Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Besides, my future father-in-law has already given his blessing.

Raymond had already walked a good distance from the boutique. It wasn't uncommon for the CEO of Infinity Brilliance to inspect the counters; Dustin had done it a few times before. Now that Raymond was back in action, it made sense for him to stop by and boost morale.

The executives trailing behind him were all the picture of deference, careful not to overstep or say too much in his presence. Not a single one of them dared ask where young Mr. Lynch had wandered off to.

After Raymond had made his rounds, offering a few minor suggestions, he left, surrounded by his attentive entourage. Before exiting, he made a point to stop by the same counter he had visited earlier. Normally, he wouldn't bother with such trifles, but today, he personally asked the clerk if they had given a discount to a customer. Assured that a member discount was applied, he felt relieved.

Yet, thinking of Brielle's face, Raymond felt a tinge of regret. He should've just waived the fee altogether. After all, his son was always charming his lady friends with little trinkets. Those baubles were as common as dirt in the Lynch household, tossed around for amusement. He rubbed his brow, his expression turning somber at the thought of his son. Yet to outsiders, he appeared unchanged. His demeanor wasn't icy like Max's but rather dignified and composed, exuding a quiet strength.

The executives followed him to the waiting car, and just like on their arrival, they drove off in an impressive convoy.

Meanwhile, Brielle and Max had just pulled up at the hotel entrance. Max was about to take Brielle's hand when his phone rang. A frown creased his forehead - it was the hospital.

"Max, Michael's condition has worsened. He's asking to see you, hoping you can come back."

It was daytime where he was, which meant it was night back there. The middle of the night, and they were calling him.

After ending the call, Max turned to Brielle. "It's not safe for you to be here alone; I'm worried. The Lynch estate is like Fort Knox, it's been ages since anyone outside the family has set foot in there. Aside from business dealings, the Lynches have stopped hosting private gatherings.

Brielle knew she had no chance of just waltzing into the Lynch family fold, especially with a butler and a professor who were close to the family.

"I forgot to mention, the professor is actually Desiree's godson because he grew up with Owen, just a few years his senior."

"Over the years, hundreds of women have been brought back claiming to be the lost daughter of the Lynches."

It was like a reverse 'boy who cried

wolf' situation. The volunteers were always imposters, and with someone like Annie, so similar in appearance already under the Lynches watchful eyes, Brielle's

The butler's and the profesnet

claim would hardly make waves.

close ties with the Lynch family were not easily swayed. Without a

breakthrough from Dustin, there was no way in. Even her movements abroad could be under surveillance. One misstep, and it would all be over.

Brielle's lashes drooped as she caressed the ring on her finger. After a moment she said, "You go back want to stay a few more days. Don't worry about me; I'll go see Keiran." She couldn't bear to leave withBelongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

things unresolved.

Max's phone rang again just then, and a slight smile touched his lips as he checked the caller ID. "How about Sky Lounge tonight? There's an event - it should be fun. Keiran will probably be there, and Kenzo too."

Sky Lounge was Dustin's bar, perched high where the whole city could be seen. In its wildest days, Dustin had booked it for a month straight, turning it into a hedonistic paradise and putting it on the map as a world-class hotspot. "What's the event?"

"A masquerade ball."

"Sounds good."

But before Brielle could respond

further, Max pulled her back into the hotel. "We still have time." His voice was soft his demeanor as calm as ever. The moment the door swang open, Brielle found herself swept off her feet and perched on the foyer bench in his arms.