Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Kenzo chuckled softly, his eyes were still warm, but his expression was somewhat laden with hidden meaning. “Andrew, this is a Dorsey family matter, and it’s Max’s own business. When he wakes up, he’ll handle everything. Let’s not rush in and add to the chaos.” One of Kenzo’s life principles was to go with the flow.

With his legs encased in combat boots, Andrew kicked the chair impatiently. “Fine, you’re the wise one. I’m outta here. No point hanging around when I can’t see anyone.”

He strode out, inevitably bumping into Alivia. Wrapped in her coat. Alivia froze when she saw him. What was he doing coming out of that room?

Andrew nodded at her, said nothing, and walked away.

Alivia was relieved she hadn’t called anyone and revealed her true self. Looking back into room, she caught sight of Kenzo. “Kenzo?”

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Kenzo came out, ruffling her hair with a smile. “Grandpa’s given you a free pass. Stick with Max for a while.”

Not that she needed telling. Alivia would have stayed by Max’s side anyway.

Once they were both gone, Alivia finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Outside the hospital, Andrew’s phone buzzed with a call from Aubree. He could guess what she wanted to say and quickly hit ‘end call.‘

Aubree stood in front of the police station, and dialed ten times to no avail. Eventually, the line went dead. Even she knew Andrew wasn’t going to help her.

A bitter smile crossed Aubree’s lips.

By dawn, the security around the police station seemed impenetrable. It looked like the Dorsey family intended to leave Brielle to her fate. She was isolated in her own little world.

Aubree was helpless against the Dorseys, the first family of Beaconsfield. Only when Max woke up could anything change.

Noon came, and Max still hadn’t stirred.

The atmosphere on the hospital floor was tense. Every medical staffer delivering medication moved with utmost care, each subjected to multiple screenings.

All non–essential personnel were barred from Max’s vicinity – except for Alivia, whom Michael had allowed to stay.

Sitting by the bed, Alivia gazed at Max’s face. His eyes were closed, his expression unapproachable. This was the man she’d been smitten with since childhood.

She took a deep breath, reaching to take his hand, to hold it in hers, but as she neared, his fingers twitched.

Alivia drew back, and when she looked un, she saw his eyes slowly opening.

“Max, how do you feel? She quickly pressed the call button, summoning the doctors.

The doctors swarmed Max, checking his chest wound, then his head. “Max, can you hear us?”

A sharp pain shot through Max’s skull as if a hammer was pounding into his brain.

“There’s still some bruising at the back of your head. If it hurts, try not to think too much and rest for now.”

Max didn’t respond; he just closed his eyes again.

The doctor straightened up, addressing Alivia. “Ms. Alivia, Max is okay. Waking up is a good sign. He’s still under the effects of the anesthesia, but give it an hour, and he should be fully lucid. His physical condition is stronger than most – he’ll recover quickly.”

Alivia exhaled in relief. “Thank you.”

But no sooner had the doctors left than Max’s eyes flickered open again. Alivia hurried to pour

him some water. “Max, want a drink?”

He glanced at her, his eyes devoid of emotion, then shut them once more. All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

Alivia’s heart melted.

An hour later, Max was truly awake, surveying the room with furrowed brows. His voice was hoarse and unsteady. “Where’s Ryan?”

“Michael had him moved out overnight. Max, is there anything that feels off?”

Max tried to sit up but winced at the pull in his chest. Alivia reached out to help, but he brushed

her off. “I’ve got it.”

Disappointment flickered in her eyes as she withdrew her hands.

Max sat up slowly, cushioning his waist with a pillow. His head was throbbing too much to think, his face pale.

This was the worst injury he’d had in his life, a parting gift from a desperate Ryan. Ryan had been like a madman last night. It wasn’t like him to be so unhinged unless someone was using

him.

The mere thought sharpened the pain in Max’s head, forcing him to lie back down, his voice The indifferent. “Get Patrick to bring me the company files this afternoon.”

Even in this state, he was concerned about work.

Alivia found it amusing and puzzling. Since waking up, he hadn’t mentioned Brielle once. What was going on?

A tremor of fear ran through her at the thought that crossed her mind.