Dorsey estate. But before she could enter the living room, she spotted Victoria.

"Hey, Victoria," Alivia called out, her voice laced with fake innocence.

Victoria had known Alivia for years and had always liked her, but Alivia's recent antics had definitely soured that affection. Victoria had once tried to set up Alivia and Max. Now, she hoped Max would find someone new from the high-society pool-something her father also wanted. But clearly, Max wasn't on board.

"Alivia, what are you doing here?"

Alivia had come to see Michael, but seeing Victoria was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

"Victoria, there's something I need to tell you. Can we talk? Just sit here for a bit?"

They were near the garden, where stone benches and tables made for a quaint spot to enjoy tea and flowers.

Victoria was in a foul mood. The Dorsey family's recent chaos, Antonio stirring the pot, and her father's failing health were all weighing heavily on her. What really made her blood boil was Max treating Brielle like some kind of treasure. "Fine, you have thirty minutes."

She sat down, placing her purse beside her. As they sat opposite each other, Alivia thought of the secret she had been harboring, feeling her body heat up with excitement.

"Victoria, I've always gotten along with Martha. Ever wondered why?"

17.

Victoria frowned. What was she getting at? Over the years, while Alivia was abroad, she had taken care of Martha. Their families had history, so Martha's fondness wasn't surprising. Besides, Max and Alivia had almost gotten engaged once.

Alivia looked around to make sure they were alone before leaning in and lowering her voice.

"Before Martha died, she told me I was her biological daughter."

Victoria's eyes widened, and her expression hardened instantly.

"Don't talk nonsense!" Her stern voice startled Alivia.

Alivia had imagined countless reactions from Victoria, but panic wasn't one of them. Victoria stood up and grabbed her purse.

"She was lying to you. Don't take it to

е

heart. You can joke about it with me, but if you dare spread this to anyone in the Dorsey family, don't say

didn't warn you." Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Her tone was threatening, and she even shoved Alivia away.

"Get out of here, now."

Alivia stumbled back. "Victoria, you don't believe me?"

"Out!"

Victoria's sudden severity scared Alivia. She had known Victoria for so many years and had never seen her like this. But at this point, Alivia couldn't turn back. "If you won't believe me, then I'll just have to find Michael myself."