Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

"Antonio, what's on your mind?" Alivia asked, her voice steady despite the tension in the room.

Antonio lounged on the couch, tilting his head back to meet her gaze. He rubbed the back of his neck, playing up the act.

Alivia felt like a fish on a cutting board, ready to be filleted by anyone who pleased. Swallowing her pride, she sat beside him on the sofa. Antonio gave her a sly grin. "Why were you looking for Victoria?"

A wave of anxiety washed over Alivia, sweat pooling in her palms. How did he know about her visit to Victoria?

Victoria had turned her away coldly, even confronting her. It was clear Victoria wanted Max to stay as the CEO of Dorsey International.

Reflecting on it with a cooler head, Alivia realized just how foolish her approach had been. Max was Victoria's brother, and his leadership would ensure her lavish lifestyle continued.

When Victoria had been entangled with Everett, she had spared no expense, siphoning funds from Max's private accounts when Michael refused to support her. Max never fussed over money, so he hardly blinked at Victoria's extravagant spending. But if someone else took over, Victoria's spendthrift ways would undoubtedly come under fire. With this realization, Alivia let out a derisive snort.

Victoria had mastered the Dorsey family's cold-hearted ways.

Antonio's chuckle broke her thoughts. "You're trying to oust Max with Victoria's help, blind to how much she's milked from his accounts over the years. Max is her personal gold mine. Do you really think she'd let that go?"

No wonder Victoria had panicked at the possibility of Max not being a true Dorsey.

Biting her lip in frustration, Alivia grasped Antonio's intentions. He was angling to recruit her as an ally, to take down both Max and Brielle.

And if it came out that Max wasn't a real Dorsey, his reputation would be in ruins. As for Brielle, what did she have besides Max's affection?

"Antonio, you're aware Max isn't a Dorsey, aren't you?"

"I am, but the rest of the Dorseys are still in the dark."

Otherwise, the family would be in complete disarray.

Surprised, Alivia admired Antonio's restraint in keeping such a secret.

Antonio caressed a potted plant beside him. "My father still dreams of the CEO seat at Dorsey International, but he's too old, unfit for the role. I'm the only viable candidate."

"What do you need from me?"

"The only card you have to play is your Dorsey pedigree. Since you're at the peak of public scrutiny, all you need to do is expose this secret with a DNA test to drag everyone down with you. The question is, do you dare?"

If Alivia had the guts, she wouldn't

have approached Victoria first. Revealing this secret would certainly the social circles of Beaconsfield to their core. But it would also put her own life in jeopardy.

create a media frenzy and Se

She feared death. Once the secret was out, Max would be busy putting out fires, and Brielle would become desperate, bound to slip up.

"Alivia, weren't you trying to cozy up

to Mr. Lynch of Infinity Brilliance? Are you aware that Desiree of Infinity Brilliance is bedridden with illness? What I can do is get you in front of her. Winning her favor shouldn't be too hard for you, right?"

Alivia's academic reputation abroad was still solid. Even if her name was sullied at home, nothing stopped her from thriving overseas.

"Infinity Brilliance has been

searching for their lost princess. Desiree is aching for someone to fill that void. If you can do that and improve her condition, she'll dote on you as if you were her own

granddaughter. The Lynchet

will be in your debt. With Desiree as your patron, who in the Beaconsfield

social circles would dare disrespect you?"

Surprise flickered in Alivia's eyes at the unexpected turn of events.

Sending her to Desiree's side was certainly beyond Antonio's means alone. He had powerful backing.

Realizing this, a wild look crossed Alivia's face. "Why don't I just claim that identity? Surely your backer would assist me, right?"

Antonio frowned, inwardly scoffing at her naivety. "Don't treat Dustin like a fool. Unless you're scheming at his side every step of the way, your little tricks won't work on him. He'd see right through you with just a glance."