Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Murray's face showed no trace of excitement or joy, only a fearful unease, like he was about to be violated. Desperation clear in his eyes, he glanced at the screen, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks.

Finally, Annie couldn't take it anymore.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Brielle, cut it out," she interrupted. "He may fall, but not by such humiliation."

"The goal."

"I made a deal with Michael to break you and Max up, that's all." And she was telling the truth.

Annie's lips curved into a slight smile, returning to her innocent facade.

"My godfather is your mentor's professor. I came to Beaconsfield because I saw your picture through him. Since you and my mentor look so much alike, and he's my godfather's prized pupil, I nagged him until he gave me a spot here." "You know, Brielle, it's really annoying to find someone who looks so much like you. Plus, with the deal I made with Michael, naturally, I had to try to split you two up."

Annie's face was a picture of genuine consternation.

"But it's so weird why I couldn't pull you two apart."

Any normal couple would have fallen apart after what you both have been through.

Her bewilderment was genuine.

Brielle had her phone taken away, cutting off the video chat. She looked at Murray, who still couldn't hide his excitement, a fervor glowing in his eyes.

Annie's concession had breathed new life into him, and he seemed reinvigorated with energy.

Brielle couldn't understand these abject affections, just as she couldn't grasp Aubree's previous behavior.

All she intended was to ensure Annie was watched over and, when the opportunity arose, to send her back overseas discreetly. Given Annie's godfather's status, Brielle wouldn't dream of harming her.

But Murray-she needed to keep him close.

Leaving the hospital, she glanced at the address Donny had sent and decided to seek out this so-called celebrity.

She found herself outside the

familiar sanatorium once more. Her previous encounter with Martha had left her with a sour impression, so she quickly bought a cake and made her way to the villa.

She knocked for several minutes without an answer. Just as she was about to call, the door swung open.

No one was inside. Though it was morning and sunlight streamed outside, the interior was cloaked in darkness, all curtains drawn to block the light.

"King Keiran?" she called from the doorway, the faint light from outside revealing no one in the living room.

Remembering Donny's warning about Keiran's eccentricity, she patiently stepped inside.

"Is anyone home? I'm Brielle from Stellar Stage Entertainment. I'm here specifically to see King Keiran."

As if on cue, a noise from the second floor responded to her call.

She followed the sound up the stairs into a foggy space, every window veiled by blackout curtains. Unsure where to find the light switches, she forged ahead in the dark.

Brielle pulled out her phone for some light, pushing open the door from where the noise had come.

Inside were numerous mannequins, each draped in cloth. Some were dressed in chic attire, exposed to view.

The sight of so many mannequins in the dim room was unnerving.

Swallowing hard, Brielle's scalp tingled with apprehension. She ventured further in, searching for any sign of life but found none.

Just as she was about to contact Donny to confirm whether Keiran was actually home resting today, she caught a glimpse through the glass a mannequin behind her moved. The light was too ding, and at first, she thought it was her imagination.

Not until the mannequin bent down, its tone menacing, did she realize her mistake: "You're a bit blind, aren't you? Walked by me three times and didn't even notice."