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.

an outlier in the department, landing a manager pos Mergers and Acquisitions division straight out of

modest backgrou everyone suspected nepotism or worse, that she traded her body to get ahead.

often develop an inflated sense of self due to the massive capital they handled, imagining themselves as

unwelcome from day one. In the three years she’d been there, Lucinda

Integral Elements Inc. The president previously discussed a price of 130 million with you, but they’re

mark.”

13

16.04

Inc., poring over annual reports and other investment banks’ research. She had even checked multiple simulation models; 130 million was the sweet spot. The sudden jump to 200 million

instead of the

we’ve yet to receive your bid. It seems you’re not

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

Tanner is very busy,” came the

Tanner was probably

“Book the next flight out. You’re coming with me to Integral Elements

she picked, especially the two male colleagues, were none too pleased to be bossed around by a woman they considered to be a backdoor hire. Graduates from

role, never showing weakness or seeking help in a damsel-in-distress manner, always maintaining

being so assertive, they thought, when

manager and Spencer currently

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

with her team to acquire Integral Elements Inc. Now with the bid proposal stalled by Spencer,

boarded the plane, Max was wrapping

him a cup of

inbox. Aside from the email from the previous night, there was

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