Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

In no time at all, Donny sent over the files. The top brass at Stellar Stage Entertainment were all pushing past thirty-five and married, with some even juggling a couple of kids at home. The more Dustin read, the more something felt off. He couldn't help but text Donny. "Hey Donny, you hitched yet?"

After all, this was about Emma's higher-ups too.

"Mr. Lynch, my daughter just arrived last month."

"All married, every last one of them."

Emma wouldn't be the type to mess around with a married man, right?

"Anyone in the upper ranks still single?"

Donny hesitated, then replied with a bit of a tremble.

"Mr. Lynch, it seems like you're the last bachelor standing."

Dustin was taken aback, then chuckled to himself. As if it could be him, of all people.

Rubbing his temples, he told Donny to get some rest.

Then, he shot Emma a message on WhatsApp.

"Saw that trending topic by accident. You holding up, Emma? Big fan here, supporting whatever you decide. But you wouldn't break up a marriage, right?"

It was way past 2 a.m., and Emma, being pregnant, should've been asleep.

Dustin wasn't expecting a reply.

When he woke up, there was a message from Emma.

"Boss, I wouldn't do that. He's single."

"As for his character, I get worried you might get played."

"He's kind, really gentle with women, has plenty of admirers and ex-girlfriends. I'm just a small blip."

"Boss, single, loads of exes."

Dustin frowned, mulling over her words without replying.

Pondering it, the only person fitting that description seemed to be himself?

He couldn't help but find it amusing.

Flashes of memory zipped through his mind, his frown deepening.

But they vanished too quickly for him to catch any details.

After a moment, he decided to knock on the door across the hall.

Emma hadn't expected him to be her neighbor. She stiffened, hearing him suggest, "Maybe we should talk about this trending topic?"

She reluctantly stepped aside.

"Mr. Lynch, come on in."

Dustin stepped in, swapping his shoes at the door.

Only Emma and Peyton's shoes were there, so she quickly offered him a brand-new pair, still in their box.

"Mr. Lynch, these are for you."

He slipped them on and followed her to the living room.

Peyton was in the kitchen, prepping some fruit. He nearly dropped the tray when he saw Dustin, quickly setting it on the coffee table before making a hasty retreat to the garden.

Dustin took a seat, glancing at Emma's belly.

It was winter, but the place was cozy. She wore maternity clothes, showing just how far along she was, her movements noticeably

swnower.

Yet, it was mainly her belly that had grown, her face barely changing.

Emma had been struggling with her appetite, often feeling nauseous. Occasionally, she'd have cravings, but those were rare.

Dustin's gaze lingered on her belly for a moment before he asked, "Fans are in an uproar. Got any plans?"

Emma shook her head, visibly downcast.

But then, Dustin's next question caught her off guard.

"Is the child's father your boss?"

Emma froze, her hands clenching on her lap, ready to deny it.

"No."

"He's had quite a few ex-girlfriends,

Emma. Thinking it over, the only one

at Stellar Stage Entertainment

fits this bill, someone

unmarried,

without kids, and who's crossed

paths with you... seems to be me."

Emma's hands trembled on her lap, her lips pressed tightly together, avoiding his gaze.

All her nervous little movements were clear as day to Dustin.

He knew he had guessed right.

Leaning back, he considered lighting a cigarette to clear his mind but remembered her condition and refrained.

"Was it during that time you saved me?"

Emma remained as if frozen, silent.

Dustin wasn't in a rush, giving her time to gather her thoughts.

But even after ten minutes, Emma remained tight-lipped.

"Looks like it really is mine. I'm sorry, I must have hurt my head back then, can't recall some things."

It took Emma a long while to finally speak, her voice barely a whisper.

"Mr. Lynch, I'm sorry, have I caused you trouble?"

In that moment, Dustin's heart ached.