Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Patrick pushed through the door, catching the tail end of Max's question.

"What's William plotting with Antonio?" Max asked, tension rippling through his voice.

"Boss, William's already got himself a lawyer," Patrick said, shrugging off his coat. "He's drafting up all sorts of charges against you. If everything goes smoothly, they'll have you in court real soon."

Max had barely processed the news when his phone buzzed in his pocket. The screen lit up with Michael's name, and Max's frown deepened. He picked up on the second ring.

"Max, you've really decided to cut all ties, huh? I heard Brielle's pregnant. That baby's never gonna make it. I got you hooked on pills once; slipping birth control into her food is child's play. A woman on those drugs long-term? No way the kid comes out healthy. I told you I had leverage, but you're a real letdown."

Max had always wondered how Brielle could have unknowingly taken birth control. The more it mattered, the less he dared to ask.

"Don't beat yourself up, Max. It's not your fault. Brielle's been the Dorsey's pawn for years, engaged to Spencer but never meant to marry him. So she's been on those drugs since then, just in case. Preventive measures, you know? And look, it's come in handy, hasn't it?" Max's gaze darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes.

Michael continued, smug with each word. "Ever since she got with you, you've shielded her well, no chances for me to step in. But the damage is done; her body's wrecked from the drugs. That kid's a no-go. But how will you convince her? She's already been hurt by a lost child before, right?" Triumph oozed from Michael's tone.

"She's not worthy of you. And Alivia? Forget it. I'll find you a proper lady in Beaconsfield. Just stay on track, and everything in Dorsey International is yours."

A cold, silent fury twisted Max's lips, but he chose not to respond, simply ending the call.

On the other end, Michael's face twisted with rage as the line went dead.

At that moment, Antonio entered the room.

With a respectful demeanor that had long earned Michael's trust, Antonio brought news.

"Grandpa, Dad's filed with the court. If we don't stop him, the media will catch wind of his lawsuit against Uncle Max, and then it'll be beyond repair." Antonio's naturally brooding appearance made him seem unapproachable, which was precisely why Michael preferred his company over others.

Even William had been led to believe Antonio was overseas, building his own life, while in truth, he had been in Beaconsfield doing Michael's dirty work. How else could such a man gain Michael's trust, especially at such a critical time?

William was never Michael's first choice for CEO. If Max were ever truly out of the picture, Antonio would be the one to take over.

Michael sank into a chair, mulling over the implications if William did sue Max. To the public, Max's disassociation from the Dorsey family would be final.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

He wished Max to remain at the

helm of Dorsey International, a prodigy in his own right. But with Max's hardened resolve, especially with Brielle's pregnancy, Michael's visage turned icy with malice

"Find out where Brielle is. Take care of her. She can't be allowed to live."

Excitement flickered in Antonio's eyes as he processed the order.

"And Uncle Max?" he inquired, barely containing his eagerness.

“Hmph. He was never a Dorsey to begin with. If he wants to betray us, I won't let him live," Michael spat out venomously. "For now, support your father fully. He wants to bully Max? Let him sue. Max signed a contract with me; all his shares will revert to me. And if the old man plays his cards right, Max will end up behind bars."