Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Brielle had no interest in chatting with him. When she saw him turn away, she took it as her chance to leave.

But suddenly, he grabbed her wrist. Instinctively, she jerked back, ready to fight, but he quickly let go and raised his hands above his head, showing he meant no harm. Brielle frowned. His face was probably scarred, hidden from view under that dark cloak. Meeting King back home had made her wary of anyone who kept their face covered. "What do you want?" she asked coolly, trying to peer into his eyes. But the thick black veil revealed nothing.

Not waiting for an answer, she marched toward the exit.

The man stayed put, watching her walk away.

After a few hundred meters, she heard footsteps behind her, steady and relentless. He was like a shadow she couldn't shake.

When someone tugged at her hem, Brielle stopped abruptly. She took a deep breath and forced a polite smile. "Are you with Dustin? Is there something you need to tell me?"

The stranger, appearing outside Dustin's villa so early in the morning, must have been close to him. The man gestured wildly, but Brielle shook her head.

"Sorry, I don't understand sign language."

Without waiting for a response, she finally walked away for good.

The man stood there, not following, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure. After a while, he returned to a nearby car where Annie was sitting.

Annie, looking innocent, was playing with her nails. She glanced up, respectful yet puzzled.

"Having trouble letting go?" she asked.

The man said nothing, his exposed fingertips ghostly pale.

Annie rolled down the window, watching Brielle head toward the sanatorium, a sly smile forming on her lips. "With Dustin missing, this is our best shot. If you can't do it, I can. You wasted last night, waiting outside the villa. But she knows nothing. I'm curious, what is this thing called 'liking' anyway? It's got you and our senior brother all twisted up."

Annie twirled a dagger expertly, doubt in her eyes. "Murray was with me for years, but when he had to die, I felt nothing.

. This is our e

Any slip-up, and we're the ones in

trouble. So I'll handle it. If you had been ruthless with Dustin,

wouldn't have had a chance to escape."

Annie opened the car door, her eyes fierce. The man tried to stop her, but she cut him off.Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

"If Brielle doesn't die, we will."

She turned to face him. "You might be willing to die for her, but I'm not. Besides, you've already betrayed Dustin. If he's still alive and comes back, what do you think will happen to you? Don't forget whose hand holds your life." The man released his grip and sighed softly. "At least, let her see Desiree."

Annie frowned, her smile twisting. "I'm not as soft-hearted as you. Just wait here!"

With that, she slammed the car door shut and strode off in the direction Brielle had gone. But even as she entered the sanatorium, Brielle was nowhere to be seen.

The staff greeted Annie warmly. "Annie, here again today?"

Annie smiled and headed straight to Desiree's room.

Desiree, part of the Lynch family,

was in poor shape. She sat on the bed, her hands gnarled like tree bark, fingers crumpled together. She wasn't in a hospital gown but wore a loose-fitting dress, her white hair meticulously styled-a dignified holdover from an older generation.

The dress, custom-made to be roomy, allowed her to move freely. Annie approached, hiding the dagger behind her, her gaze scanning the room.

"Grandma, hasn't anyone else come to see you today?"

Strange, Brielle was supposed to be here. Where was she?