Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Dustin got home, took a shower, and after thinking it over, decided to text Brielle.

"Little Eagle, I'm going to be a dad."

Brielle was still out skiing with Max in broad daylight, so she hadn't seen his message yet. It wasn't until a couple of hours later, when she sat down for lunch, that she glanced at her phone. "What???"

She wondered if Dustin had been drinking. He didn't even have a girlfriend, so how could he be about to become a father? Was it an ex? "Bro?"

"Emma's pregnant with my kid, from that rough patch I went through. That's the timeline."

That's when Brielle finally believed it, but why Emma, of all people? Brielle wasn't one to judge based on social status, but Emma wasn't like Dustin's usual crowd. His exes were all carefree and adventurous, while Emma seemed different. Had she even dated anyone else? Probably just Dustin.

Brielle immediately called Dustin. It was 11 p.m. his time when he answered, chuckling softly.

"Surprised?"

"Bro, do you even like Emma?"

more.

That question hit Dustin hard. When he didn't reply right away, Brielle knew he didn't have feelings for her. Dustin was always open about his emotions. If he really liked her, he would have said so right away. All the flirting was just because he was a free spirit, nothing

People always warn against falling for a free spirit; you're bound to get hurt. But some women think they're the exception, that they can make him settle down. There's even a saying, "A reformed rake makes the best husband." But if he's always chasing the wind, how's he ever gonna settle down?

Brielle knew Dustin was a great brother, a great son, a great friend, but not necessarily a great partner. She suddenly felt anxious, not for her brother, but for Emma. No one could resist Dustin's charm; his exes still held a torch for him, hoping he'd come back. He might be the ideal lover, but as a life partner? That'd bring nothing but heartbreak.

"Little Eagle, the due date's next month. I'm gonna be a dad."

Dustin's voice had a hint of confusion, cigarette in hand.

"I don't dislike her, so I thought I'd give it a shot, especially since I've got to help take care of the baby once it's born."

Basically, it was the baby that brought him and Emma together. The truth was harsh but undeniable.

Brielle rubbed her temples, thinking it over before she couldn't help but advise.

"Bro, I don't mind you dating anyone, but Emma's not like the others. She's got courage to get this far and hasn't seen much of the world.

velice

know your charm; if you really wanted to, she'd fall for you quickly. But with all those exes around, it's gonna be a mess, and she'll end up breaking."

Dustin fell silent, his brow furrowing slightly. "Is it really that bad?"

Brielle knew Dustin couldn't fully understand; he couldn't see it completely from a woman's perspective.

"Just be careful, that's all."

That was Brielle's advice, but she

also

Dustin really wanted thi

Emma keep it.

as 13 therwise, he wouldn't have let

"Bro, just try not to hurt her."

After hanging up, Dustin stared at the cigarette burning down to his fingers.

Across the street, in another villa, Peyton looked at several high-end bags, unsure of what to do.

"Emma, you said he's loaded, but should we really accept this stuff?"

"Mom, it's fine. This amount means nothing to him."

Refusing it would just seem pretentious. To Dustin, a few million was nothing.

Peyton was still uneasy, but relaxed at her daughter's reassurance. Yet, she couldn't help but ask.

"How much does one of these bags cost?"

"The two you're holding, one's forty-five thousand, the other's fifty-five thousand."

Peyton's eyes widened in shock.

"My goodness, that's like several houses back in our town."

The pressure was palpable. In the

past, Peyton might have encouraged her daughter to use the child to tie down such a wealthy man, especially one as handsome as Dustin.

"Emma, does he know the child is his? What does his family think? He isn't already married, is he?"

If that were the case, she'd throw those bags out in an instant.