Chapter 101

As Brielle walked into the department, all eyes swung her way–word had spread like wildfire that Emily had been let go, but what no one knew was the drama that had just unfolded downstairs.

She grabbed the file handed to her and scanned it, finding it detailed a new project–an investment evaluation for a company named Alpha. She thought she must have read it wrong, and flipped through the thick stack of papers again.

It was indeed Alpha.

Though Dorsey International had long branched out into diverse operations with numerous businesses, this was their first foray into internet companies.

Rubbing her temples, she had a hunch that this move wasn’t Max’s brainchild. Probably, because of the scandal that had leaked about the building, the board was panicking, fearing Max’s scrutiny, and was eager to show some results.

In the afternoon, she was summoned to a meeting on the top floor. Stepping out of the elevator, she overheard some gossip.

“Didn’t the media just catch Ms. Alivia? When did she come back from abroad?”

“Did you notice the rosary on her wrist? It’s identical to the president’s. They must be a set.”

“I heard Mr. Dorsey personally visited Ms. Alivia’s research institute. Seems like he’s interested in investing in a project she’s involved with.”

“Never thought Mr. Dorsey was the type to splurge for a lady love.”

“Well, you’ve got to consider who she is. Ms. Alivia is top–notch in every way, and they’ve been childhood sweethearts.”

The buzz grew louder and more animated.

Max had never been one for tabloid fodder. His interviews in the financial papers were terse and to the point. Celebrities looking to latch onto his success had no inroad, and within the social circles of Beaconsfield, one couldn’t even snag his contact information.

Brielle, who rarely paid heed to celebrity news, couldn’t help but stealthily check her phone. There was no mention of Max, just a side shot of Alivia brushing her hair aside, revealing that telltale string of beads.

Phrases like “golden couple” and “match made in heaven” were thrown around with abandon. She pocketed her phone, struggling to maintain composure, and took her seat.

Max was absent, and the directors‘ voices were louder than usual.

Especially Ryan, who should have been ousted, had wormed his way back in while Max was away.

And with Max’s two other brothers on the board, the atmosphere was tense. However, Ryan, shameless as ever, had pushed this new project to the forefront.

“Alpha has been around for years. Their CEO approached me privately last night, inquiring about investment from Dorsey International. I’ve reviewed the data and believe this to be a promising endeavor.”

Ryan’s audacity knew no bounds. Even as others around the table scowled, he dropped Michael’s name to silence any dissent.

“The CEO of Alpha and I go way back. I promised Dad that if we could triple the profits this time, he’d let me return. So I hope everyone will cooperate.”

Ryan’s smug expression made it clear he was determined to succeed, gesturing everyone to view the presentation on the big screen. “This overview shows Alpha’s main business areas: social networking, online gaming, digital advertising, and others. Their social network has over three hundred million users. With our investment, we could own thirty percent of Alpha. Alpha’s battle last year is no secret. They were blindsided by a rival company’s malware, losing many users.

They’re on the eve of their final funding round. If Dorsey International invests two billion, we’ll be their largest shareholder.”

Ryan went on to outline Alpha’s potential, making it clear that this project was non–negotiable.

Brielle sat back and laughed softly. The room was silent, making her laughter stand out all the more.

The first to speak was William, pushing up his classic glasses, “What are your thoughts, Brielle?”

William, Michael’s eldest and Max’s big brother, was known for his scholarly demeanor. He never fought for the spotlight, making his presence often overlooked. But to Brielle, William was more formidable. than the blatantly aggressive Ryan.

In her three years at Dorsey International, Brielle had never heard a bad word about William. He always played the peacemaker, offending no one, with barely passable performance that left no room for criticism.

Like now, while others had shown their displeasure with Ryan, William’s face was all seriousness, as if genuinely considering Ryan’s spiel.

Now he’d passed the buck to Brielle, letting her be the one to stick her neck out.