Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The man across from her was clearly losing his cool, his casual demeanor slipping away as he slowly sat up straighter in his chair.

Brielle was closing in, leaning towards him with an air of calculated ease. His pupils dilated ever so slightly, and before he knew it, she whipped out a palm-sized fan, the center of which featured a clear plastic film. Her lips pressed a kiss onto his chin, the thin membrane between them ensuring their skin never made contact.

Then, with the same composure, she retreated. "I need to know Alivia's real identity."

The man was frozen in place for a moment before he let out a laugh tinged with incredulity. "Do you take me for a fool?"

"You asked for a kiss," she pointed out, a coy smile playing on her lips. "You didn't specify the type of kiss, whether tongues were to be involved, and to what extent. You run a big casino. Surely, you're not one to renege on a deal?" He breathed deeply, his lips pursing as he fought to maintain composure. His eyes darkened with a swirl of emotions, much like a whirlpool, as he contemplated the warmth that had just grazed his chin.

She was, as always, uniquely audacious.

After leaving the casino and getting into her car, Brielle realized her back was slick with cold sweat. It had been a gamble. Though she suspected that the mysterious casino boss didn't want her dead, she couldn't fathom his true intentions. Asking him to check on Alivia was a minor request for him. If he wanted to maintain his hold over her, he'd have to acquiesce to this small favor to keep her coming back to him. She wouldn't be inclined to return without getting a taste of victory. Brielle's gaze dropped as she leaned back in her seat, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Why not go directly for the jugular and have someone investigate her own identity, revealing the plots against her? Because she didn't know who was targeting her-it could be the casino boss himself or someone even more enigmatic. If she played her hand too soon, she'd spook her adversaries.

She mustn't let anyone know that she was quietly digging into her own past-not a soul.

Driving home, she anticipated that information about Alivia would soon reach her phone.

Her car had just pulled into Pearl Estate when her phone buzzed with a new message from Aubree, listing an address far from her current location. [Bri, come pick me up. I had a bit too much to drink.]

Dancing with wolves, bargaining with tigers-it was all about who had the larger courage.

It sounded like Aubree, alright-uninhibited and spontaneous, especially since she had no filming scheduled for the past couple of days.

Without hesitation, Brielle steered her car towards the given location.

Meanwhile, Murray watched the tracking dot on his computer screen. His lips curved into a subtle smile.

"Miss, Brielle took the bait. She's headed our way and should arrive in about an hour and a half."

Annie's eyes sparkled with

excitement. The knife in her hand glinted coldly. Finally, she would have the pleasure of slicing off Brielle's pretty face.

Her lips were a deep crimson. She pulled out a piece of candy and crushed it effortlessly with her sharp teeth as she spoke with an almost childlike innocence. "I've sent Ricardo a message to eliminate Aubree. He should be making his move now, right?"

"Ricardo would never defy you, Miss."

"Indeed, he's always been so obedient."

Over in the Beaconsfield slums....

Ricardo had just finished shooting his last scene of the day. The studio lights dimmed, and the crew began to pack up their gear. Ricardo headed to the dressing room to remove his makeup, and Aubree followed. "You were in top form today."Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Ricardo saw her, glanced at the

makeup artist waiting to assist him, and flashed a guileless smile. "Tonight 'd like you to do my

makeup removal, if that's okay

After all, we have a scene together the day after tomorrow. It'd be good toget more familiar with each other."

The makeup artist nodded, accustomed to their friendly rapport.

Aubree, ever bold and carefree, took the makeup remover and stepped in front of him. "Alright, take a seat and close your eyes."

Ricardo's skin was flawless. His visage was so youthful that he could easily blend into a high school crowd without a second glance.

"Ricardo, your skin is amazing," Aubree said admiringly as she began wiping his face. "I've never seen you use skincare products. Must be natural." Ricardo's hand moved behind his chair, the blade of a knife slowly appearing, its sharp edge catching the light.

"Mhm."

Aubree was blissfully unaware of the looming danger.