Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

“Alright, how about we hit the coffee shop outside Dorsey Tower? It should be pretty quiet there now.”

“No need. It’s the middle of the workday. I’ll only take a few minutes of your time.

Sydney breathed a sigh of relief, “Ms. Alivia, please pick a spot then.”

With a gentle smile to the passersby, Alivia headed out first, her heels clicking against the floor. Sydney had no choice but to follow. She thought Alivia would lead her to the break room, but she was wrong. Instead, Alivia entered the ladies‘ room.

Reluctantly, Sydney followed.

Alivia stood before the mirror, looking back at her. “Lock the door.”

Sydney felt like a maid, but she complied.

Once the door was locked, Alivia’s smile grew wider. She gestured towards the stalls. “Check if there’s anyone inside.” Her caution was habitual.

Sydney’s face twisted in displeasure. She acknowledged Alivia’s high status, but why should she be ordered around like some servant? It was infuriating.

But despite her inner resistance, she didn’t dare make a scene and started checking the stalls.

Empty.

“There’s no one here, Ms. Alivia.”

The softness on Alivia’s face faded away, replaced by a piercing gaze that made Sydney’s skin crawl. “What do you know about Brielle? I won’t tolerate a single lie.”

The confrontational stance made Sydney nervous. “Ms. Alivia, that’s none of your business.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Alivia’s hand flew up and slapped her across the face. “I don’t appreciate defiance. Remember your place. You’re not even worthy to look me in the eye when you speak,” Alivia hissed.

Sydney’s lips bled from the blow. She stared at Alivia in disbelief, her body trembling with fear at the malice in Alivia’s eyes.

Alivia tilted her chin up, her eyes flickering with disdain. “Answer my questions, and perhaps things will go smoother for you.”

Sydney’s lips quivered, too scared to meet her gaze.

In front of peers, Alivia might have kept up appearances, but with Sydney? She wasn’t worth a shred of kindness.

Sydney’s hand clenched at her side. Humiliated and powerless, she whispered, “Brielle… she’s

11:55 ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

pregnant. Don’t know who the father is.”

“Who else have you told?”

“Mr. Spencer. He asked me to keep an eye on Brielle. He’s the only one who knows.”

A glint of satisfaction flashed in Alivia’s eyes. She patted Sydney’s face mockingly. “Change out of those hideous clothes. If I catch you in them again, I’ll have someone waiting on your route to work to strip you clean.”

Her smile was chilling.

Sydney’s legs gave out, and she crumpled to the floor.

Alivia turned to the sink, washing her hands as if touching Sydney had soiled her.

Sydney shook uncontrollably, biting back any protest.

Alivia dried her hands and strode out, only to freeze at the sight of someone in the corridor. It’s. Max. He shouldn’t have been there. Her heart raced. How long had he been standing there?

She had assumed the ladies‘ room was a sanctuary, not expecting anyone to linger outside. If Max had been there from the start, he might have heard everything.

Alivia clenched her fists, her eyes darting to the men’s room where Andrew was emerging with a cigarette between his fingers. Seeing Alivia, he raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing here?”

Words failed’her, panic overwhelming her as she scanned Max’s expression.

Max casually fiddled with his phone, frowning at Andrew. “What took you so long?”

Andrew gestured to his half–smoked cigarette. “Couldn’t find a smoking area on this floor. And you, the big boss, don’t know where it is either? But, wait, did I hear some argument, or was it just me?”