Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Keiran had been glued to Chase's side for the last 24 hours, so his face was etched in his memory. He gave a nod of recognition. "Brielle, once I'm done talking to the director, I'm heading back. Chase left the house this morning dressed way too light."

Brielle was taken aback, wondering if Chase had overheard her earlier conversation and had timed his entrance perfectly. Keiran led the way out, with Chase trailing a few steps behind. He turned back to glance at Brielle with a smirk.

"Ms. Brielle, it seems there's been some sort of misunderstanding about me."

Of course, he'd heard her. Her first thought was that they really needed to invest in some soundproof doors.

"I'm sure you're well aware of Chase's reputation in the North American scene," she shot back.

"Are you referring to all the public love confessions I keep getting? Yes, I'm quite troubled by them."

Yeah, right. Brielle thought, watching him smile and head for the door.

"Ms. Brielle, it would be wise not to meddle too much, or you might end up unlucky."

Brielle said nothing, just watched him leave. Chase clearly had an agenda, and it seemed to involve Keiran.

Her partnership with Keiran was strictly professional; she couldn't expect him to heed her advice on personal matters. If only Dustin were here, she thought. Keiran always listened to him. A few words from Dustin might actually persuade Keiran to keep his distance from Chase.

Brielle stayed at Stellar Stage Entertainment till the afternoon, but there was no word from Max. It looked like her trip to meet Dustin would have to wait.

Meanwhile, Chase, with all his arrogant swagger, had an odd fondness for shopping. Just like the profiles said, if it was expensive, he'd buy it; if it looked good, he'd buy it-until he ran into Alivia.

Bundled up tight, Alivia was almost incognito, but Chase recognized her instantly.

Back when they were overseas, he had chased after Alivia for a while, but she was too proud to pay him any mind. Had it not been for his

influential family background, Alivia probably wouldn't have ever

bothered to be polite.

Because of his family, Alivia had always been cautious around him. Dumping all his shopping bags on Keiran, Chase leaned on the back of a nearby chair and blew a breath of air near Alivia's ear. "Ms. Alivia, why so incognito? I almost didn't recognize you."

Alivia flinched at the sound of her

name, then relaxed a bit when she realized it was Chase. That notorious playboy from the North American scene. Years ago, he had openly admitted his preference for men, yet he had shown her a period of intense courtship.

She adjusted her mask upwards, then thought, why be afraid of Chase? What she had done in Beaconsfield was child's play compared to Chase's escapades.

Her gaze shifted to Keiran, and she remembered Keiran's contract with Stellar Stage Entertainment, which had raised the company's profile, even allowing that wench Aubree to bask in the limelight. Damn it! Her eyes narrowed into a cold smile.

"A new flame?"

Chase raised an eyebrow and whistled at her.

"Oh, yes, but still no match for Ms. Alivia, my old flame."

Confident in her allure, Alivia had only ever stumbled with Max. Now seeing Chase in Beaconsfield, she exaggerated her claims on purpose.

"Aren't you aware of the little affair between this star actor and Brielle?"Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"Brielle?"

Alivia dreamed of taking Brielle down but had never found the opportunity. Now, with Stellar Stage Entertainment thriving and Brielle reaping praise, Alivia was left disgraced, forced to hide. Jaired had been dismissive, despite her lowering herself as much as possible. Now that Chase had shown up, she wasn't going to let this chance slip away.

"Indeed, since you're pals with

Keiran, you must know he's with Stellar Stage Entertainment. Brielle climbed to her current position by sleeping her way up. How else could an orphan girl own the company? Mr Yu better watch his back."