Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Yuna turned her head, giving Dustin's sleeve a playful tug.

"Come on, buy it for me. I came all the way from North America just to see you. Hurry up; I've got my eye on a few more things."

Dustin had always been a softie when it came to women.

Dropping a few grand to make someone smile? He didn't even hesitate.

But when he scanned the payment, he noticed the account name was Moll, which made him raise an eyebrow.

Emma hadn't seen any payment notification on her phone and was about to ask about it when someone suddenly grabbed the brim of her hat. Dustin bent down, caught a glimpse of her face, and chuckled. "Thought you were sick?"

Emma froze, scrambling to pull her hat down, but Dustin had already seen her.

"Sick, huh? But you seemed pretty lively asking for a transfer. Wouldn't want folks thinking Stellar Stage Entertainment doesn't pay their people."

Emma's cheeks turned crimson with embarrassment.

She'd been lured by the thought of buying several designer hairpins with that money, thinking it was a deal she couldn't pass up.

She hadn't counted on Dustin recognizing her so easily.

Trying to play it cool, she acted like she'd only just noticed him.

"Oh wow, Mr. Lynch! My bad, didn't see you there."

Dustin found it amusing, even letting out a laugh. He never realized how great an actress the young host could be.

Caught, Emma couldn't push for the money anymore and politely handed over the hairpin.

"Since it's for Mr. Lynch's lady friend, I can't possibly take your money. Please, haha, I'll just browse elsewhere."

Her smile was strained as she adjusted her hat, planning to make a quick exit.

But Dustin wasn't letting her off that easily, pulling her back.

"Leaving without paying, are we?"

Emma regretted her little scheme more with each passing second, forcing another laugh.

"How could I take your money, Mr. Lynch? You're my boss! If I did, I could never show my face at Stellar Stage again."

Dustin squinted, a grin tugging at his lips.

"Really letting it go, then?"

"Yep, yep, letting it go. I'll come back another time."

She nodded eagerly, just wanting Dustin to let her go.

He released her, deciding not to press further.

Emma breathed a sigh of relief, walking away until she was sure his gaze was off her.

Meanwhile, Yuna looked at Dustin with surprise.

"A new girlfriend?"

"No, just a host from the company."

"So, she's next in line then? You're

Wo you know that? We've all been

working hard for you on sociale media, and you don't even care."

Dustin ordered another tiara, "I'll get this for you too."

"You're the best."

Yuna tiptoed and planted a kiss on his cheek, leaving a bright lipstick mark.

Once the salesperson wrapped up the tiara and hairpin, Dustin handed over his card, paying forty grand.

"You know, if you're thinking about dating that host, maybe you should reconsider me. I've been waiting for you."

"Yuna, aren't you about to get married?"

Yuna sighed, "Yeah, but if you say the word, I'll call it off right now."

Dustin chuckled, "Let's not mess with fate. Think of these as wedding gifts. Now that you've decided to settle down, live happily." Yuna's smile faded, "You're heartless. Doesn't my wedding news even bother you?"

Still smiling, Dustin gently pinched her cheek.noveldrama

"Better get going. Don't you have a shoot today?"

Nodding, Yuna left with her assistant.

Dustin, reminded of Irene's pregnancy, decided to shop for baby items.

Clueless about what to buy, he just went for the most expensive options.

Irene, never one for subtlety, had set up a chat group for gifts as soon as she found out she was pregnant.

Even Ricardo, who barely knew her, chipped in a grand.

Bryan's attempts to calm things down were futile; he had no say in the matter.

When Dustin reached the baby store upstairs, he spotted Emma again.

Recognizing her silhouette instantly from their earlier encounter, Emma was browsing baby bottles and strollers. Dustin frowned, piecing together her absence from Stellar Stage Entertainment.

"Hey, little host."

He tapped her shoulder from behind.

Emma startled, instinctively t

to slip away, but Dustin caught t hold of her collar, pulling her back.

belongs to en.kikist

His tone was casual yet probing.

"Feeling guilty, or can't face me? You denied having a secret baby, yet here you are in a baby store, having taken a few months off. Should I

believe you?"