Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Alivia's eyes were blazing with hatred as she screamed and smashed everything in her room, like a madwoman completely losing it. Shards of porcelain scattered across the floor, but she seemed numb to the pain, kicking wildly and yelling in rage. Her voice didn't even

sound human anymore; it was more like the primal roar of an animal pushed to its limits.

The room was a total wreck by the time she collapsed among the debris, feeling both pain and utter helplessness. The doorbell rang, but she didn't dare open it, terrified it was the press, drawn by the scent of scandal. She even backed away in fear, her eyes wide with

panic.

Then, a familiar voice came from outside. "Alivia, it's me."

Jaired!

A spark of hope flickered in Alivia's eyes, but seeing the state of the room, she froze as she tried to get up, a cry escaping her lips. Outside, Jaired sighed and lit a cigarette. "Heard Brielle took a tumble down the cliff and hasn't woken up yet." As soon as the words left his mouth, Alivia yanked the door open, glaring at him with pure resentment. "Is she dead?"

Jaired took a drag of his cigarette, a slight curve to his lips. "Not dead, but she might never wake up."

Joy erupted on Alivia's face. "That bitch! She got what she deserved! I hope she's gone for good!"

Her face twisted in malice. As she looked down, a murderous intent filled her eyes. Was there a way to ensure Brielle would never wake up? "Jaired, can you help me find a way? I want Brielle to stay asleep forever. Please, I'll do anything you ask, okay?"

Jaired had been smitten with her for years; surely he'd do anything for her. Saying this, she shed her clothes, looking deeply into Jaired's eyes. He looked down, tracing a finger along her porcelain skin. Goosebumps erupted on Alivia's body; she bit her lip, her eyes bloodshot. "Just make it happen, and I'll do whatever you want."

Jaired smiled but didn't dress her. Instead, he asked, "Has Kenzo reached out to you?"Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

With such a scandal rocking the Barnes family, Kenzo's phone was off. No one knew where he had

vanished to, maybe off to some

quiet place to write a script, as heet

had done before. The Barnes family's troubles wouldn't affect Kenzo much; it was more a cause for sighs than anything. After all, with or without the Barnes family, nothing could detract from his status as a top-notch screenwriter.

Humiliation washed over Alivia; she had undressed, yet he hadn't pounced. Was she so cheap that even Jaired scorned her, just as Max had? Confusion took hold, her complexion turned deathly pale the last bit of color draining from her face. Clutching her clothes, tears began to fall in earnest, and she couldn't utter a word. Why did Brielle get Max's love when she ended up with nothing? She couldn't bear it.

"Alivia, why the tears?" Jaired's face was amused as he cupped her chin, a grin in his eyes. "Think I'm rejecting you? I have particular tastes in bed; are you sure you can handle them?"

"I can! As long as you help me!"

Jaired chuckled, releasing her chin. He stepped back, the smile vanishing from his face. "Really? Because I enjoy watching you with others. The louder you scream, the more excited I get. Can you deal with that?"

Alivia's legs gave way, and she sank to her knees. It must have been a bad dream. The Jaired who loved her so couldn't possibly say such things! Her lips quivered, and all she saw were Jaired's polished shoes, his demeanor still noble and assured, born of a distinguished lineage, a privileged son of the establishment. Impossible. Where had he learned these perverse tastes?

Jaired slowly knelt down, patting her face gently. "Come back when you're ready."

"Jaired..."

He frowned, helping her to her feet. "Let's continue talking about Kenzo."

As if that exchange was nothing more than a trivial interlude. Alivia felt a chill, longing to flee, but where could she go? Anywhere there were people, there would be scorn for her. Her tears flowed again, and she felt despair. Was this karmic retribution for her past manipulation of Tessa against Aubree? No! She refused to believe in fate! Even if it cost her everything, she was determined to see Brielle pay.