Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 477

Chapter 477

Andrew hadn't meant to cause a stir when he popped over to see Max. Hearing that his buddy. was out of the hospital he just wanted to make sure everything was on the up and up.

But as luck would have it. Max was caught up in a last-minute meeting, and with the top-floor conference room snagged by another team, they had to settle for a space on this floor. Max ran into Andrew, who asked after his health, but Max barely had time to exchange pleasantries before Andrew had to duck out to the men's room to curb an Itch for a smoke. What Andrew hadn't banked on was running into Alivia there.

Alivia was a bundle of nerves at Andrew's words, shaking like a leaf in a storm. All her life, she'd never known such panic. It was the kind of dread you felt when you were about to be exposed, when that beautiful veil was lifted to reveal the writhing maggots beneath.

And for her, the most terrifying part was that the one lifting the veil was her greatest love. That was a truth she couldn't face.

Her fingertips quivered, her cheeks drained of color.

Max, with a sense of impatience, just pocketed his phone and muttered. "Didn't notice a thing."

Andrew was left doubting himself. Had he misheard?

Alivia sighed with relief at Max's response. "Right," she thought. Her voice had been soft, and Max was absorbed in his phone, probably wrangling some work issue. He was so engrossed in his world. How could he notice anything amiss?

"Lucky break," she mused. But she couldn't afford to be careless next time.

Before she could fully relax, Sydney emerged from within.

With a cheek sporting a vivid handprint, Sydney shrank at the sight of Alivia still lingering. Her face blanched, and her instinct to beg for mercy was nearly overwhelming.

But Alivia was quicker, feigning concern. "Are you alright, dear? Did someone bully you?" She reached out to Sydney, who recoiled in fright.

With her back against the wall, Sydney saw the icy look on Alivia's face and noted Max with another man. She realized Alivia was putting on an act, a sickening charade. Yet she couldn't call her out; she had to play along.

"I'm fine, just feeling a bit under the weather. I'll just rest a bit," Sydney said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alivia's expression softened as she gently patted Sydney's shoulder. "Take care of yourself. If you're facing any bullying at work, report it to your supervisor. Don't suffer in silence. Only then can you get the help you need."

Sydney shuddered involuntarily at Alivia's touch, as chilling as a serpent's hiss. Terrified, she

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murmured, "Mr. Dorsey, Ms. Alivia, I'll head back to my desk now."

Without waiting for a response, Sydney bolted.

Watching Sydney's retreat, Alivia's eyes were inscrutable. But as she turned back to Max, her face was all warm again. "Max, sure you don't need more rest? You look rather pale."

"I'm fine."

Max's tone was dismissive, and his phone rang, signaling the start of the meeting. Patrick was wondering where he was.

Max glanced at Andrew and said, "Meeting will wrap up in half an hour."

Andrew nodded, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his voice casual, "Okay. Kenzo is at Premier Palace already. I'm just here to pick you up. You go do your stuff. I'll wait."

"Oh. Looks like you and Alivia are in sync, both dropping by the office today. It'll be quite the scene if you guys don't tie the knot. Even Michael seems antsy. But he's off courting the Rowland family today, trying to set up Spencer with Sophia. Go figure."

Max stepped ahead and replied with even more indifference, "Dad wants someone to keep him in check."

"So Spencer settles down, and you're next in line, huh?"

"Possibly."

Alivia's heart soared at his words. Was he agreeing to marriage? Her hands were sweaty with anticipation, and she couldn't help but fixate on Max's retreating figure.

Andrew, removing the cigarette from his mouth, grinned. "Looks like your patience paid off, Ms. Alivia. Good things come to those who wait."

Alivia's breath quickened, her lips curling into a smile. "And how about your wedding with Tessa? Must be soon, right?"

"Yeah, getting close. She's keen on meeting new people lately and even brought up marriage."

At the mention of marriage, Andrew's mind wandered to Aubree, who kept calling him. His brow furrowed with annoyance.