Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"If you're not into her, hand her over to me," a voice murmured, suddenly closer, almost in his ear. "Get lost."

Max's icy stare cut through the air like a knife. The room was empty, devoid of anyone.

He rubbed his temples and stood up, heading toward the door, but froze as he reached for the handle. A flicker of something complex passed through his eyes. Then there was a knock on the door, followed by a respectful voice. "Sir, everything's been arranged."

Max opened the door, replying with a casual "Hmm."

"Where's the person?"Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"They took off, but they can't have gotten far. Our people are on it."

Max nodded and stepped outside. The place had been bustling when he first came in, but now it was deserted. It was like the masquerade ball had been a mirage. He ascended to the balcony where Brielle was supposed to wait, but it was empty. A flicker of fury crossed his eyes.

"Where's Brielle?"

The person behind him lowered their head in a mix of respect and fear.

"Ms. Brielle followed the pursuit; we couldn't stop her."

Max's lashes lowered, his lips forming a thin line.

"I see."

He strode away, each step seemingly creating a breeze. The masquerade ball tonight wasn't real. The vibrant scene was all actors. After all, with masks and fancy attire, no one could tell who was behind them.

né

The Sky Lounge did have an annual masquerade, supposed to happen around this time, but due to Dustin's disappearance, it was canceled. The staff hadn't had the chance to announce it before Max intercepted the message, needing the event for his plan. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked bringing Brielle-it was too dangerous. But Brielle defied expectations, seemingly showing pity for that person.

Tonight was a trap, a lure for them.

Max climbed into his car, annoyed that Brielle had left in such a hurry she'd forgotten her phone. To make the act convincing, they had followed the usual ball's agenda, but now, without her phone, finding Brielle would be difficult. Max pursed his tips, ordering his men to continue the search for the man and to bring Brielle back immediately upon discovery. As for the other, try to bring him back alive.

Brielle was already out of breath. She was sure she had seen that person run this way, but they had vanished. Inside the Sky Lounge, when footsteps began echoing behind her, she had imagined

numerous outcomes-the wors

being meeting her end. However, what unfolded next was beyond her expectations. The partygoers turned on two individuals. A man and a woman. The woman was Annie, now captured. Brielle realized Max had known her desire to corner Annie,

having promised Murray to lock Annie away with him.

She wasn't ready to return home, partly because of Annie, whose cover was blown, unlikely to visit Beaconsfield again. Only back home could she deal with her. The second reason-Brielle spotted bloodstains on the ground and knew the person was wounded. Max's men were close behind, initially trying to stop her, but she refused to stay put. She needed the truth.

"Ms. Brielle, the boss has spoken. You need to return."

The approaching man was deferential. "Please don't make this hard for us. If you want to see that man, we'll capture him."

Brielle's gaze swept across an area, her eyelashes quivering.

"I understand. I'll head back now. The rest is up to you."

The men sighed in relief, moving forward. Brielle stopped running, knowing Max would be worried. He had kept this plot from her, tightly under wraps. She turned back, not far when the scent of blood hit her. Glancing into an alley, it was deep and unlit. After a moment's hesitation, she stepped into the darkness.