Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1278

When Aubree heard Emma's plea, she was stumped on how to console her.

Emma had her own strong opinions, and it seemed like Dustin had completely brushed the whole thing off. Aubree, being somewhat of an outsider, couldn't just waltz into his life and start lecturing him.

Besides, she had already sent Dustin the link to Emma's livestream, but he hadn't made any moves, clearly forgetting about his fling. All Aubree could think to do was lend Emma some money to help her through this rough patch. "Just send me your bank details."

Emma, who had been looking for a loan in the first place, didn't hesitate to send her account information over. Soon after, a transfer of $10,000 came through.

"Aubree, this is way too much. I'll pay you back as soon as I've covered the medical bills. I'll keep track of every penny spent and pay you back once I'm settled back in town," Emma promised.

Aubree thought for a moment and then insisted, "You don't need to pay me back. I'm also a friend of Dustin's, and it's clear he's in the wrong here. Since he's not taking responsibility, I feel it's only right that I step in. This is about your health, and as a woman, I can empathize more than anyone. Use this money to take care of yourself and your mother."

After a brief pause, Aubree's tone lightened. "Besides, the talent show isn't over yet. You haven't stuck it out till the end, so how can you be so sure you won't make the cut? You're looking fabulous right now, you know."

Emma managed a small smile, thinking of mentioning something about Leona but decided against it. It would seem like she was asking Aubree to fight her battles. She couldn't keep burdening Aubree with her negativity, especially after she'd come all this way to help. "Aubree, you should head back and rest. I'll definitely pay you back," Emma insisted.

Aubree knew Emma could be stubborn at times. She wanted to stay, but she could see Emma needed some space to think things through, especially about whether to keep the baby. As Dustin's friend, Aubree naturally hoped for the best for Dustin's child, but forcing Emma to go through the ordeal of pregnancy and childbirth seemed selfish.

Back in her car, Aubree couldn't help but send Dustin a message.

"Mr. Lynch, remember that livestreamer I told you about?"

Dustin was in the middle of a meeting, bogged down by a mountain of work from Infinity Brilliance, barely able to catch a breath. Seeing Aubree's message, he drew a blank at first, struggling to remember any livestreamer. It took him a few seconds to recall the woman. Almost forgotten.

Reading Aubree's cold words, she

felt even more sorry for Emma. Men just have their moment of pleasure and then wash their hands of the consequences, leaving the woman to bear the brunt. Emma, inexperienced with men, hadn't thought to take precautions. But with Dustin's history of fleeting relationships, this was his responsibility.

Aubree was genuinely upset. "I thought Mr. Lynch never turned down an opportunity."

Dustin, puzzled by Aubree's sarcasm, wondered what he'd done to annoy her. Just because he forgot about the livestreamer? Sure, the streamer was pretty, but there were plenty of attractive people in the world. He couldn't possibly pay attention to each one.

Confused, Dustin went back to his paperwork. But Aubree's words had slowed him down, and he found himself distracted. Thinking of the streamer sparked an unidentifiable emotion in him, one he couldn't quite place. He revisited the link Aubree had sent, only to find the streamer was off for the day, suggesting he check back later.

Raising an eyebrow, Dustin exited the page and returned to his documents, though Aubree's message lingered in his mind.