Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 9

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.

Brielle had always been an outlier in the department, landing a manager pos Mergers and Acquisitions division straight out of Beaconsfield College, stirri discontent among her peers.

Now with the revelation of her engagement to Spencer and her modest backgrou everyone suspected nepotism or worse, that she traded her body to get ahead. To self-proclaimed elite, she was no different from a courtesan.

The financial 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 themselves as titans of the age.

Brielle, with her natural allure, had been unwelcome from day one. In the three years she’d been there, Lucinda was the only one she could really talk to.

Lucinda handed her the department’s internal phone with a casual tone, “Several companies have sent their bids to Integral Elements Inc. The president previously discussed a price of 130 million with you, but they’re now hoping to hit the 200-million

mark.”

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Brielle 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. The sudden jump to 200 million was a clear indicator that other companies were courting them.

She dialed Integral Elements Inc., but instead of the president, his assistant picked up.

“Ms. Brielle, we’ve yet to receive your bid. It seems you’re not serious enough.”

“Our 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 discuss this in person with Mr. Tanner.”