Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Brielle and King had just pulled up to the towering Unicorn Corporation building. As King was about to get out of the car, his eyes landed on a mask beside him. He thought about putting it on for a touch of intrigue but then remembered he was about to meet Brielle's friends. He left the mask behind. A few minutes ago, Mason had gotten a call from Brielle. He wasn't upset about her bailing on him last time; in his view, the CEO could do no wrong. He was more concerned about Brielle's safety, but then again, she was a Lynch. No one in their right mind would mess with her.

As Brielle walked into the building, she felt a pang of familiarity as she noticed a man nearby who looked strikingly like Everett. Everett had traveled abroad searching for his son, armed with only vague information. He knew his son was around here, a standout in his field, but had no clue which building he might be in. So, he wandered the area daily, hoping for a stroke of luck.

Brielle only got a glimpse and wasn't sure, so she didn't approach him. Instead, she headed straight to the elevator.

Mason was already waiting on the top floor with a few senior executives. The core members were those who had started the studio with Mason, and Brielle had met them online before. After the last-minute cancellation, Mason had smoothed things over, so there was no awkwardness.

Mason was accompanied by Tiffanie Harkins, who had also joined Unicorn. Seeing Brielle, Tiffanie rushed over excitedly, ready to hug her. But before she could, King wrapped his arms around Brielle, pulling her close.

Tiffanie's eyes lit up. "Maxie!" she exclaimed, her face beaming. "I heard all those rumors about you having a kid are just that-rumors. Alivia's really stirring the pot. The media's been buzzing for days, but here you are, still flaunting your love life."

Every word she spoke was a landmine. King realized she had mistaken him for Max. He was about to snap when Brielle gently patted his hand around her waist. He swallowed his sharp words and kept his cool.

Worried that Tiffanie might say something else to set King off, Brielle pulled her aside and discussed Unicorn's progress with Mason and the executives. Brielle had always been hands-off, having planned everything with Mason in advance, so her presence wasn't really needed. Mason was impeccable in business and technical strategies and even in his choice of staff.

After the discussion, Brielle was

ready to leave with King. Everyone noticed the chill emanating from him, as if his presence could freeze the room. The longer Brielle stayed, the more palpable it became. People around them shivered, none @aring to approach him. Even Tiffanie turned timid, hiding behind Mason.

Brielle, holding King's hand, tried to lead him away, but he stood firm, like an immovable object. She frowned, wondering what had ticked him off this time.

King's expression was icy, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. After a moment of reflection, Brielle realized what might be bothering him. She quickly introduced him to everyone.

"This is King, my partner," she announced. Then, turning to King, she said, "This is Mason, this is Tiffanie, and these are our early collaborators."

Following the introductions, the

tension seemed to lift from King's shoulders, and a smile even played at the comers of his mouth. From frosty silence to a warm spring breeze in an instant. She had- introduced him as King, not Max. That distinction mattered to him.

King's lips curved into a smile, and he even gave Mason a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work."

Mason, though puzzled, returned the smile, respecting the CEO of DreamTech Designs. Worried that King's newfound warmth might cost him his stoic reputation, Brielle quickly ushered him away. Their visit to the Unicorn Corporation was just the appetizer; the main event for the day was a visit to an exchange school.

After they left, Mason turned to

Tiffanie. She had called Mr. Dorsey "Maxie." Was Tiffanie related to the Dorseys, albeit distantly? No wonder she had been close to Brielle from the start. He didn't spare a thought for Victoria or Everett. With the Dorsey family's downfall, Mason had no one to confront, only the occasional nightmare about his mother, during which he cursed both

Victoria and Michael.