Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Aubree pouted, wishing she could just hang out with her friend instead.

Brielle looked up at that moment. "Don't you have an interview? Your agent probably has it all scheduled, right?" she asked.

"I just want to chill," Aubree whined, trying to get Brielle to loosen up a bit.

In Brielle's world, with Max being so stellar and hardworking, she felt the pressure to push herself even harder. But Aubree was her friend, and she didn't want her to be overworked.

"Alright, then head back now, get some rest, and recalibrate," Brielle relented.

Aubree was suddenly speechless and deflated. "I'll get ready for the interview, then."

"Aubree, if you're really tired, just rest."

"I'm not, I was just kidding. I'm off."

With a forced smile, Aubree left the room, but as soon as the door closed behind her, her eyes reddened. Sighing, she looked up to see Keiran and Chase approaching. She'd been at odds with Chase lately, her brow furrowing at the sight of him. Chase wasn't fond of her either, even if he hid it well.

Keiran bypassed Brielle's office, heading elsewhere. He was swamped with his new film project and had no time to spare for anyone. Chase, ever the sycophant, followed like a faithful puppy, linking arms with him as if they were the best of buddies.

"Hey Keiran, you really can't hang out tonight?" Chase asked, hope tinged with disappointment in his voice.

"Yeah, got some extra scenes to shoot, it'll be an all-nighter," Keiran responded.

"That's a bummer." Chase's eyes swept over him with a hint of regret.

Keiran was oblivious, naively so. But Aubree saw right through the charade and shivered at the thought. Chase was going all out to win Keiran over.

At 8 PM, Brielle was still working overtime. She needed to wrap up all matters at Stellar Stage Entertainment promptly because she had promised her brother to visit him in North America the following week. She grabbed her purse and opened the door, only to be greeted by Addison and Aiden. The two were practically inseparable, always by her side.

Descending the stairs, Brielle's gaze

landed on Chase, who was nonchalantly flipping his car keys. This North American playboy was someone she knew little about, except for the rumors she'd heard from Andrew. Still, while her brother had been looking out for her these past few days, she'd curiously inquired about Chase. Even Dustin, known for his womanizing ways, couldn't help but brand Chase as a scoundrel.

Brielle preferred to keep her distance, but Chase sauntered over.

"Ms. Brielle, I'm flying solo tonight. Care to join me for a spin at the casino? I've heard Beaconsfield boasts a famous and exclusive spot. You've been there, right?"

Indeed, she had, and the memory of

a particular mask flashed through her mind, causing an instinctive revulsion. In Brielle's world, she had smoothed over everything related to the manor's fire, but that mask's nauseating image lingered. voice inside her urged her to go, suggesting there might be something to discover. But what was there to find? She was so confused, clutching her phone as if it offered a lifeline of safety. Why hadn't Max called? She was starting to feel uneasy. Original content from NôvelDrama.Org.

"Ms. Brielle, are we going?" Chase seemed oblivious to her discomfort and pretended Addison and Aiden were invisible.

Brielle nodded, stepping into Chase's car. His ride was a dazzling Maserati-rarely seen among the discreet elite unless they favored the flamboyant. Brielle remained quiet, leaving Addison and Aiden behind. The pair were vehemently against it, but Chase tapped on the steering wheel dismissively.

"Anyone I bring in will be safe and sound. Why don't you two tag along and keep waiting here? I'm simply taking her to broaden my horizons."

Those who thrived in North American circles weren't just for show. However, Addison and Aiden were still uneasy; Brielle's current state didn't warrant being alone, especially with Chase, a known cad. Addison hurried into Brielle's car, urging Aiden to follow suit.

They arrived at the underground

casino on the outskirts. Chase tossed his keys to the valet and strutted in with a guide's assistance. Brielle hesitated, remembering how Max seemed upset last time ske was here. She pulled out her phone and dialed Max. Predictably, it went straight to voicemail, but in her world, she imagined hearing Max's soothing voice.

"I'll just be a bit. Don't get mad, okay? I'll be out soon."