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.

been an outlier in the department, landing a manager pos Mergers

backgrou everyone suspected nepotism or worse, that she traded her body to get ahead. To self-proclaimed elite, she was

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

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

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

mark.”

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

Integral Elements Inc., but instead

to receive your bid. It seems

bid will be on your desk by nine tomorrow morning. However, your new asking price is a departure from our previous discussions, and I’d like to

Brielle, Mr. Tanner is very busy,” came the

excuse, no doubt. Tanner

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

especially the two male colleagues, were none too pleased to be bossed around by a woman they considered to be

help in a damsel-in-distress manner, always maintaining a cool demeanor that seemed to threaten

so assertive,

as the manager and Spencer currently absent, she was the one in

waiting to go public, was nestled in a

acquire Integral Elements Inc. Now with the bid proposal stalled by Spencer, she had no choice but to fly

her team boarded the plane, Max was wrapping up a meeting on

Patrick brought him

inbox. Aside from the email from the previous night, there was nothing new from her. She must

question mark. As the international conference call started, there was still no word from her. Max turned