Master of his heart

Chapter 306

and Brielle spotted her cane lying just within reach, propped against the elevator’s handrail. She leaned in to grab it.

Max couldn’t help but let out a chuckle mixed with a hint of exasperation. “Ms. Haywood, you’re quite the trooper,” he said, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Brielle tensed, fully aware he was mocking her, and her temper flared. “Nothing compared to you, Mr. Dorsey. You’re busy as a bee, as always,” she retorted. It was a clear jab at him for his habit of not answering calls.

Anyone else would think twice before speaking to Max in such a manner, but Max didn’t get angry. Instead, he felt an odd sense of helplessness, even a bit of bewilderment, about how to respond to her.

Amidst his silence, Brielle finally got hold of her cane and stood there in the corner, stiff as a board. After a long while, she feigned composure and asked, “I know it might be redundant to ask, but are you planning to call it quits, Mr. Dorsey?”

For Brielle, mustering the courage to ask such a question was monumental. Max’s actions had made his intentions clear; he wanted to set boundaries between them. She had always found herself too timid and too reserved in the face of attraction. Her past was far from glamorous, riddled with rejections and romantic tumbles, not to mention a family life in shambles. Yet she had never shied away from any of it; she embraced it all, including the faint stirrings of her heart for Max.

It was her one source of pride.

seconds were ticking by, and their heartbeats were almost audible in the silence. Just as

to a gambler’s hope for a different outcome until the very end. That nascent flicker of attraction was snuffed out

if he was holding back

what you want, Mr. Dorsey.” Max’s Adam’s apple bobbed; his hand

bit, but it was bearable. When breaking an addiction, one had to be resolute from the start. Any hesitation was harmful to both

lost

Chapter 306

was all a dopamine–induced delusion.

his formidable brain would

And the only thing that could combat dopamine was dopamine itself.

chuckled to herself for a few seconds, having come to terms with

elevator malfunction. She breathed a sigh of relief, eager

you in there?” called out Patrick’s voice, along with the sound

quickly responded, “I’m here. How long until the