Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Irene stumbled down the sidewalk, her tears blurring her vision so much that she could barely see where she was going. In a moment of distraction, she missed a step and tumbled down. Jaired rushed to her side, his forehead creasing with worry. "What's gotten into you?"

Why was she so hung up on a guy? Had this Bryan really managed to steal her soul?

He tried to help Irene up, but she just sat on the cold concrete, tears streaming down her face like she was melting into a puddle of despair. Jaired was so frustrated he almost wanted to shake some sense into her. To be this broken over a guy? This couldn't be the Irene he knew.

"Irene, come on, get a grip."

But Irene just sat there, leaning against his leg for support so she wouldn't collapse. "Jaired," she managed to say, hugging his leg to keep herself from fainting. "He's 001."

Jaired stiffened, disbelief etching his face as he looked down at her. Irene's tears flowed even harder. "He's 001, I'm sure of it. His face and memories might have changed, but the things he says in his sleep, they're exactly what 001 said before he left. He even remembers the switchblade, the gift he gave me," she sobbed.

Jaired's mind went blank, feeling as if all the moisture in his body had evaporated. Irene continued crying. "He must be mad at me, not wanting me anymore."

"He's found someone else, someone who looks so innocent."

"That's it, he never said he liked me, and I've been so careless, been with so many guys."

She wanted to keep ranting, but Jaired gripped her chin. "You're the boss, the President of North America. You deserve any man you want, and everyone has their own way of living. Don't fret over it, Irene. You're free."

Jaired's voice trembled as he spoke. "He left yesterday. I've asked the Riddle family to use their influence to see if he's still around Beaconsfield."

Irene lifted her tear-stained eyes and nodded, "Okay."

In that moment, she looked as vulnerable as a child. Jaired frowned, standing still, and then patted her head gently. Irene was completely lost, still sitting on the ground, leaning on his leg.

The Riddle family's network was powerful. They quickly located Bryan, who hadn't left Beaconsfield but had gone to a bar.

"Mr. Jaired, we've found him. He's bartending at Tequila Sunset. Looks like he's not planning on leaving Beaconsfield anytime soon."

Jaired let out a sigh of relief and helped Irene to her feet. "Tequila Sunset, the most famous and expensive bar in Beaconsfield. He's bartending there. Go see him."

Irene wiped the tears from her face and looked up at Jaired. "Don't you want to see him too?"

Jaired froze, a bitter smile on his lips. "I... I don't know how I'd face him."

It seemed he had no right to face

him. If it hadn't been for him, they wouldn't have missed out on ten years together. If it hadn't been for him, maybe 001 wouldn't have

changed so much. A personel

undergoes such a transformation through a trial by fire, and it's a

painful process, especially to end up

in such a barren place.

If it hadn't been for that call from the King, he and Irene, with their stubbornness, would never have set foot in that disease-ridden place. And they would have never known that 001 was still alive.

Jaired's eyes reddened, the urge to cry overwhelming him, but he had to hold back. Irene, feeling a bit stronger, especially knowing Bryan hadn't left, quickly hugged Jaired. "You too, you're free now, Jaired."

With that, she hurried upstairs to change and put on some makeup. She couldn't let Bryan see her in such a state.