Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1049

King's mood soured visibly as he stood up and closed the distance between them. He grasped Brielle's chin, turning her face towards him.

Brielle had a stubborn streak that often left people at a loss.

In that moment, as King stared into her eyes, he remembered the first time he'd noticed her at Beaconsfield College, standing out even from the lecture podium.

When they met again under that old oak tree, her eyes seemed to say everything - both the spoken and the unspoken.

Whenever she fixed those piercing eyes on something, it made you want to get it for her, no questions asked.

Their eyes locked, and neither of them spoke.

Unexpectedly, King softened, dropping his hand to his side. "Put some ointment on it."

Brielle thought she'd misheard him. When he repeated himself, she frowned, thinking about refusing. But remembering how he got that injury, she couldn't bring herself to say no. When the servant brought the first aid kit, she opened it and immediately grabbed the antiseptic.

The burn hadn't been properly treated; it was red and inflamed.

With a large cotton swab, Brielle carefully applied the antiseptic, then found some cream.

As she applied the cream, she noticed him flinch slightly. Her thoughts drifted to Max's words.

If they couldn't be together, he hoped she'd lead a safe and peaceful life.

Patrick had also mentioned that Max talked about the stock distribution of Dream Tech Designs, like he was preparing a will.

But back then, nothing had happened yet. Why had Max felt his life was in danger?

Was it Michael's medication?

But Max had been on Michael's medication for years.

As Brielle focused on the burn, she couldn't help but blow on it gently, causing his skin to goosebump.

King's Adam's apple bobbed, his eyes darkened.

She heard his voice from behind her.

"During the time around your pregnancy, Max always disappeared, always on the phone, like he was planning something. Did he sense your presence then?"

King raised an eyebrow, turning to face her. Even now, she managed to piece all the details together.

"Do you want me to answer your question?"

His fingertip lingered at her chest, popping the first button. The unspoken agreement was clear; answers came with a price.

Brielle bit her lip, her eyelashes quivering as they closed. "Yes."

The first button came undone. "Then my answer is also one word, 'yes.""

Brielle caught her breath, keeping her eyes shut. "So, Max knew something was happening to him, but he was clueless about you until new the final stage when he finally sensed your presence?"

As she finished her question, she felt warm breath on her neck. He was teasing her, his lips never touching her skin, just the hot breath causing a shiver.

He was like a wolf, choosing the best angle to strike his prey.

The second button was undone. Brielle wanted to retreat but found herself caught by his arm around her waist.

"Actually, he sensed it before he went to Wall Street, but he wasn't interested in delving deeper."

"Is he dead?"

Asking this, Brielle opened her eyes, looking deep into his. The temperature around them seemed to drop.

All her previous questions were merely a buildup to this final one.

King felt the pain of the burn flare up again, spreading to his heart. He stood up, tying the robe around him, and made to leave swiftly.

Brielle also rose, this time following him. "You can do whatever you want if you answer this question for me."

King stopped, then grabbed her wrist, pulling her into another room. This room was dimly lit, but its luxurious decor was evident.

She was thrown onto the soft bed before she could react, her jacket torn open, the remaining buttons scattering across the floor with a crisp sound.