Chapter 532
Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)
The air was thick with tensiun Brielle felt like a convict being marched to the gallows, undergoing the ecrutinizing gaze of those around her She noticed Max hadnât approached yet, and whispered just loud enough for the two of them to hear âTa okay, Max. Trust me, I can handle this.â
Maxâs lips tightened for a moment before he reluctantly took a seat on the couch.
Spencer, sitting nearby, couldnât help but let a smirk of irony cross his face. He had thought Max was quite fond of Brielle, but it seemed that was all it was. When it came down to it, and the senior members of the Dorsey family gathered, Max didnât dare openly defend Brielle. It was pitiful, His gaze bore into Brielle, searching her face for a trace of fear. He couldnât let go, even now. Just looking at Brielle made his heart ache, an ache so severe it felt like death.
His nostrils flared with bitterness, his eyes red and hot with unshed tears. Every day, he pondered on how to break them apart, even fueling the fire online. He did everything within his power, only to push Brielle further away.
Spencer clenched his fists tightly, his eyes never leaving Brielle as if he wished to devour her whole.
Yet, Brielle didnât panic. She sat quietly, waiting for Michaelâs next words.
Michael lifted his cup, his tone authoritative. âDo you realize you have no right to cross this threshold?â
At that, Maxâs expression darkened with defiance, âFather.â His tone was firm.
Michael raised an eyebrow, setting down his cup. âIâm just stating the facts. The chatter outside is far harsher than anything I might say. Or do you plan to live in denial forever, ignoring the worldâs opinions?â
He knew exactly where to strike. Michaelâs presence was powerful, not sharp, but it bore a tremendous weight.
The rest of the Dorsey clan nodded in agreement, clearly finding his point valid.
The two calmest people in the room were Brielle and Everett. Brielle had the courage to face the situation, while Everett simply didnât care about the Dorsey familyâs affairs. Still, he couldnât help but scrutinize Brielle, sneering internally. He could already anticipate her downfallâa mere female version of himself.
Brielle sat up straight, her eyes clear upon hearing Michaelâs words. âMichael, Iâve always believed that caring too much about othersâ opinions turns you into their servant.â
âYour disregard doesnât make those opinions vanish. Maxâs reputation suffers because of you. If you feel no guilt, it proves you donât love him enough.â
Michaelâs second punch hit Max hard. He spoke sparingly, but every word counted. To 15:13 Michael, the young coupleâs love was like a teetering skyscraper. When it falls, those inside would perish, and he wouldnât allow his most promising son to be trapped within.
The accusation of insufficient love was designed to create a rift in Maxâs heart. He mightâve been certain of his love for Brielle, but how sure was he of hers? Max trusted himself, but did he trust Brielle?
In psychological warfare, Michael was as astute as Max. Without uttering a harsh word, every phrase was a needle to their hearts.
In the face of absolute disparity, Brielleâs efforts seemed futile. Her very existence threatened to harm Max. Michael intended to make this crystal clear to her.
Brielleâs hands tensed on her lap, yet her gaze remained lucid. âMichael, I wonât deny your words. All I have to offer right now is my determination, which Iâm willing to risk. Max isnât a calculated choice for me; heâs a conviction I pursue despite knowing better. He lacks nothing, and if he chose me, itâs because I offer what he most desiresâsincerity and loyalty. I will continue to give him my all, unreservedly.â
Brielleâs eloquence was no secret to Michael.
Upon her finishing, Maxâs previously grim expression softened into a faint smile. Spencer, on the sidelines, felt an overwhelming urge to rise and strangle Brielle.
A conviction pursued despite knowing better?
This was a colossal joke! What did Brielle know about love?
Spencer felt as if he was in a trance, all his love and hate ready to explode. He was determined to avenge himself on Brielle. If he couldnât have her, heâd ensure no one else could either.