Master of his heart

Chapter 454

While juggling the honest affections of one man, she reveled under the touch of another, all the while spouting lies.

Any fondness Brielle had for Sydney vanished in an instant. How could someone so devoid of moral fiber be anything but complex?

The irony wasn’t lost on Brielle; she had misjudged Sydney.

But Adrian, ever trusting of Sydney, reminded her. “You keep at your overtime. It’s almost midnight, and my birthday’s ending. Just wish me a happy one, will you?”

Sydney was lost in the moment, and cut the call short. Her patience had worn thin as her arms found their way around Spencer’s neck.

On the other end, Adrian felt a sting of rejection but then remembered he wasn’t alone–Sydney’s workmate was there–and a blush crept up his cheeks. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Adrian was honest, sensible, and easy on the eyes.

Brielle pursed her lips, not revealing she was Sydney’s boss, nor did she expose the lie. Instead, she offered, “Wanna head down together?”

Adrian was relieved to be acknowledged, and beamed with gratitude. “Sure, thanks.”

ride, Brielle couldn’t shake her doubts and had to ask. “Have you and Sydney been a thing for

grew up near each other. She’d always come over to play, claiming she’d marry me. My folks adored her and funded her education, so we’ve been classmates since grade school. It’s been

he

like her own. Yet Sydney’s purse alone cost a

why haven’t you two tied the knot?”

Adrian’s face. “I’m saving for a house. My salary

not ask Sydney to cut back? Her bags don’t

from the start–I can’t skimp on her. I meet her every need, and she’s sensible. We’ll marry soon.”

of the ten years she spent being deceived by Spencer. Yet here was a man still in the dark, heart brimming with sincerity.

11-50

Chapter 454

bursting his bubble and simply wished him well as they reached the lobby.

she was the first to wish him well that day.

watching his retreating

the sanatorium, post–chat with the doctor, standing aside,

until Alivia’s voice reached him. “Max, still here at

this hour?”

had just left Martha’s room with a tray in hand, the epitome