Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

“Relax, by the time we combine our shares, we’ll have well over sixty percent of the control in our hands. But there’s something else I gotta mention – you remember Book, right? He’s been stirring the pot while we’ve been gearing up to go public. There might be some market clashes down the road.”

“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it,” Brielle said, her voice cool as ice. The IPO was just the beginning of their climb to the top; there was a long road ahead.

After ending the call, she stared out the window, lost in thought, sparks of ambition flickering in her eyes. She couldn’t help but check on Max. At the moment, Max had his Bluetooth earpiece in, busy in a conference call with the executives.

Despite the injuries he carried, he was like an unceasing engine. His position was a testament to his extraordinary talent and hard work. She needed to be stronger to stand by his side.

The hotel was ablaze with lights, and a barbecue grill had been set up outside, adding a festive air to the evening.

Tessa was out of her element in such a gathering, stuck to Andrew like ivy to an oak. Her eyes darted around, always wary whenever they landed on any woman who rivaled her own beauty.

She scanned the crowd and didn’t spot Brielle, which brought a cold smirk to her lips. Would Brielle dare show up tonight?

Just as she had that thought, a car pulled up in front of her. The door opened, and out stepped Max. He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Brielle.

The moment Brielle showed her face, all eyes were drawn to her.

Max having a girlfriend was no longer a secret, but this was the first time he’d brought a date to such an event, and everyone was surprised.

The sight of Brielle made Tessa’s face darken, and she clutched Andrew’s arm unconsciously.

She’d heard the rumors but never imagined Max would actually pick Brielle. Somehow, the thought that someone as lowly as Brielle could rise to the top, made her fear being replaced by Aubree one day, especially since the two women were friends..

When Andrew caught sight of Brielle, a sharp glint passed through his eyes before he greeted Max. “Come on, let’s head in.”

Max nodded and reached for Brielle’s hand, concerned she might be nervous. But Brielle was more at ease than he expected. “Of course,” he thought, “why would someone who dared to play high–stakes poker be nervous about a few strangers?”

Brielle walked beside him, noticing the path to the entrance was lined with a pool, an ice rink, and the open barbecue pits, leading up to the Starcatcher Tower. The Starcatcher Tower was a bungee jumping site so high it seemed one could pluck stars from the sky. She marveled inwardly at the extravagance of the rich.

13-02

Inside the hall, servants in black and white uniforms were everywhere, and the tables were laden with pastries and drinks. It was just a casual get–together, yet it had the air of a grand banquet. Unlike a formal event, the guests were dressed down, making those few in fancy attire seem out of place.

Brielle felt the weight of many gazes upon her. She caught the looks of curiosity and disdain. from the wealthy heirs and heiresses like spotlights attempting to reveal her every secret.

She quickly glanced around the room and saw the scions of the big four banks, the retail. princess, and the smartphone empire’s young heir, intermingled with the current hotshots of the celebrity scene, likely accompanying the young elites. The caliber of this gathering was on par with any of the major galas back home.

Max seemed to sense her wonder and whispered an explanation. “The Riddle family is pretty old– school, with a lineage steeped in military honor. Business and politics run in Jaired’s family, and he’s got a sterling rep – a lot of friends.”

Brielle knew of Jaired and the Riddle family; anyone in Max’s orbit was no ordinary person.

She reached out, lightly grasping the fabric of Max’s sleeve. He thought she might’ve been hungry and asked softly, “Want something to eat?”

There was a variety of snacks, and he knew she preferred the less sweet options. He was about to fetch some for her when Brielle shook her head gently. “I’m not hungry.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Before she could say more, a pleasant male voice came from outside. “Drop it, man. The last time he left me in the desert for a week, I nearly turned into a mummy. You know how the old man is only interested in tough love.”

–

Following that voice was Alivia’s. “Grandpa cares about you. Do you remember when you fainted as a kid? he was so worried he almost passed out, too. Both of you were rushed to the hospital.”

The man chuckled. “Alivia, you remember that? All that time I was away, you were on my mind.” “You’re so slick. You should’ve stayed out there longer, as long as you didn’t kick the bucket.”

“You’re heartless, you know? I worried about you the whole way back.”

Their banter continued as they entered the hall.