Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Emma's mind buzzed with a sudden spark of inspiration as the clock struck five in the morning. She wasn't a singer or a dancer, couldn't solve complex puzzles, but she had a knack for herbal remedies.

Waiting until eight, Emma stood up, took the last bit of cash she had, and headed to the herbal shop in Beaconsfield. After purchasing some herbs, she meticulously cleaned them, ensuring even the roots were intact, and returned home.

This month, they had the option to stream all day but had to sign off by midnight for the official score tally. They could resume streaming after 1 a.m., if they still had the energy, all in a bid to attract more followers.

After seeing her rank last night, Emma decided not to continue streaming, unlike several other hosts who went on till dawn. She laid the herbs out to dry on the windowsill, thinking of asking Peyton if she was hungry, but her roommate was nowhere to be seen.

It was odd; Peyton, timid and afraid of embarrassment, rarely went out unless Emma accompanied her for meals. Where she was today was a mystery.

Peyton had left the apartment complex, determined to improve their living space after hearing about her daughter's ranking. Though not quite understanding what streaming involved, she thought some nice curtains or pretty paintings might brighten up their room. With the last thousand dollars in her pocket, and no immediate expenses, she decided to make the best of it.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

But, unfamiliar with hailing cabs and somewhat lost, Peyton mimicked others on the street, only to stop a luxury car worth millions, driven by Leona.

"You're Emma's mom, the bumpkin, right? What are you doing waving at me? As if I'd give you a ride. You and your daughter couldn't afford a tire on this car in your lifetimes."

Peyton, cheeks burning with humiliation and not quick with words, felt the sting of Leona's scorn. She knew her rural roots all too well in the face of such wealth.

With a sneer, Leona ordered her bodyguards, "Get her in the car."

Peyton tried to retreat but couldn't escape the grip of the bodyguards, pleading, "Let me go!"

Leona smirked, instructing her driver, "Take us somewhere busy. This hick's probably never seen a bustling street in her life. Let's show her around."

The driver, used to his boss's antics, complied despite his reservations.

Peyton was visibly terrified, a stark contrast to Leona's superiority as she taunted, "Enjoy the ride. This will probably be the highlight of your life. Who knows, you might end up thanking me once you realize what kind of car you're in."

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After an hour, Leona had her thrown out in a crowded shopping plaza, without a phone and only the cash her pocket completely lost on how to get back. Asking for directions. was a challenge with her thick accent, and surrounded by trendy youngsters, Peyton felt utterly out of place, eventually collapsing into a chair to weep.

Leaving an elderly parent was like a fledgling bird straying from the nest. As children, parents provide; in old age, roles often reverse. Emma searched frantically, even enlisting the help of local security, but after three hours, there was no sign of Peyton. Pale with fear, Emma contacted the police.

The authorities reviewed surveillance footage, confirming Peyton was taken by Leona's car. Confronting Leona alongside Emma, the wealthy young woman shrugged indifferently, "She wanted a ride, so I gave her one. Am I to be blamed for being kind?"

The footage did show Peyton signaling the car, but it was Leona's bodyguards who forced her in. Shaking with anger, Emma had never before encountered such youthful malice. "My mother doesn't know anyone here, has no phone, doesn't know how to get a cab. If anything happens to her, can you take responsibility?!"

Leona sneered, "What's her life worth, anyway? Don't lecture me. I gave her a ride in a Lamborghini. She should feel honored even in death!"