Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1302

King raised an eyebrow, casting a glance at the two gossiping nearby.

Brielle had overheard their conversation too. Even though she delighted in shopping for him, their disparaging comments made her quite displeased.

The speaker was a young woman, accompanied by a middle-aged man with a noticeable belly—old enough to be her father. Yet, she affectionately called him "darling" while occasionally rolling her eyes at Brielle.

The man she was with looked the part of a nouveau riche, his fingers adorned with chunky gold rings, his face shiny with excess.

Upon seeing Brielle, his eyes lit up, but then he coldly snorted upon glancing at Max. His companion followed suit with another eye roll.

"To think a man could accept such humiliation, truly a sign of the times," the woman sneered.

King, still holding his shopping bags, might have thrown anyone else provoking him straight into the ocean to feed the sharks, but somehow, he found their taunts amusing.

"Brielle, they're saying I'm living off your money, huh?" he joked, a hint of mirth in his voice.

Brielle, partly annoyed yet amused, finished her transaction and grabbed his wrist.

"We've been at it all day. Tired? Let's grab something to eat."

King wasn't really tired; browsing through the stores was a new thrill for him.

Passing a toy store, Brielle picked out several LEGO sets for Isaac, who had completed the last one and displayed it proudly in his room. It was clear he cherished them.

King felt a warm surge in his heart, seeing her thoughtful gesture for Isaac.

Back in the car, King placed the bags down and pulled her into a hug.

Yet, Brielle was uneasy, worried about the impact of those harsh words on King. After all, for a man of his caliber, was it really okay to be seen as lesser in a relationship?

She feared her actions might lead to his affections waning.

Her insecurities about their relationship made her overthink every little reaction from him, tiring herself out with worry.

King, holding her close, smiled, but Brielle gazed out the window, contemplating how to keep him without constantly fearing his departure.

He recalled her interactions with Max, always shy and tender, unlike the ticking time bomb she seemed to be with him.

After dinner, Brielle handed the LEGO to Isaac, who instinctively thanked the man on the sofa.

Brielle headed upstairs to bathe and sleep, leaving King alone with his thoughts on the sofa. Isaac sensed another argument had occurred, puzzled by the complexities of adult relationships.

"Daddy?" Isaac approached, but before he could offer comfort, he heard King solemnly advise, "Cicada, remember, whether you're a man or a woman, don't be too forward. Being too eager devalues you."

Isaac pursed his lips, staying silent as King leaned back, his gaze drifting upstairs.

After an hour, once Isaac had returned to his room, King slowly made his way to the master bedroom.

The bed showed a small, curled figure—Brielle was already asleep.

The bathroom mirror was fogged up with steam; she had taken her shower.

As King changed clothes, he tentatively mentioned, "A friend invited me out for a drink."