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.

always been 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

its hierarchies, and those within it often develop an inflated sense

the three

her the department’s internal phone with a casual tone, “Several companies have sent their bids to Integral Elements

mark.”

13

16.04

reports and other investment banks’ research. She had even checked multiple simulation models; 130 million was the

but instead of the president, his assistant

your

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

Tanner is very busy,” came the curt

doubt. Tanner was probably

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

to be bossed around by a woman they considered to be a backdoor hire. Graduates from prestigious schools,

had been decisive in her role, never showing weakness or seeking help in a damsel-in-distress manner, always maintaining a cool demeanor that seemed to threaten their sense of

so

manager and Spencer

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

for months with her team to acquire Integral Elements Inc. Now with the bid proposal stalled

team boarded the plane, Max was wrapping up a

Patrick brought him a

inbox. Aside from the email from

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