Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Brielle furrowed her brow as she read the message, the same worry lines that had creased Tiffanie's forehead just days before.

She had always seen Mason and Tiffanie as genuine souls, untouched by the complexities of the world around them. She never intended to meddle in their relationship; after all, the shadows of past grievances cast by their elders still loomed over them. Finding no one at the Dorsey estate, she decided to let it go. Even Patrick was clueless. It seemed waiting for Dustin's return was the only way to uncover the truth.

Before setting out, Brielle had also heard the buzz online about the Dorsey lineage. Despite the uproar over Max's heritage, Michael had become a recluse, turning away visitors and secluding the hospital floor where he stayed, allowing only medical staff to tread. Brielle couldn't grasp Michael's thoughts. With his ruthless reputation, wouldn't he convene a family meeting to disinherit Max from Dorsey International the moment he learned Max wasn't his blood? Yet, Michael was avoiding everyone, as if waiting for some news. Lowering her lashes, Brielle remembered the phone call Max had taken that night, seemingly about the elusive third Dorsey sibling-a ghost in the family lore, whose fate had been the subject of whispers and speculation for far too long.

Meeting up with Patrick on the outskirts, Brielle couldn't help but ask, "Patrick, what do you know about Max's uncle Brodie?"

"Ms. Brielle," Patrick replied carefully, "truth be told, I'm not sure. He vanished when the boss turned ten, right around the time he was named successor."

It was hard not to wonder if the third Dorsey had become a casualty in the battle for inheritance.

Patrick had been with Max for years but had only been brought into the Dorsey fold after the succession was decided.

"Patrick, are you aware that Max isn't a blood Dorsey?"

Patrick's eyelashes fluttered down as he responded with formal precision, "I'm not privy to that information."

For a moment, Brielle was at a loss for words.

As the car roared to life, they headed toward their destination.

The drive would take about six or seven hours. Given the persistent spring drizzle, the helicopter was grounded, so they would drive until the fog lifted, at which point the chopper would catch up.

Before leaving, Brielle pocketed the pistol Max had given her-a precaution for what she knew would be a tumultuous search for Dustin.

Patrick's face was a mask of seriousness. The cars had been disguised as everyday vehicles to avoid drawing attention.

Two hours into the drive, the worldNôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

outside was a blur of shadows, the city a distant memory. Three cars followed, all filled with Max's people, Addison and Aiden included

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Another half-hour passed, and Brielle's hand clutched her stomach as a wave of nausea turned her pale.

Patrick glanced at her through the rearview mirror and mistook her discomfort for carsickness, promptly pulling over.

"Ms. Brielle, step out for a bit of fresh air," he suggested.

Uncertain whether it was the motion or something else, Brielle obliged. Once outside, she doubled over, her stomach rebelling bitterly against her.

Patrick handed her a bottle of water,

and after a rinse, she stood up, only to be hit by a wave of dizziness, as if she had been fasting for days. She had forgotten to eat, likely triggering her stomach ailment.

Patrick offered her a piece of chocolate. She managed a bite, but within moments of the car's jostling, she was sick once more.

With the car stopping repeatedly, Brielle felt a tide of guilt.

"Patrick, don't worry about me; just drive faster. I'll be fine," she insisted. "We can rest when we get there."

But her pallor told a different story, and Patrick wasn't about to take a risk.

When they approached the nearest town, Patrick pulled over.

"Ms. Brielle, l'have Aiden and

l.ne

Addison stay with you, and leave a car," he said decisively. "You should get checked out at the hospital. tonight Keep your phone handy. Once find Mr. Lynch, I'll update you on his status."

Brielle wanted to argue but clamped her mouth shut as another wave of nausea hit her.