Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1094

The woman just knelt there, seeming deaf to his voice.

King let out a mocking chuckle, spinning a dagger around his finger, but it was Joseph, standing behind him, who chose that moment to speak up. "Sir, she's made up her mind to die. If she cut out her own tongue, there's nothing we can do now."

Joseph was the only one bold enough to interrupt King when he was giving orders. During King's absences from the castle, it was Joseph who had taken care of Isaac's meals three times a day. If Joseph had wanted to betray him, he could have used Isaac as leverage long ago. Back then, King was desperate, willing to give in to any threat just to keep Isaac alive.

He didn't want to dwell on the memories of Isaac's birth-it was too brutal. Finding the crying baby in a dumpster left him speechless. He held the child tightly, feeling like his chest was being torn apart, unable to think of anything else.

It was then he realized just how much Brielle despised him. But what had he done to hurt her so badly? He had only wanted her to stay.

That week, he remained silent, stationed by the hospital bed in protective gear, watching doctors perform emergency procedures on Joseph. He couldn't let go of the baby's hand, as if letting go would mean losing the child for good. He didn't visit Brielle, who was likely still in the labor room, under the care of his people. He was too cowardly to face her, each breath a painful effort.

Had the doctors declared the child wouldn't make it, he probably wouldn't have wanted to live either. Time seemed to stand still until he heard the baby's cry. He didn't dare hold the child, merely tickling the tiny hand with a finger.

"Sir, the child will live." Hearing those words, he collapsed. Before losing consciousness, he told Joseph, "Let her go, but if she wishes to stay..." But he knew there was no "if." Her treatment of this little life clearly showed her immense hatred for him. "Joseph, arrange for her departure." After uttering those words, he couldn't hold on any longer and passed out.

In his recollection, he had never fallen ill. He always maintained his health to eliminate obstacles and keep Max from discovering his existence. His days were too occupied for sickness. Yet, this time was different; he truly fell ill, waking up a month later to replace Joseph kneeling beside his bed, informing him that Myles had already arranged for Brielle's departure.

"Sir, Ms. Brielle has left. The young master is still alive. I've been caring for him this month." Near the floor-to-ceiling window stood a crib where the child slept soundly, a baby bottle beside him.

In the Sanchez family, Joseph was

practically invisible, treated as a servant despite being a child of the family head: He was bullied and tasked with caring for the offspring of various lovers, a role he couldn't refuse, meticulously ensuring their well-being. Thus, his expertise in child care was unparalleled. Isaac was remarkably well-behaved during King's coma, rarely crying.

"Sir, the young master is very beautiful." King remained silent in bed, clenching his fists weakly. He should have gotten up to see his child, longing for him to be alive. Yet, the pain was overwhelming, and for a moment, he even wished Max hadn't awakened during that month. Was his emotional turmoil so intense that it seized control of his body? A numbing pain in his chest, as if a gaping hole had been punched through, bleeding out.

Before Brielle, he had no significant worries. After her departure, no pain seemed worth mentioning.

"Sir, please, replace your strength." Joseph's plea came from the floor, head bowed, not daring to meet his gaze. "Furthermore, entering this castle without your permission, I'm at your mercy for any punishment." His sincerity was evident, even as his eyelashes drooped in submission.

Joseph was undeniably handsome,

a trait that proved disadvantageous within the Sanchez family. In North American circles, far wilder and more open than those in

Beaconsfield, sexual maturity was attained early. Being the illegitimate child and nanny of the Sanchez family, Joseph's attractiveness drew the lustful gaze of some unscrupulous elders. The Sanchez family, never considering him one of their own, readily cast him aside.

King "rescued" him, though it was more an act of convenience. At that time, Max's DreamTech Designs was thriving, and one particular elder happened to be an obstacle. Eliminating obstacles for Max was King's passion. The elder died, and Joseph, just nineteen, was found tied to a bed in a humiliating pose. It seemed King arrived too hastily for the elder to act on his desires.

King wasn't known for good deeds. Condemned to a life in hell, no amount of righteousness would erase his sins in the eyes of the underworld.