Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In the Barnes family, the recent revelation had kicked up a storm. For over two decades, the uneven distribution of resources had simmered with resentment. The bombshell that the two most promising heirs weren't even Barnes blood was a scandal that rocked the high society of Beaconsfield. It was a disgrace that threatened to undermine the family's standing in the community. How could the Barnes name retain its prestige in Beaconsfield now?

Daisy, forehead slick with sweat, dared not utter a word in her defense. Alivia, kneeling beside her, was utterly dumbfounded. Just recently, she had been relieved that their secret had remained undiscovered, but now, it was laid bare for all to see.

The shock that Kenzo, her brother, was also not a true Barnes had her reeling. "What on earth is going on?" she wondered fearfully, leaning closer to Daisy for support, while Jose, red-faced with anger, bellowed for Collin.

"Collin! Get him back here now!"

The Barnes estate descended into chaos, with family members lashing out at Daisy and Alivia with every insult under the sun. The suppressed anger of years was unleashed with a vengeance, fingers practically jabbing in the faces of the two women. Collin arrived soon after, his shock surpassing everyone else's. To find out that his star son and the daughter he'd painstakingly raised had no ties to him was shattering.

"You! You"

The usually composed man fainted from sheer fury.

Jose could only look at Daisy with disgust. With this scandal breaking, the Barnes family, known for their etiquette and historical scholarship, would struggle to hold their ground. This would become the joke of the inner circle, and the support they used to receive would likely be diverted elsewhere.

"Daisy, leave. The Barnes family has no place for you," he said coldly.

Daisy remained on her knees, the events unfolding too rapidly to comprehend.

Alivia's mind was blank, but she couldn't help trying to defend herself. "Grandfather, my achievements have nothing to do with my birth. I am still the youngest manager at the research institute. Besides, I'm about to marry Max, and then-"

But before she could finish, someone burst in, their face a mask of panic.

"Mr. Barnes, Dorsey International has issued an official statement. They claim Mr. Dorsey never had any relations with Ms. Alivia, and all rumors suggesting otherwise are the product of her unrequited affections. They also clarified that Mr. Dorsey has admitted to pursuing someone he truly likes, but the

feelings are not yet reciprocated."

Max had never bothered with an official social media presence, his private account following only Brielle, unverified and hidden behind a string of random characters.

The statement from Dorsey

International was carefully worded,

almost bluntly stating there was no relationship between Max and Alivia. It went on to explain the origin of the rosary, a gift from Max's mother Martha, given to Alivia during better times. The announcement also highlighted that the rosary had been intended for the woman Max truly cared for, but it was returned to him when she didn't share his feelings.

As a final blow, the statement made it clear that Alivia's manipulative tactics, borne out of unrequited love, had severed any remaining ties with them.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Attached was a toxicology report from Max's medical examination, the implications of which were clear to anyone who understood.

Alivia's reputation plummeted. The public outcry was immediate, calling for her removal from her prestigious position. Her misuse of substances and moral failings made her unfit to lead, they argued. The government responded promptly, announcing they would consider a new candidate for her position.

Given Max's stature-a man who'd

shunned public attention, whose image was scarce, save for a dated photograph his word carried weight. There was no need for

someone of his caliber to false net

accuse a woman. It was evident he hadn't given much thought to Alivia's earlier insinuations online, but her recent actions, especially so soon after his mother's death, were nothing short of reprehensible.

The twisted scheme was too vile for words. How could someone stoop so low?