Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 949

As Brodie climbed into the car, he couldn't resist giving Max one last piece of advice.

"The island I'm heading to is beautiful, Max. I'm never coming back. But if you ever need a chemist, you know where to find me. I've got a new lab set up there. The one here in Beaconsfield is a goner, thanks to Dad. I'm here to say goodbye, Max." Michael had sent Brodie as a decoy to gather intel.

But Brodie turned the tables, using this chance to get Max's help to leave Beaconsfield for good. When he said he wasn't coming back, he meant it. His home had expanded from the small town of Beaconsfield to the sweeping expanse of nearly 3.7 million square miles.

Brodie viewed his life as a series of failures-deserted twice, lost his legs, and still hadn't figured out how to live. The townspeople of Beaconsfield likely forgot the confident young man he once was. Now, he was like an old, forgotten parcel in a dusty attic, its contents long overlooked. "Take care, Brodie," Max said, closing the car door without another word. In his mind, this was the best outcome for Brodie.

Brodie pursed his lips, staring out the window for a moment before turning away, not looking back.

Inside the hospital, William and Michael were on the same floor.

Michael was furious when he saw that William had also been admitted. The man had failed his task and ended up being outsmarted. Useless!

Michael trembled with anger, clutching his chest as a fit of coughing overtook him. His sons were all disappointments.

If only Max were here...

A haze of confusion clouded Michael's eyes as he realized he still harbored hope that Max would return.

Damn it!

Leaning on his cane, he looked at William's frail form on the bed and felt nothing but disgust. William had barely settled into his new position before being ambushed, now lying half-dead. If it hadn't been for a timely rescue, he'd be meeting the grim reaper.

Yet Max, who had faced countless threats since he was ten, was still thriving, leading Dorsey International to new heights. The comparison was infuriating. Michael's disappointment in William was as profound as his pride in Max had been. What a waste. Unable to hold it back, he coughed again.

Meanwhile, William lay in his hospital bed, his face a mask of terror. He had no idea what had happened or why he was in such pain. He had been so careful. How could he have been caught off guard?

Who could it be? It had to be Max!

"Father, it's Max-it has to be!" William's voice trembled with panic, especially after seeing the disappointment in his father's eyes. His heart sank.

Michael spoke coldly, leaning on his

cane. "Not only were you ambushed, but I hear Dorsey International is losing contracts left and right. Executives are resigning, and the stock is plummeting. If I hadn't called Dorsey International myself, how long were you planning to keep me in the dark? Incompetence is your middle name. Max might be overseas, but he's still outperforming you!"

Max! Max! Why did Max's shadow loom over every part of his life? Why couldn't that man just die? He wasn't even a real Dorsey, yet he basked in the family's glory! Why?!

William's eyes filled with resentment and madness.

His face turned cold, and he tasted blood from biting his tongue so hard.

"Father, you care so much about Max, but did you ever think he'd betray you for a woman? No matter how much you admire him, he's not a true Dorsey. You're old now, and all you have is me. The third brother is broken, the second one you've sent away, and Victoria is just a lovesick fool. Who else can you count on? Father, it's time to face reality and hand over Dorsey International to me. Once I'm back on my feet, I'll get our stock back on track."