Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

“Bri, when are you planning to come with me to visit your home? Your mom and your brother are waiting for you. It’s not like you’re

married or anything”

Kingston was playing a loud game in his head, not once considering whether Brielle would agree to it. A girl who’d been wandering the world for so many years, suddenly sought out by her biological father, would surely be overwhelmed Brielle was silent. She hadn’t said a word yet–probably too choked up to even start

Kingston’s cheeks flushed with emotion, and he sighed deeply. “Don’t worry, we’ll make up for all the years of parental love you’ve missed out on ” With that, he began to weep and glanced at the show host

The host, microphone in hand, knew that the live audience must’ve been in an uproar, as Kingston’s words were bound to stir controversy Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

But controversy was exactly what they wanted for the show!

Many of the viewers were middle–aged or older, and to this demographic, family was everything. The colder Brielle seemed, the more she would be scomed!

The host, a veteran in the industry, knew exactly how to retreat gracefully while controlling the atmosphere. He passed the microphone to Brielle with a smile. “Ms. Brielle, what are your thoughts on Mr. Kingston’s words here? The show received a request from Mr. Kingston this morning, hoping to reunite with his daughter. According to him, you haven’t given him a cent over the years, nor have you

sought out your biological parents. He resorted to this method as a last hope–the love of a parent knows no bounds.”

The love of a parent knows no bounds. Brielle raised an eyebrow. Was that how that phrase was used?

She found it amusing, leaned back slightly, and surveyed everything before her with a slight smile. “I haven’t been in the entertainment business long, and I’ve only recently become the president of Stellar Stage Entertainment. I’m surprised–is this how TV shows are done these days?”

Her words seemed polite and filled with wonder, but they were anything but courteous. She was mocking the show’s desperate grab for ratings. The host’s face stiffened, looking rather sheepish. “We’re just following a request, staying true to the show’s mission–to reunite every lost child with their family.”

“You said it yourself, lost. The focus is on being lost. But I was deliberately abandoned. If I hadn’t met Mark, I’d probably have frozen to death by now. My father‘ didn’t look for me when I was sick or when I was starving, but now that I’m a CEO, he comes sniffing around. Does such a person even deserve to ask me for money?”

From start to finish, Brielle’s tone was detached, devoid of anger or resentment, but laced with a casual, disdainful attitude and a calm

gare

The comments in the live broadcast were exploding–most were supportive, and a few were not. The heat shot up to the top of the trending searches, sparking another widespread online debate.

Brielle lifted her hand and took a gentle sip of her water. “Let’s skip the moral hijacking, shall we? If you have something more to say. speak.” Her presence was overpowering, silencing everyone in the room. Even the seasoned host couldn’t help but swallow hard, at a loss for

words.

F5 B * IS 5 F

In his earpiece, the staff’s voices continued. “Keep it going! The ratings are still climbing–we’re breaking records!”

Can such a thing as human nature feed all the workers in a show’s production team?

The host took a deep breath, his face still smiling. “Ms. Brielle, Mr. Kingston isn’t trying to guilt–trip you, nor is he demanding a billion dollars. He simply hopes you’ll take his surname. If you refuse to acknowledge him as your father, he wishes for a billion in support.” Caught off guard by such a scene, Kingston fumbled, nodding along with the host’s words. That’s right, Bri. But I still hope you’ll come home with us. All the relatives are waiting, and we’ve even planned a welcome party for you.”

+ Brielle set down her cup, looking at the man with an indifferent gaze. His face was etched with schemes, his eyes alight with the thrill of

impending success, showing no genuine joy at finding his daughter–unless that joy was due to the wealth she represented.

Disappointment and loss swept through her heart, settling into calm. She didn’t show impatience. Instead, she looked up at him with a smile. “A welcome party? Or is it more about arranging jobs for your nieces and nephews?

Kingston’s face stiffened. Though it was true–this was what everyone was thinking. After all, he had lived insignificantly his whole life, and now that he had found his powerful daughter, he wouldn’t miss this chance to boast among friends and family. The moment he got the DNA results and learned of Brielle’s identity, he notified all his relatives.

Now, they were all waiting at home, eager to catch a glimpse of Brielle and, incidentally, secure a good job for their offspring.