Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 967

At this point, the idea of begging Max for help was a joke. The Dorsey family had never stooped so low.

No wonder they had grown too reliant on Max over the years.

Antonio took a deep breath, a cold smirk forming on his lips. "I have my own plans."

Michael couldn't help but chuckle. "Plans? Collaborating with your so-called partner-have you ever wondered why he'd just hand over Dorsey International to you? Sure, it might not be what it once was, but even a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. What's he getting out of this, if not for some twisted charity, leaving cold hard cash on the table?"

Straight to the heart of it.

Michael, a veteran in the business world, had sensed that this so-called partner was anything but friendly towards the Dorsey family.

Antonio was merely a sword in the man's hand, and a sharp one at that.

If this shadowy figure were to take down the Dorsey family directly, it would be fair play. But using Antonio to exact revenge was more than a loss of the company-it was a wound deeper than any blade, a pain a hundred times worse.

Look at William, who couldn't rest even in death.

And Michael himself, imprisoned by the grandson he had so underestimated.

What a farce it was, this decaying estate on the brink of its final frenzy.

Yet Antonio, ever the dreamer awaiting a windfall, was the perfect pawn for manipulation.

When faced with Michael's interrogation, Antonio was speechless, panic setting in.

What could the man possibly gain from him?

In Antonio's eyes, the man was invincible, capable of anything. So why the need to collaborate?

Seeing a glimmer of sense return to Antonio, Michael probed about his recent plans.

Though Antonio resented Michael's controlling nature, in this moment, he laid all his cards on the table, including his decision to send Aubree and Brielle to the manor.

The manor was an old Dorsey family property, long closed off and largely forgotten.

It was a relic from an older generation, and its seclusion meant even Michael rarely visited.

Hearing that Brielle and Aubree were there, Michael's eyes narrowed. "That place, huh? Ashton, come closer. There's a secret about that estate you should know." Michael whispered something into Antonio's ear, prompting a visible reaction.

With a cold laugh, Michael said, "Use that secret to negotiate with your Uncle Max. I'm sure he'll keep Dorsey International afloat for that. Ashton, this is your last chance." Antonio said nothing, his gaze heavy on Michael.

It was only after leaving the family home that he snorted in disdain.

As if a few words from Michael could make him betray his master. Impossible. He needed to see the manor for himself, to ensure nothing had gone awry with the plans entrusted to him.

At the manor.

Brielle and Aubree were still blindfolded. Brielle's condition was deteriorating.

She barely touched breakfast before throwing it up.

Curled on the couch, her forehead was slick with sweat.

Aubree comforted her, "Bri, just breathe deeply, relax. The baby will be fine. Max will come for us soon, or if not, Andrew will." Aubree patted Brielle's back and wiped her mouth with a tissue from the coffee table.

They had been left alone since the e

previous night, their meals served punctually, but the intentions behind their captivity remained a mystery.

Medicine had been provided, but Brielle dared not take any. Pregnant women must be cautious; one wrong pill could mean the loss of her child.

She knew King was behind this, but why hadn't he shown himself?

Little did Brielle know that it wasn't a matter of will but capacity that kept King from them.

King wouldn't have hidden them away in this nearly forsaken Dorsey estate otherwise.

Emerging from the pool, King's lean figure was on full display. A droplet of water trailed down his angular face pausing at his collarbone.

His dark, wet hair dripped as he reached for a robe and tied it carelessly around himself.

Mask back in place, he stepped outside.

Someone waited for him, bowing their head quickly at his appearance. "King, are you feeling better?"

King rubbed his temple, his voice hoarse. "Have you cleared out Max's influence as I instructed?"

"Yes. The spots you pointed out were indeed his weak links. We've removed the obstacles. He won't find Ms. Brielle for a while."

King reclined on a nearby chaise lounge, his mask giving him an aura of cold detachment.

"We can't be complacent. He is Max, after all."

"Strong as Max may be, he's no match for you, King."

King's lips curved into a wry smile. "Of course. I am the one who knows him best in this world."