Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Chapter 9

The moment she stepped into the office, all eyes were drawn to her like magnets. They felt like sharp, judgmental knives, ready to peel away the facade she had so carefully

constructed

Whispers swirled around her

“Must be off to see Mr. Dorsey again. Some people have all the luck. Marrying into wealth sure has its perks”

“Marrying into wealth? Please, there’s not even a ring on her finger. Didn’t Mr. Spencer publicly deny any engagement?”

“Besides, word has it Mr. Spencer deliberately delayed the bid proposal because he’s got

issues with her.”

“But I heard that Brielle’s family is quite wealthy. Otherwise, how could she get engaged to Mr. Spencer? Don’t prestigious families emphasize matching social status?”

“Ha! Since when do rich people drive cars worth only tens of thousands? No chauffeur even. She just happened to be Mr. Spencer’s classmate, which is how she even got a foot in the door.”

“No wonder. Taking advantage of Mr. Spencer’s naiveté, she probably hoodwinked him into an engagement.”

After what Spencer had said yesterday, everyone was even more convinced of their

theories.

outlier in the department, landing a manager pos Mergers

or worse, that she traded her body to get ahead. To

world was notorious for its hierarchies, and those within it often develop an inflated sense of self due

her natural allure, had been unwelcome from day one. In the three years she’d been there, Lucinda was the only

the department’s internal phone with a casual tone, “Several companies have sent their bids to Integral Elements Inc. The president previously discussed a price of

mark.”

13

16.04

and other investment banks’ research. She had even checked multiple simulation models; 130 million was the sweet spot. The sudden jump to 200 million was a clear indicator that other

Elements Inc., but instead

to receive your

on your desk by nine tomorrow morning. However, your new asking price is a departure

Mr. Tanner is very busy,” came the curt

excuse, no doubt. Tanner was probably meeting with

Lucinda, “Book the next flight out. You’re coming

male colleagues, were none too pleased to be bossed around by a woman they considered to be a backdoor hire. Graduates from prestigious schools, they all had

help in a damsel-in-distress manner, always maintaining a cool demeanor

of a woman being so assertive, they thought, when she was destined

and Spencer

a small components manufacturer waiting to go public, was nestled in a neighboring town, providing over

had been preparing for months with her team to acquire Integral Elements Inc. Now with the bid proposal stalled by Spencer, she had

boarded the plane, Max was wrapping up a meeting

him a cup of coffee,

his coffee to check his inbox. Aside from the email from the previous night,

sent Brielle a message – just a question mark. As the international conference call started, there was still no word from her. Max turned his attention