Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"Mom, go take a break," Peyton said, nodding as she felt the ache in her back from two days of doing laundry for people in town.

Since moving to Beaconsfield, life had become a cycle of eating, sleeping, and cleaning their cozy little apartment. It was a comfortable routine, and she had even put on a few pounds. But the worry about Emma not making the cut gnawed at her. They only had a few thousand dollars left. Peyton had already bought her medication for the year, but what would they do if they had to go back to town? What if the hospital didn't want Emma anymore? Peyton couldn't shake off her anxiety.

Meanwhile, Emma arrived at Stellar Stage Entertainment. Just as she stepped into the elevator, she saw Aubree.

Aubree, flanked by her agent, seemed to have just come back from filming. They were discussing her schedule for the next month.

"Let's table this for now. We can go over it in detail once I'm settled upstairs. And cancel that interview from last time. The organizers are just chasing clout, and trending isn't always for the right reasons."

For her latest role, Aubree had cut her hair to a chic shoulder length, looking exceptionally sleek and professional.

Upon seeing Emma, a spark of recognition lit up Aubree's eyes.

"Emma, it's you!"

Aubree was puzzled, remembering someone had mentioned the surname 'Luo' last time.

And then, that night Dustin had asked if it was Luo from Luoyang, Emma of 'my dear,' but Emma had denied it, leading Aubree to disconnect the call.

Meeting Emma again, Aubree wondered why Dustin knew her.novelbin

Could it be that the child inside Emma was Dustin's?

"Hi, Aubree," Emma greeted politely with a slight bow.

At Stellar Stage Entertainment, everyone addressed Aubree with respect, given she was the top actress and among the first wave of talent to make it big from the agency. No one could threaten her status, not even the promising newcomers. "Just call me Aubree, no need for formalities."

Emma had quickly grasped the dynamics within Stellar Stage Entertainment. Aubree was at the peak of her fame, and using her first

name too casually could irritate t

others, making it seem like she was trying to cozy up. Only a select few, like the celebrated actor Keiran and some top executives, could get away with it.

Aubree's gaze landed on Emma's belly, contemplating that having Emma as a host was a smart move. However, once the pregnancy became more apparent, it would

undoubtedly be challenging.

Even if hosting required only the upper body to be shown, staying slim was crucial, potentially affecting the baby's nutrition.

But that wasn't Aubree's concern. For Emma, securing the lead position was paramount.

The elevator ride was silent until Aubree finally spoke up.

"Are you sure Dustin has nothing to do with your baby?"

Emma stiffened, her fingers trembling slightly.

"Yes."

"But last time he asked if it was Luo from Luoyang, Emma as in 'my dear,' why did you say your surname was Luo?"

"I was just too nervous, and maybe he knows another woman with the same name."

"Really?" Aubree's tone was skeptical, adding, "Do you think I'm a fool?"

The likelihood of both knowing people with the same name and surname was incredibly slim.

Emma, her face flushing with embarrassment, remained silent. She knew her lie was flimsy, especially now that Aubree knew her real surname, sparking suspicion.

As the elevator reached Aubree's floor, Emma, who had missed her stop in her distraction, awkwardly pressed the button again.

"Come with me. Let's have a proper talk," Aubree suggested.

Following Aubree with a sense of dread, Emma felt the weight of the superstar's presence, as if a mountain pressed down upon her.

She timidly followed Aubree into her

private office where Aubree handed

off her jacket to her agent and sat down, signaling Emma to do the

same. The agent brought the

water, but Emma, feeling like she was on trial, didn't dare to make move, her throat parched from nerves.