Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Dustin's eyes narrowed slightly, and a shadow passed over his face. "I had a fling back in North America," he admitted, "and not too long ago, she got caught up in a mess and ended up pregnant. I was there with her when she went through the abortion."

Brielle was taken aback. She wasn't like Emma or other women who might brush this off. "Bro, I told you not to hurt Emma because you're such a ladies' man. Women are always throwing themselves at you. Even if you turn them down, is it because of Emma herself? Or just because she's the mother of your kid? You should talk to that woman in your villa, see if she's been stirring the pot with Emma or Peyton. If she is, you owe Emma a big apology."

Dustin fell silent, then went straight to see Clare. Clare was at home, recovering, and her eyes brightened when she saw him. "Finally, you've come to see me," she said, trying to hug him, but he stepped back.

"Did Emma's mom come looking for you?" Dustin asked, standing aside.

Clare nodded, her eyes wide and innocent. "Yes, she showed up out of nowhere, asking a bunch of questions. She seemed really worried about her daughter."

Dustin's gaze was sharp, his dark eyes probing. "Clare, she wouldn't just show up without a reason. She knew the address and that there's a woman living here."

"Don't be mad," Clare replied. "I sent Emma a few messages. Maybe her mom saw them and that's why she came. But I explained everything. I told her I'm just here to recover and would leave in a couple of months. She didn't say much after that. As for the messages, you know I've always been curious about Emma."

She played the innocent card perfectly. "If you don't believe me, check the surveillance around the house. I didn't have any conflict with her."

From day one, Clare knew where all the cameras were, aware they couldn't record sound, just expressions. During her talk with Peyton, she was careful to keep her face in check. Being a professional model, she knew how to handle being on camera.

The messages she sent Emma were

just to stir things up, not proof of anything. They'd only serve to drive a wedge between Emma and Dustin, which was exactly what she wanted. If there was a rift, it would be her

chance to swoop in.

"I'm sorry," Clare said, her voice soft. "I shouldn't have sent those messages. I just wanted to meet her, see if there was anything to it. If I've offended anyone, I'm truly sorry."

Dustin's gaze remained sharp, but Clare's face showed no emotion. She lowered her lashes. "If you can't handle a few messages from me, I'll leave Beaconsfield tonight and head back to North America."

Dustin rubbed his temples, his tone icy. "Then go. It's because of your messages that Emma's mom showed up and had that accident."

Clare's eyes filled with tears, her lips twitching. "Shouldn't the blame be on the driver who caused the accident? I never wanted Emma's mom to get hurt."

As she spoke, Emma appeared

outside, standing quietly a short distance away. She watched Clare suddenly embrace Dustin. Brielle had already called her, explaining that Peyton had gone out to meet this woman. Brielle couldn't keep it from Emma; she had a right to the truth.

Emma had planned to confront Clare, but seeing this scene made her feel sick not with Dustin, but with herself, for ever hoping for more from him. Her mother had died because of this woman, and now her phone was gone, likely taken by her mother. This woman was

indirectly responsible for her

mother's death.

But now, Dustin and the woman responsible were embracing. Emma lost the courage to confront them. Regardless of the truth, her mother was gone. Nothing else mattered. She turned and walked away without a second thought.

Dustin, meanwhile, pushed Clare away, his expression cold. "This villa is yours. When you leave is up to you, but don't call me again."