Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

really done anything wrong; he just wasn't into her. And when he wasn't into someone, he could be brutally cold.

Aubree had known Andrew for years and had never heard him say "please." It was always her doing the asking. So when he finally said it, it felt like a punch to the heart. But she couldn't forgive him—not if she wanted to respect herself. In their relationship, Andrew hadn't Still, she couldn't deny that she was the one who got hurt the most. Had she really done anything wrong? If this was payback for coming between Andrew and Tessa, had she even interfered at all? The first night she and Andrew ended up in bed, he had just been rejected

by Tessa; they weren't even together then. But now, none of that mattered anymore.

She couldn't stand having someone else beside her, so maybe it was better to stay single. She hated herself for realizing this too late only after being scarred repeatedly did she understand that she didn't need anyone.

Andrew winced from the pain of the wound on his back, his breath catching. Aubree quickly pushed him away, worried that Brielle would come back and scold her for being soft-hearted. So she walked away briskly. As soon as she stepped out, she saw Brielle chatting with Kenzo.

Kenzo and Jaired had already put Keiran in the car. Jaired seemed impatient with Brielle, responding indifferently even to her thanks. Kenzo, on the other hand, had a gentle and refined demeanor.

"Stellar Stage Entertainment has been making quite the buzz lately," Brielle said.

"All thanks to your screenplay, Kenzo. Once it hits the screen, Stellar Stage's stock is going to soar."

"My script isn't that powerful. It's your snagging Keiran that's the real headline maker for the media."

Brielle had used some underhanded tactics to secure Keiran, so she glossed over the subject with a few words.

"Brielle, did Keiran get an offer from Hollywood?" Kenzo asked.

"Yeah, so in a few days, I plan to take him and his agent overseas. He's been in several films and is one of the most famous actors of Asian descent abroad, but Hollywood hasn't really shone a spotlight on Asian talent yet. There are some directors holding auditions, and Keiran is definitely a contender."

Standing to the side, Jaired chuckled. "A CEO like you needs to handle these deals personally?"

Brielle's face remained calm. "As the CEO of Stellar Stage Entertainment, I know the company's situation better than anyone. We're just starting out, and our finances are still in the red. We've just finished our first movie, and the costs were cut from the executives' salaries. Since I took over the company, I intend to make it the best. If Jaired is so good at making snide remarks, why not invest in Stellar Stage Entertainment?"

"Sharp tongue."

"You can't expect pearls from a dog's mouth."

Jaired paused, narrowing his eyes. "Hanging around Max has sure made you bold."

"It depends on who I'm dealing with."

Kenzo, stuck between the two, was getting a headache from their bickering. "Enough, Jaired, give it a rest."

Jaired's phone rang at that moment. It was Alivia calling, and he raised an

of them.

Bs or answering the call in front

"Alivia, what's up?"

Alivia was pretty intimidated by Jaired, but she needed to make a deal with him for his help. She couldn't wait a moment longer, especially seeing Aubree, that

wretch, standing up and gainet

everyone's favor made her teeth itch with hatred.

"Jaired, I'll do whatever you say, whatever you want, just help me. I won't try to be clever this time."

Jaired raised an eyebrow, his face softening into a gentle smile. "Alright."

To an outsider, he seemed utterly smitten with Alivia. Even Brielle thought so. One moment he was all frost, and the next, he melted into warmth at Alivia's call. She found it

strange. Didn't Jaired pay attention

to the news? Was he trulyöntion

unaffected by all the things Alivia had done?

Jaired ended the call and headed toward his car. "Alivia needs me; I won't be joining for drinks tonight."

Now it was just Brielle and Kenzo left. Brielle was about to say something when she heard his reminder.

"Did you get the plane tickets?"

She blinked and nodded.

Kenzo smiled. "I know a few directors in Hollywood. If you need help, just ask."

"Thanks, Kenzo."

She noticed Aubree approaching and took that as her cue to leave. "Well, I should get going. Thanks for tonight, Kenzo."

As she opened the car door and was about to get in, she heard him call out. "Brielle."

"Yes?" She turned, curious about what he might want to add.

Kenzo just curved his lips into a smile, his eyes soft. "Be safe."