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.

department, landing a manager pos Mergers

or worse,

those within it often develop an inflated sense of self due

the three years she’d been there, Lucinda was the only one

a casual tone, “Several companies have sent their bids to Integral Elements

mark.”

13

16.04

had done her homework on Integral Elements Inc., poring over annual reports and other investment banks’ research. She had even checked multiple simulation models; 130 million was the sweet spot.

Integral Elements Inc., but instead of the

yet to receive your bid. It

new asking price is a departure from our previous discussions, and I’d like to discuss this

Mr. Tanner is very busy,” came the curt

doubt. Tanner was probably

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

ones 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.

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

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

as the manager and Spencer currently absent, she was

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

Elements Inc. Now with the bid proposal stalled by Spencer,

Max was wrapping

as Patrick brought him a cup of coffee, “Mr. Doesey, Ms. Brielle

down his coffee to check his inbox. Aside from the email from the previous night, there was nothing new from her. She must be upset,

a few keys and 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 back to the screen, his