Chapter 416

Max wasn’t surprised, really. After all, Ryan had always been the black sheep, a playboy whose escapades were the talk of the town. Poor Faith, the cuckoo in her nest, probably didn’t even know the count anymore.

However, Faith had the patience of a saint. She turned a blind eye because she adored Ryan, and he had only one son, Spencer, so she chose to overlook his dalliances.

But an illegitimate child? That was a whole different can of worms.

Back in the day, Michael had his fair share of lovers, but only those he permitted could have his children. Even with his wandering eye, Michael never let any of those nameless flings cause the scandal of a bastard child. The Dorsey family despised nothing more than the stain of illegitimacy.

And now Ryan, fresh back at Dorsey International, had stirred up this hornet’s nest. It seemed this woman was playing for keeps.

Max frowned, and Michael’s stern voice carried on. “Max, your brother has really crossed the line this time. His affairs are one thing, but a bastard child? That’s a stain on the Dorsey family legacy we simply cannot abide.”

“Father, we all know the rules. A child born without our blessing cannot be part of the Dorsey lineage.*

Michael’s eyes were cold as he massaged his temples. “I’ll see to it that the child is taken care of. Keep an eye on Ryan at Dorsey International.”

“Understood.”

Max was always business–first with Michael. But Brielle, sitting by his side, couldn’t shake the weight of the words–‘a child born without our blessing cannot be part of the Dorsey family.”

Her lashes fluttered down, her mind reeling in a void.

Max’s voice continued to echo. “Trying to leverage a child for status? I told her, she’d be compensated, but the child couldn’t stay.”

This scandal would be a blot on the Dorsey family’s reputation.

Brielle tried to tune it out, but each word Max spoke drilled into her ears, shredding her peace of mind.

Love was supposed to be a dalliance between equals, not a desperate grasp at status from a world apart. If Brielle fell pregnant carelessly, everyone would assume she was just like that woman, trying to set foot in high society through a child. Besides, Max was with her, but he had never talked about marriage.

Max ended the call and turned to find Brielle daydreaming. It was rare to see her so out of sorts, and he found it amusing, pinching her earlobe affectionately. “Were you about to say something?”

Brielle snapped back to reality, shaking her head quickly. “No, nothing.”

She stood up, eager to escape somewhere, anywhere–but home wasn’t an option. Mentioning home now would clue Max in on her unease. She forced a smile. “I’m going upstairs to rest.”

Max was still buried in work and pulled her into a hug, pressing a kiss to her lips. “Okay.”

Brielle trudged upstairs, and after a shower, she examined her stomach in the mirror from different angles.

Nothing showed. Should she get checked out? But she feared being watched–by William, Spencer, or maybe Alivia. If any of them were on her tail, a trip to the obstetrician would scream headlines, and the Dorseys would be plunged into scandal.

Her plan was simple: if the Dorseys wouldn’t acknowledge the child, and the child was a ticking time bomb for Max, she’d keep it to herself. When she started showing, she’d request a work trip far away, have the baby in secret, and then return.

Though she hated to admit it, she was thrilled about the life growing inside her. Her feelings for Max were deeper than she’d ever let on.

Clothed and in bed, she tried to sleep but was awakened by a heat stirring within her. As Max’s advances became imminent, she shifted away.

Max, his arm around her waist, felt her resistance and held back with effort. “Brielle?” He called out and leaned in to kiss her again.

Silently, Brielle pulled the covers over herself. “I’m a bit tired.”

At those words, no matter how much he desired her, Max couldn’t continue. He even checked her forehead to make sure she wasn’t feverish before he relaxed.

Brielle noticed his concern and sighed inwardly. She couldn’t help falling: Max’s tender trap was simply too enticing.