Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Brielle had thought the police would need more time to investigate, but to her surprise, the results came back quickly.

By the next day, there was an update.

But it concerned only one person - the woman. The investigation revealed that she was Mark's wife, the same woman who had divorced Mark and abandoned him without looking back.

In Brielle's memory, Mark had said they were divorced and that their last major argument had been over helping Brielle.

How would she end up in an orphanage?

A frown creased Brielle's brow as the police informed her that they could not trace the man's identity. His DNA was not found in any database.

It seemed impossible. With today's advanced technology, confirming the identity of the deceased should've been straightforward.

Then Brielle recalled the writing on the wall. It mentioned someone impersonating the deceased man. Could this impersonation be all-encompassing?

Were all the DNA records false? To achieve this, how deep must the mastermind's influence run?

Brielle had only just started digging but already felt the weight of a massive conspiracy looming over her.

When Brielle visited Stellar Stage Entertainment, she was met by a member of the Barnes family in person.

It was not Alivia or Kenzo.

It was their mother, Daisy.

Brielle sensed the same unfriendly aura in Daisy that she did in Martha. Daisy's distaste for her was undisguised.

"Ms. Brielle," Daisy said, standing in the lobby clutching her chic Hermes bag. "I expect you to apologize to Alivia for yesterday's incident. You wouldn't want Stellar Stage Entertainment to get into any trouble, now would you?" She spoke casually, her eyes appraising the company.

"This is just a little entertainment firm, not even a billion in funding, and you've barely been the CEO for a month. I wonder where you get the nerve to be so brash in front of the Barnes family."

Brielle couldn't help but laugh. "Mrs. Barnes, I don't recall you seeking me out when I was Max's girlfriend. It seems only after we broke up that you and Alivia decided to come knocking. You're quite adept at avoiding risks, aren't you? Too afraid teoffend Max, but not me, right?"

Daisy's face stiffened, her grip on her bag tightening. "Brielle, as an elder, I shouldn't even be bothered to squabble with you." "Then don't. I'm at work and don't have time for this."

"You!"

Daisy was unaccustomed to being dismissed this way and was left fuming.

Brielle walked past her, intent on leaving, but then she heard Daisy say, "Don't stand in the way of Max and Alivia It was Max's mother's dying wish. You've already caused him enough stress. Do you really want to make him a pariah?"

Brielle's heart ached. The image of Max's lonely silhouette flooded her mind.

She was trying to keep busy, unravel the mysteries of her past, and stop being a pawn in someone else's game to constantly lose control.

That was the only way to keep Max out of her thoughts. Otherwise, her heart, riddled with scars, would continue to ache.

Her gaze darkened as she looked up

at Daisy. "Mr. Barnes, your enthusiasm for Ms. Alivia doesn't

hold a candle to Martha's. Martha et

was willing to die to stop Max and me from being together. And yet, you show up for the first time today. Perhaps Alivia is Martha's real daughter?"

Brielle was just bluffing, but she saw Daisy's complexion change dramatically. "What nonsense are you spouting?!"

Realizing she'd lost her composure - after all, this secret had been buried for over two decades and was suddenly being exposed by an outsider - Daisy panicked. Brielle gave her a meaningful look, a glint of intelligence in her eyes.

After a few more threats, Daisy found an opportunity to leave. Long after she had exited Stellar Stage Entertainment, her expression finally cooled.

Brielle was too perceptive. She could not be left unchecked.