Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In the grand lobby of the hotel, the Dorsey clan had just met up with the Rowland folks.

Truth be told, this wasn’t a gathering of three families. After all, when you were discussing nuptials, it was not exactly a group huddle situation.

The Dorseys and the Rowlands had already planned an early meeting here, and the Barnes clan happened to have booked the room next door, so all three ended up bumping into each other in the hallway.

After exchanging pleasantries, the Dorseys and the Rowlands headed to the adjacent private dining room.

Alivia stood amidst the crowd, sneaking a glance at Max.

Tonight’s main event wasn’t about Spencer and Sophia. It was about her and Max. She had everything planned down to a T. With Max having forgotten all about Brielle, this was the perfect opportunity to strike. The engagement date had to be set tonight.

As for Spencer and Sophia, they were merely her backdrop. She was quite accustomed to using others as her stage setting. Besides, Spencer would stir the pot soon enough.

Everything would unfold according to plan.

Inside the dining room.

Max was poker–faced, while Spencer and Sophia sat at a considerable distance from each other, hardly looking like a couple about to get engaged.Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Once the Dorsey party settled in, the Rowland party followed suit. Spencer and Sophia were arranged to sit together. If he couldn’t marry Brielle, then who he married didn’t matter. It wouldn’t stop him from pursuing her. With the elders present, he simply watched them clinking glasses, eagerly anticipating the upcoming drama.

Sacrificing his own trivial marriage to ensure Brielle and Max would never be, seemed like a fair trade to Spencer. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have obediently shown up tonight.

Spencer’s gaze involuntarily drifted to Max, who held a cup of tea between his fingers. As he was still nursing his wounds, no one urged him to drink.

The affair with Ryan was known by few outside the families; it was said that Ryan was exiled for breaking the Dorsey’s family rules. So, no one was aware of Max’s injuries, but seeing him. with tea, no one came up to offer him a drink either.

Max held his cup, his gaze suddenly lifting to meet Spencer’s in mid–air. Spencer stiffened, feeling uncomfortably transparent. He quickly averted his eyes, his expression turning pale as he looked away.

The toasting went on for several rounds, both families appearing quite content. Tessa’s father, Austin, stood up and respectfully toasted Michael.

13.30

Half an hour later, the engagement date was set for the following Friday. The meal proceeded amicably, everything seeming to go smoothly.

Meanwhile, next door, the atmosphere was equally lively, with all members of the Barnes family present.

Alivia, sitting beside Kenzo, was the center of attention. Kenzo himself hadn’t eaten much, quietly listening to the elders‘ conversation.

Both Alivia and Kenzo shone brightly among their peers, whether from the side branches or the Barnes‘ core family. As a young woman, Alivia was especially the pride of her lineage. Accustomed to being the belle of the ball, she wore a modest smile, basking in the

adoration of everyone around her.

Others looked on with envy, many wishing they could trade places with Alivia and experience

the life she led.

The mood was harmonious until someone broached the topic.

“Did you hear that the Dorseys and the Rowlands are discussing Spencer and Sophia’s engagement next door?”

“Spencer’s nearly onto his second fiancée, yet Max still hasn’t popped the question to Alivia. After all these years, there’s been constant talk of their imminent engagement, but no sign of it yet.”

“Could it be that Max has no intention of marrying at all?”

“What about Alivia then?”

The chatter grew louder. Some even boldly asked Alivia herself.

“Alivia, aren’t they arranging Spencer’s engagement next door? As the elder, why has Max delayed his engagement for so long? When are you two going to marry?”

Alivia’s face stiffened, but she quickly regained her composure. Now that Max had completely forgotten Brielle, it was time to schedule their own wedding.

Her lips curved into a smile. “It should be very soon, depending on how Max wants to arrange

it.”

“How soon? You’ve been saying that for years. Max has never acknowledged any fiancée; it’s always been you chasing after him.”

The speaker was a young college girl from one of the side branches, always overshadowed by Alivia and clearly resentful.

“If Max really liked you, he would’ve proposed by now. It wouldn’t be dragging on like this. I think he just doesn’t want to marry you.”

The warm atmosphere chilled in an instant. The outspoken girl realized she might have gone too far and pursed her lips.

13:20

Thinking of Brielle’s exit from the picture, Alivia smiled icily, confident. “If Max isn’t going to marry me, then who will he marry?”