Chapter 358


    “No? Really?”


    Max echoed the words, but with a different inflection that carried a tinge of amusement.


    “Yeah.”


    The next moment, he chuckled softly, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder while maintaining their


    close embrace. His hair brushed against Brielle’s cheek, making her feel as if her heart had melted into


    a warm puddle.


    In the past, she would have found it hard to imagine Max being so affectionate with a woman. Even


    during their few lovemakings, he had always been in absolute control, perhaps indulgent at times but


    never as tender as he was now.


    Sitting in his arms with her cheeks flushing, Brielle gazed out at the snowkes dancing in the air and


    thought to herself, “This must be what being together feels like.”


    The thought of being with Max filled her with an indescribable sweetness.


    A knock on the door drew Brielle out of Max’s embrace, and she settled herself on a nearby chair.


    Patrick walked in and immediately noticed the ck beads around Brielle’s wrist, his eyes betraying a


    sh of surprise. “Mr. Dorsey, Ms. Brielle, I’ve ordered breakfast. It should arrive in about ten minutes.”


    Brielle didn’t miss the flicker of emotion in Patrick’s eyes. She had always wondered what those ck


    beads meant to Max. To everyone in the Beaconsfield elite, the beads were synonymous with Max, and


    his austere demeanor earned him the nickname “The Priest.” Her fingers lightly traced the beads as a


    smile curled the edges of her lips.


    Max, noticing her gesture, felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Perhaps admitting his fondness for


    Brielle had torn down some psychological barrier because now, he thought she was perfect from head


    to toe, including every strand of her hair.


    Although Max didn’t fully understand that this was what liking someone felt like, he was certain about


    one thing – Brielle was different, and others simply wouldn’t do.


    Patrick, sensing he was somewhat superfluous at the moment, discreetly made his exit.


    True to his word, ten minutester, a server wheeled in a cartden with an array of exquisite dishes.


    Wearing pristine white gloves, the server carefullyid the dishes out on the table.


    After being up all night, Brielle’s hunger had returned with a vengeance.


    Once the server had arranged everything and politely left, Max handed Brielle the cutlery and observed


    her eating habits. She had a penchant for a breakfast of oatmeal, a boiled egg, and a side of vegetable


    sd. She was a picky eater and left the carrots untouched in her sd. She favored in oatmeal


    and did not even touch the sweet or savory options.


    Chapter 358


    With every bite Brielle took, Max cataloged her preferences. When Brielle finally set her spoon down,


    Max frowned slightly, concerned she hadn’t eaten enough.


    Brielle caught his gaze, and despite the familiarity of his face, she still felt a thrill each time their eyes


    met.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Max’s face was the most handsome she had ever known. His aura was akin to a rare blossom, cold


    and translucent. Suddenly, the image of his expression shifting from icy detachment to fiercely


    possessive as he gripped her waist shed in her mind. It was the look of a dangerously alluring flower,


    and her toes curled slightly.


    His usually stoic eyes softened with a smile, sparkling like stars in the night sky. “Brielle, what’s on your


    mind?” he asked, his gaze trailing down her neck.


    Brielle abruptly remembered how low the neckline of her nightgown was. Had Patrick seen the marks


    there? A wave of annoyance washed over her.


    “Max, about that book project, did you know William is handling it now?”


    The world’s most mood–breaking woman–Brielle.


    Max sighed softly, signaling for the server to clear the table, and then he undid the top button of


    his shirt.


    Brielle’s eyes were helplessly drawn to his fingers. Max’s hands were the most attractive she had ever


    seen. Even if his face were hidden, just a photo of those hands posted online would attract hordes of


    adoring fans.


    Every part of him was perfect as if he were a favored creation of the divine.


    Brielle’s thoughts began to wander again, but before she could gather herself, Max had pulled her


    close, his voice a whisper in her ear. “Just now, were you really thinking about work?”


    His voice was seductive, and she couldn’t admit that she was actually thinking about him. He was right


    there in front of her, yet she still wanted more.


    As the snow outside grew heavier, she looked up as if making a decision and boldly wrapped her arms


    around his neck.


    Max sensed the change in Brielle. Before, in their encounters, she had been quite forward. But since


    he had given her the beads, she seemed to have softened, bing more docile as if a hedgehog


    was showing its vulnerable belly.


    He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, unable to resist the allure of her submissive gaze–it


    was too easy for one to fall for it.