Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 954

Even though he had never laid eyes on that so-called gentleman Antonio spoke of, he knew the type-cruel and ruthless. No one could incite a man to patricide without being vicious to the core.

The Dorsey family's current state was largely thanks to that gentleman's influence. Antonio was just too green, being manipulated and didn't even realize it.

Michael's gaze was icy as he reflected on his decisions. He had no regrets about naming Max as the heir to Dorsey International when the boy was just ten. Max was the perfect choice, but he had been ruined by a woman.

Now, the old man didn't regret choosing Max; he regretted not letting him be with Brielle from the start. Upon reflection, Brielle was just a woman, one who sought power and prestige. Having her at Max's side would have done no harm to his stature.

But Michael's hatred for Brielle blinded him; he believed she had destroyed his masterpiece. He was so arrogant, thinking he had Max perfectly controlled with medication, never considering that Max would throw his life away for Brielle.

Michael was kicking himself, wishing he had given his blessing to Max and Brielle. He should have thrown them a lavish wedding. After all, Max had already signed the agreement; Dorsey International's future would be in other hands, not the offspring of that woman.

Michael's pride had been his downfall. When the Dorsey family was betrothed to Brielle, he valued her skills but not her family background. After all, the Haywood family had always been in the Dorseys' shadow. In his mind, only the most perfect debutante from the social circles of Beaconsfield could match Max, not someone like Brielle, who was constantly criticized.

Brielle was originally engaged to Spencer. How could she end up with Max? Such a stain could not mar his prized creation, and he would not allow anyone to become Max's blemish.

But Michael couldn't bear to let go of Max, his pawn. At first, he only made threats, even leveraging Stellar Stage Entertainment as leverage.

To his surprise, Brielle had the audacity to quietly acquire Stellar Stage Entertainment, turning it into a powerhouse under her name. The funds for the acquisition were meticulously funneled through overseas accounts, obscuring Brielle's involvement, but Michael was sure -it was her doing.

Originally, Michael had tampered

with Brielle's meals, dosing her with contraceptives for years, because he looked down on her. He knew the Haywoods were effectively selling their daughter, and he refused to let such a woman step foot in Dorsey International. Brielle wasn't even fit to marry Spencer, let alone Max.

Michael was vehemently opposed, but now he regretted his stubbornness. If he had allowed Max and Brielle to be together, Dorsey International would still reign supreme. But there are no "ifs" in this world. Looking at Antonio, now a pawn for others, Michael felt nothing but rage. Why were his descendants such disappointments?

"Ashton, I can give you shares, but you must cut ties with that man immediately."

"Grandpa, do you think you have a choice? Sign@these papers within a minute, or that poison in your cup is meant for you. Remember, you taught me to show no mercy to an enemy, and Dad said that in the Dorsey family, so-called kinship counts for nothing. See, I've learned well. You should be proud."

In that moment, Michael felt an unprecedented chill, as if ice was creeping from his feet to his skull, freezing every cell.

"Grandpa, do you recall when I was

eight, the kitten 'I had? You strangled

it, telling me weakness doesn't last

in the Dorsey family. I took every lesson to heart, see? Now I'm more ruthless, more heartless than

anyone. I've become a worthy heir, haven't I? Over the years, I've learned exactly how to survive in the Dorsey family."