Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Everybody in the Dorsey clan knew who Max was chasing after, and the old patriarch had already made it clear he wasn't happy about it. But Dorsey International went ahead and issued a statement, totally ignoring his wishes. Even though Max held a significant chunk of the company, no one was sure if the old man didn't have some tricks left up his sleeve.

The Dorsey family couldn't outmaneuver Max, so they were all banking on the old man to put Max in his place. But then, out of nowhere, the patriarch fell critically ill, and everyone was on edge.

All eyes turned suspiciously towards Max. Some even whispered, wondering if the old man's disapproval of Max's relationship with Brielle had pushed him to drastic measures.

At the back of the crowd stood Spencer, looking out of place. Gone were his expensive tailored suits; now, he was in workman's gear, clearly straight from the job site. But unlike some of the other scruffy folks, his overalls were spotless. When someone made a snide comment about Uncle Max, Spencer couldn't hold back. "Uncle Max isn't like that."

Immediately, everyone turned to look at him. Within the Dorsey family, Spencer's relationship with Max was awkward, to say the least. Everyone thought Spencer must hold a grudge against Max. After all, much of the family's troubles had Max's fingerprints all over them. But the arrogance that once marked Spencer's face had faded. Now, his eyes were humbly cast down. "Uncle Max has been running Dorsey International for years, and his achievements speak for themselves. Grandpa handed the company over to him a long time ago; there's no reason for him to harm Grandpa."

As Spencer spoke up, others snorted in disdain. "Spencer, what are you even doing here? You've been kicked out of the family. You have no right to stand with us."

Spencer stayed silent. He had heard about Michael's condition and couldn't help but come to check on him, knowing full well he'd face ridicule. He stood with his head bowed, as if the insults were just a breeze passing by. Max, on the other hand, was unruffled. The veiled barbs thrown at him were like water off a duck's back.

William, the self-appointed leader of the group, felt the collective gaze of the family urging him to speak. "Max, Dorsey International's biggest investment has tanked. You personally approved it. What's the plan now?"

Max, who had been pretending to nap, allowed a faint smirk to cross his lips. "Just ten billion. Dorsey International can handle it."

His tone was so nonchalant, as if the money was just play money.

William's face darkened, his eyes flashing dangerously. "The board is restless, demanding explanations."

"And which director might that be?" Max asked casually.

William found himself at a loss for words, feeling the sting of embarrassment. With so many Dorseys present, and as Max's older brother, he felt slighted by Max's lack of respect. Could Max have known about the sabotage the information he sold from under Dorsey International? He had been so careful, leaving no trace.

Teeth clenched, William had been waiting for a fallout between father and son, hoping it would get worse But the old man had tolerated Max until now. Why should Max, at just

ten years old, be named heirst

given such a large stake in the company?

"Max, that statement from Dorsey International was out of line. At the very least, you owe the executives an explanation."

But Max ignored him, closing his eyes again, as if jet-lagged.

Fuming, William could hear snickers from behind him. His face turned a mottled shade of red and green as he swallowed his pride.

If William couldn't get through to Max, the others dared not approach him either. Instead, they turned their scorn on Spencer. But Spencer's temper had cooled from the volatile days of old. He simply hung his head, the perfect picture of defeat. Bullying someone like him held no thrill-it was like stepping in mud, only to dirty their own shoes.

After a dozen jibes thrown his way, the group waited for the doctor's report. Then there was Antonio, the most unassuming of them all. He glanced at Max, then at Spencer, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Soon enough, the doctor emerged, announcing the old man wanted everyone else to leave. He wished for privacy in his ailing state but asked Antonio to stay behind for a private word.

Max was the first to leave, no strings

attached. But the rest were

reluctant, casting dubious glances at Antonio. Although part of Dorsey International, Antonio hadn't managed many projects and had spent years abroad. With his ordinary looks, he was practically invisible among the Dorseys. So why did the patriarch want to see him?

The others were baffled, but William was elated, pushing Antonio through the door. "Go on! Hurry! See what Grandpa has to say."