Chapter 120

When Brielle entered Max’s office, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her.

Max didn’t drink instant coffee. There was a small tea room in the office, and just around the corner from the floor–to–ceiling windows was the lounge. At that moment, he sat in a chair, one hand adorned with the rosary resting on the marble tabletop, his eyes calm as the snow settled at the comers.

“Mr. Dorsey.” She called out to him, trying to shake off the sting of anxiety that had settled in her heart.

Max slid a folder across the desk, his hands folded neatly in front of him, all business. “You weren’t telling the truth in the conference room.”

Brielle felt a wave of frustration wash over her. She was struggling not to let his demeanor affect her, but he seemed all too composed. “How do you know I wasn’t telling the truth, Mr. Dorsey? The executives were all in favor of investing in Book, and Ms. Alivia is one of its shareholders.”

“Do you think my investment has anything to do with Alivia?”

“Doesn’t it?”

She regretted her retort instantly, feeling as if she had lost her fundamental ability to judge the situation.

Before she could salvage the conversation, the office door swung open, and Patrick, along with two other executives, made their way in, seemingly ready for an impromptu meeting. The two executives, sensing the mood, settled on a sofa to one side, waiting quietly for Max to finish up.

Max didn’t glance their way but instead furrowed his brow at Brielle, “Why would you think there’s a connection?”

Brielle noticed the executives casting curious glances but without much surprise. They probably would never guess that she and Max were entangled in an affair.

Brielle pursed her lips, feeling once again that singing a solo seemed too pitifut when she was the only one in the act. “If Mr. Dorsey’s interest isn’t because of Ms. Alivia, then this project is indeed up for debate. If you really want my opinion, I suggest we don’t invest.”

Her blunt honesty took the seated executives by surprise, and they almost wished they hadn’t entered, now facing the potential wrath of the president.

Brielle was bold, daring to speak to the president in such a manner and suggesting they shouldn’t invest. What did her suggestion matter?

Internally criticizing her, they maintained a composed exterior, as any high–ranking official at Dorsey International would.

The situation was clear. Brielle had irritated the president, and if they sided with him, perhaps a hefty year–end bonus would be secured. The executives exchanged glances and feigned a 17:19 cough before speaking up.

“Ms. Haywood, these matters aren’t so simple,” the head of HR began with an air of righteousness. “Book has only been established for less than a year and has a stellar research team backing it. It deserves investment, and we can’t let your personal feelings cloud our judgment.”

Following his lead, the Finance Director chimed in, “Indeed, investment is serious business, not to be swayed by emotions. The president has sought your counsel privately, surely valuing your expertise.

You shouldn’t be capricious.”

As they finished, Max closed the file in front of him, his voice even, “Did I ask for your input?”

Having tried to brown–nose and failed, the executives shrank back, wishing they could disappear.

Max pushed his chair back slightly, his gaze fixed on Brielle, “You suggest we don’t invest. What’s your reasoning?”

Brielle thought of the information she had seen on the large screen earlier and decided to be forthright.

“The reason is the founder’s willingness to give up control clauses. Isn’t that concerning enough? If the founder doesn’t control the company, who will dictate its future? Dorsey International? That would mean we’ve essentially bought a business, not made an investment. The founder’s quick surrender of control suggests a focus on short–term gains. Even if Dorsey International invested billions to become the majority shareholder, what about the other investors? With the current mindset of the founder, as long as the price is right, they’ll be allowed in. However, if those investors are quick to sell their shares for a quick profit, where does that leave the company’s long–term growth?”

“Once investors start selling off, it will inevitably lead to instability within the company, a neighborly risk, which I’m sure Mr. Dorsey is aware of. It’s like buying a house. You have to consider who your neighbors are.”

Her words resonated with Max, as if they were on the same wavelength.