Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Raymond, even in his middle years, still carried himself with an air of refined grace. At this moment, he sat with perfect posture, gently swirling the drink in his glass, the ice cubes tinkling softly against the crystal. "Don't you go taking after him," he advised with a stern look.

Over the years, Raymond had only Dustin, his son, to focus on. His daughter, who had vanished without a trace, was a lost cause in his mind. All he wanted now was for his son to make something of himself. Yet, within the North American elite, it was no secret that Dustin was a playboy, a regular Casanova.

Still, in Raymond's eyes, his son was leagues better than that Max fellow.

For some reason, when Raymond had stumbled upon Max shopping for a ring with that young lady, he couldn't help but take an instant disliking to him. Little did he know, it was the classic case of a father-in-law's scrutiny, where no suitor could ever measure up. At this moment, father and son shared a common adversary.

Dustin, filled with righteous indignation, finally unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt as if it would make breathing easier.

"Dad, did Mom tell you something?" he asked, perplexed.

Otherwise, Raymond wouldn't be so composed after her disappearance.

The couple had always had a strong relationship. When their daughter went missing, Sarah had been devastated, and Raymond had been her rock. Throughout the years, Sarah had been preoccupied with finding their daughter, somewhat neglecting their son. But Dustin cared deeply for his suffering sister and never complained. The family had always been harmonious. Logically, Raymond should have been frantic after Sarah's disappearance, scouring the earth for her. Instead, he came to Dustin's place, chastising him for reckless behavior.

"Your mother did come across something," Raymond finally admitted, though he didn't elaborate.

He was providing Dustin with a warning.

"There are definitely people in the Lynch family estate working with Dummy's crowd. Be careful with what you say and do when you return. It won't be long before we flush them out."

The Lynch family estate was run by loyal staff who had been with them for years, and the butler had been particularly devoted to Raymond's care.

Both Raymond and Dustin held the butler in high esteem.

But since Dummy's incident, Raymond was no fool. He knew someone had been plotting for a while, and besides the Lynch's blood relatives, no one was above suspicion. "Dad, if Mom's alright, then my biggest concern is for my sister."

Raymond's hand went to his forehead at the mention of his daughter, and a flicker of pain crossed his refined features.

"Before your mother disappeared,

she told me her obsession with

finding your sister was her burden,,

that she was the cause of your hardships. She's given up the search hoping for your health and happiness. Your mom feels guilty for neglecting your feelings these past years because of your sister."

"Dad, what are you talking about? I'm a man; it's my duty," Dustin said firmly, though his tone dropped with the weight of the admission.

"I've found her. She's not in great shape, and there might be other puppet masters connected to the Lynch family, which is why I haven't brought her over yet. But I'm certain it's her The previous paternity tests were sabotaged. She's had people planted around her for a while, and I still don't know who they are, including the ones behind Dummy."

Raymond's mind buzzed, and for some reason, Brielle's face flashed before his eyes.

Then, hearing that Max was a heartbreaker, Raymond, a father fiercely protective of his daughter, could barely contain his rage. He was ready to tear Max to pieces himself if necessary.

"Dad, until we uncover the

mastermind behind the scenes, we

can't let them suspect that we'reAll rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

onto Brielle's identity. Everyone. around us could be involved. Until it's resolved, you can't go to Beaconsfield."

Raymond had long since stepped back from the affairs of the Lynch family, entrusting the CEO position to Dustin, who had excelled in the role.

His voice turned icy, "Did Max make your sister suffer?"

Murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

Dustin, already dissatisfied with Max and remembering the gossip rags in Beaconsfield always maligning Brielle's origins, felt his anger flare.

"It's an outrage, Dad. If she ever brings him home, don't you dare show him an ounce of kindness."

With the reassurance that his mother was unharmed, Dustin's protective brotherly instincts kicked in full force. Meanwhile, miles away in Beaconsfield, Max shivered, feeling an inexplicable chill at the back of his neck.