Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 7

Brielle and Lillian indeed grew up in the same orphanage and were as close as sisters.

They celebrated life’s little victories and consoled each other’s defeats as if they were blood. On Brielle’s seventh birthday, a two-year younger Lillian had saved up enough to buy a $13 cake. It was the cheapest of the cheap, the kind of cake where you could still taste the bitterness of economy in the frosting And when Lillian brought it out, clumsy as she was, it tumbled to the ground, a heap of broken dreams.

They sat there, tears mingling with laughter, making a pinky promise-when they had the means, they would feast on the finest cakes and cherish every birthday like a treasure.

So, when the Haywoods found Brielle on her tenth birthday, she didn’t hesitate to bring Lillian along, pleading with the Haywoods to enroll them both in school.

In different classes but never apart, the girls were inseparable. But the corrupting allure of wealth can change a person. Those who once fretted over every meal suddenly found themselves in opulence, and their hearts hardened.

“Miranda, Lillian’s cheeks flushed with guilt, her eyes brimming with tears.

Brielle thought of the used condoms in the car, and the deliberately left lipstick, “Mom, since you like her so much, why don’t you adopt her as your daughter?”

It was a retort made in anger. Yet, a flicker of serious consideration passed through Miranda’s eyes.

Brielle felt a sting of humiliation, sharp as a thorn. She’d forgotten that in this house, Lillian was the golden child. Even the house staff couldn’t stop singing her praises.

Hadn’t Brielle, too, given her heart and soul to Lillian?

Lillian, always playing the damsel with her fragile façade.

“I’m giving you three days to move out of that villa,” Brielle suppressed her anger, feeling as if her mouth was filled with the taste of blood.

Ironically, she always felt like she burdened her family by bringing Lillian back. So, no matter what she did, she wanted to be the best. However, her achievements couldn’t compare to Lillian’s sweet words. In the end, she was the outcast in her own home.

Lillian, hearing her words, sneered inwardly. The villa had been a gift from Spencer-what right did Brielle have to command her?

in her heart, she wore a look of grievance on her face,

desire to watch the performance. She stood up,

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close, “Bri, what’s gotten into

I moved into Spencer’s villa in the suburbs.

many properties. Lillian can stay in one. It is no big deal. If you secure him as your husband, all his assets will

yours

tall, her voice steady, “then maybe Lillian should just marry

anger. “You’re becoming

slightest mistake from her. On the other hand, Lillian, who was always clumsy and had consistently poor grades, was seen by them as naturally innocent and in need

while you’re at it, check how many

the words left her mouth, Miranda’s hand flew

disbelief, a harsh pain making her bend slightly to cope. A bitter laugh escaped her as she grabbed her bag, “When Lillian moved out at eighteen, you all were heartbroken. If that’s the case, I might as well make it a double

who

door, Lillian’s sobs, apologies, and Miranda’s

can’t believe Bri would fabricate such lies to slander you,”

irony wasn’t lost on Brielle as

car, she licked her dry lips, tasting

away.

her apartment building, she saw Spencer’s Porsche, him leaning against it, smoking. His greeting was anything but warm. “Lillian’s missing, Brielle. Did you hassle. her again? I told you, she’s

a beat,

with the impact, his chiseled jawline swelling. The slap

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Chapter 7

him dazed. After a few seconds, he touched

take my anger out on you?” Brielle spat