Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

over these meant rewriting the rules of the game. So, this was a plot decades in the making.

Dustin had been digging into the forces behind the butler for a while now, and was starting to see the outline of their grand scheme. This group was ambitious, almost madly plundering the world's riches. Oil and diamonds, the twin jewels of global wealth, holding sway As Dustin considered the man before him, he wondered, if Ronald hadn't fully secured King, could the Lynch family potentially team up with this character? King seemed to read his thoughts and stood up abruptly.

"I don't see why I should help you."

His tone was dismissive, his mind preoccupied with how to win over Brielle's heart. Dustin let out a soft chuckle, giving him a once-over.

"The Lynch family doesn't need your help. You're the one looking for my assistance, otherwise why agree to meet today?"

It was unusual for such a headstrong individual to seek a meeting unless he had something to ask. Yet, when it came down to it, the man seemed reluctant to voice his request. King's fingers twitched at his side, Brielle's words echoing in his mind. Your game is seriously off.

Is it really that bad? He wasn't sure, having never compared notes with anyone else. And when he first got intimate with Brielle, she ended up in tears. In his mind, tears meant pleasure, a sign they wanted more, so he believed she enjoyed their time as much as he did. Now, facing Dustin, North America's most eligible bachelor with a flawless ex-girlfriend track record, King felt out of his depth.

"How can I make her happy?"

Houses, cars, she didn't care for them. Bags, jewelry, even less so. What then? Dustin hid a smirk, keeping his expression smooth.

"Brielle isn't one for material things, but there's something she does love."

"What's that?"

"A diamond ring."

Dustin didn't flinch as he delivered the line, his conscience clear. King's eyes lit up. Right, hadn't Max bought Brielle a diamond ring before? How could he have overlooked such a crucial detail? No wonder his other gifts fell flat. He hadn't hit the mark. "The bigger, the better. She especially loves those the size of a pigeon's egg."

Armed with this new strategy to win over Brielle, King's demeanor towards Dustin cooled.

"I won't assist the Lynch family with their issues. Goodbye."

Dustin smiled, "Alright then, goodbye."

King left the café, Max's warning ringing in his ears, "Don't listen to him." Back in Beaconsfield, Dustin had cozied up to Brielle just to get under Max's skin, sparking a jealous streak. Now, blatantly manipulating King who, when it came to Brielle, seemed to lose all sense of judgment. If he went through with buying a diamond ring, he'd likely end up getting slapped again.

"I'm not listening to him. Or are you worried, Max? Afraid that if I win Brielle over, she won't want you back?"

Max hated to admit any similarity

between him and King; it was

downright embarrassing. Their only common ground? Their love for Brielle. If only King knew when to keep quiet. A silent embrace could win Brielle over, but his words often poured gasoline on the fire. Max fell silent. Opposition only spurred King on further. The only person who could influence King was Brielle. And the only one who could deceive her was someone from her own family. Had Ronald attempted such a tactic, heads would have rolled.

King's stubbornness wasn't just about Brielle; it was a double standard. If he truly didn't want to help the Lynch family, he wouldn't have bothered with Dustin in the first place, But he loved to win arguments, even if it meant facing Brielle's wrath again. King walked away, feeling more confident, while Dustin remained seated in the café, absently tracing the rim of his cup.

King might refuse to ally with the Lynch family, but he wouldn't go out of his way to oppose them either. With diamonds and oil in their grasp, couldn't these riches sway most people? Could the world's wealthiest not leverage an organization? Yet, Dustin's mother hadn't returned. Had she uncovered something else?

All Dustin could do was wait for further instructions from her. He glanced down at his cup, a frown creasing his brow. What was that about a female doctor King mentioned?