Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Hearing about that guy's background again, it was no wonder her daughter was so taken with him. A rich man with killer looks was way out of reach for a country girl like her. Today, she nearly embarrassed herself trying to keep up. "Emma, you were spot on. We can make it on our own. I'll get dinner started, and from now on, I'm not going to worry about this anymore."

Emma had been a real lifesaver, constantly reminding Peyton of the importance of self-reliance these past few weeks. Finally, Peyton's mindset had broken free from the small-town mentality.

Emma breathed a sigh of relief, feeling content with their life as it was.

Meanwhile, Dustin got a last-minute meeting invite from Infinity Brilliance, requiring him to head back to North America the very next day. He caught a flight that night, and without any time to shake off the jet lag, was thrown into back-to-back meetings for two days. The hectic schedule left him with a cold.

It had been forever since he last got sick, his voice reduced to a hoarse whisper, prompting him to share the news on social media. "First cold in years," he posted.

Almost instantly, his exes flooded the comments, offering to come over and asking where he was. Dustin couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and slight regret for sharing his status.

His posts always stirred up a buzz among his North American friends, not so much for the content but for the spectacle of his exes showing their concern in their unique ways. As he set his phone down, Dustin sighed, gazing out at the North American night view from the Sky Lounge the continent's priciest bar he owned. It sat atop the tallest building, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape below.

Tonight, the bar was closed to the public; Dustin wanted to drink in peace. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, drink in hand, a staff member informed him that Clare had arrived.

Clare, a striking biracial model with an ethereal beauty, had been trying to win Dustin over for years, though she wasn't one of his exes. Setting his drink aside, Dustin hesitated, aware that his past relationships had dulled his appreciation for beauty. Yet Clare's allure was undeniable, always capable of catching the eye.

"Let her in," he decided.

When Clare entered, she darted toward Dustin like a sprite, wrapping him in a full embrace. "Dustin, you finally agreed to see me."

Her eyes, a brilliant blue, once voted the most beautiful in the world, pleaded with an irresistible vulnerability. No man could easily resist such a gaze.

Dustin's hands naturally found her waist, "You've lost weight."

"It's lovesickness. Don't you Aussies have a saying, 'Wish you'd gather more,' this thing being the greatest reminder of longing?"

"And what about the first two lines?" he teased, releasing her to lean against the nearby desk, his usual late-night workspace.

ét

Flustered by his intense look, Clare's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "I forgot, only memorized that part. Dustin, it's been over a year since your last relationship, is it my turnyet? I've been chasing you for three years, let me have a taste of happiness, please?"

She leaned in closer, her eyes hinting at something special, slowly unveiling her coat to reveal a

stunning lingerie set, bold enough to set any man's heart racing,

complete with a tastefume

a at her neck.

Taking Dustin's hand, she placed it on her bow, "This gift is yours to unwrap."

Despite the allure, Dustin's touch was gentle but firm, choosing not to untie the bow. His mind remained clear.

"Even if I gave in now, I'd be heading

back to Beaconsfield by morning, unable to commit to you, Clare. Being with me is exhausting. If I fall for temptation now, what's to stop me when the next beauty comes along? Would you still trust my loyalty?"

Falling for a wanderer was never a desirable fate.

Clare's face paled, her heart sinking. Dustin, thinking of lighting a cigarette but reconsidering in her presence, tossed the pack aside.

"If I take you now, and tomorrow another temptress appears, I might succumb just as easily. Is that the kind of partner you're looking for?"

He carefully refastened her clothing, button by button. "Your gift is precious, but I'm not the one to accept it."

"What you seek, I can't provide. So, I'm truly sorry."

Even in rejection, he remained a gentleman.