Chapter 106

Alivia managed to keep her emotions in check as she responded, “Alright, I’ll keep a close eye out for you. My friend trusts me implicitly, since I offered some solid advice during the initial development of the software. He’s willing to wait for your offer.”

Max rubbed his temples wearily, “If another company comes in with a decent proposal, tell him not to worry about Dorsey International.”

Alivia thought she had misheard. Reflexively, she blurted out, “What?” Was he implying that he wasn’t interested in her friend’s project?

Impossible. With so many venture capital firms on Wall Street drooling over this financing opportunity, who wouldn’t want in? Creating at billion–dollar value in less than six months was an extraordinary feat in any industry.

The conference room door swung open, and Patrick stepped in. “Sir, your tickets are all set.”

Max nodded and rose slowly from his seat. “There’s something in the report I’m not too thrilled about–

he’s relinquished control of his company.”

Following behind him, Alivia wondered if her friend’s willingness to give up control wasn’t a positive thing. With Dorsey International investing, wouldn’t that give them majority control? Wouldn’t the company’s future. then be at the discretion of Dorsey International, and wasn’t that something Max should be pleased about?

“Max.” She couldn’t help but reach out and tug at his sleeve. “This developer and I have a great relationship. Even if you’re not planning to invest, couldn’t you at least meet him? Maybe if you heard his thoughts in person, you might change your mind.”

She didn’t want to miss this chance to forge a closer connection with Max, and what she hadn’t told him was that she also had shares in the company. If Dorsey International invested, it would only bind therm closer together. She wanted to weave herself into every aspect of Max’s life.

“Max, consider it a favor for me.”

They had grown up together, and her brother was close to him as well. Max couldn’t possibly refuse.

That was her confidence.

Indeed, Max turned to Patrick, inquiring about his schedule for the coming month.

Patrick, ever diligent, pulled out a calendar. “There’s a meeting right after we land, and it’s going to be busy till the start of next month.”

Max nodded, reclaiming his sleeve. “I’ll come back on the third of next. month.”

A smile spread across Alivia’s face. “Great, I’ll take you for a tour of the research institute then. And hey, you reinstalled WhatsApp, right? You should add me. My brother and the others will definitely want to add you too.”

“I’ll do that when I’m back home.”

Alivia, completely satisfied, urged him on. “Then you should go, don’t want to miss your flight.”

She watched him go, barely containing her adoration.

Patrick discreetly looked away, knowing that even the most. accomplished people couldn’t hide their emotions when it came to matters of the heart. He followed Max, pondering before finally speaking up.

“Ms. Alivia has been waiting for you for years, sir.”

But to his surprise, Max asked, “Waiting for what? Investment opportunities aren’t exclusive to Dorsey International. She could go to Kenzo just as well.”

The corner of Patrick’s mouth twitched, and he cleared his throat. “You don’t suppose Ms. Alivia has feelings for you, sir?”

“I’m aware, but she has rejected the marriage proposal.”

“Maybe she lacks confidence.”

“It’s still a rejection.”

Patrick finally understood. Had Alivia not refused that proposal, Max would have accepted. He didn’t understand the concept of liking someone, and if there had been an engagement, Max wouldn’t have the relationship he currently had with Ms. Brielle. Max’s relationship world was all or nothing, and he could never do what Spencer did, which was to have a fiancée and still be entangled with other women.

With Max, as long as you got engaged to him, you won, necause he would definitely fulfill his duties as a fiancé.

Having been by Max’s side for years, Patrick had come to grasp some of his thoughts, but as for Ms.

Brielle, Patrick wasn’t so sure.

“What about Ms. Brielle?”

“When all is said and done, I’ll give her a sum of money.”

The sum Max was talking about was surely no pittance.

Patrick breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Max genuinely saw Ms. Brielle as a canary he was keeping.

Hopefully, Ms. Brielle saw it the same way because hitting a brick wall once was quite enough.