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.

pos Mergers and Acquisitions division

with the revelation of her engagement to Spencer and her modest backgrou everyone suspected nepotism or worse, that she traded her

world was notorious for its hierarchies, and those within it often develop an inflated sense of self due to the massive capital they handled, imagining

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

sent their bids to Integral Elements Inc. The president previously discussed a price of 130 million with you,

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

but instead

receive your bid.

However, your new asking price is a departure from our previous discussions, and I’d like to discuss this in person with

Tanner is very busy,”

excuse, no doubt. Tanner was probably meeting

of her team members, including Lucinda, “Book the next flight out. You’re coming with me to Integral Elements

pleased to be bossed around by a woman they considered

in her role, never showing weakness or seeking help in a damsel-in-distress manner, always maintaining a cool demeanor that seemed to

a woman being so assertive,

Spencer currently

to go public, was nestled in a neighboring town, providing over 3,000 jobs

bid proposal stalled by Spencer, she had no choice but to fly out personally to make her

Max was wrapping up a meeting

he opened his laptop as Patrick brought him a cup of coffee,

from the email from the previous night, there was nothing new from her.

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