Chapter 157

To Brielle, the pianist seemed like the innocent party, constantly rebuffing Victoria’s advances from start to finish.

Victoria, regardless of everything, attended every performance, encountered a sudden disaster herself, and in the end, she married the man she admired while carrying a baby.

While Victoria’s plight could stir sympathy for any woman, the most innocent of them all was Everett, who’d been rejecting her all along. But alas, the Dorsey clan wielded too much power.

No wonder Victoria had no love for Tiffanie: her birth held such a tainted tale.

Brielle felt a pang in her heart, thinking of Tiffanie’s current temperament, undoubtedly shaped by a sustained lack of affection.

Max. probably tired of squinting, rested his chin on her shoulder, “Everett had someone he was fond of, and was about to get engaged, but the Dorseys forced him to break it off. Next thing. he’s hitched to Victoria. He resents the Dorseys, you know. And Victoria, she’s so love–crazed that even a marriage trapping him seems satisfying to her.”

“He resents the Dorseys?”

“Yeah, Michael decreed they must share a bed once a week.”

Brielle pursed her lips. It was no wonder he harbored such hatred when even the most private facets of his life were being dictated and his pride ruthlessly crushed.

If Max hadn’t spelled it out, Brielle would never have believed it. The common folk seemed so powerless and insignificant in the face of a dynasty like the Dorseys. She didn’t know what to say, feeling the subtle nudge from Max.

Should Michael intervene, she’d be just as helpless.

A hand squeezed her palm, and she lifted her gaze to meet his, hearing him say, “Don’t worry.”

“When will Tiffanie get out?”

“In a fortnight.”

“That long? Won’t that mess with her head?”

Just a few hours locked up by Faith had almost broken her, but Tiffanie had been enduring this since childhood. Was her spirit still intact?

“She’s not as fragile as you think.”

Brielle fell silent, resolved to treat Tiffanie to a proper meal once she was free.

They soon arrived at the Dorsey International underground parking lot. Brielle went to her department to collect some documents.

The atmosphere felt different today. Rumors had spread that Brielle was the daughter of the 15:38 Haywood family. Before anyone could digest that, another rumor claimed she had stolen that identity.

The following evening, the Haywoods were set to clarify this at a banquet and demand a public apology from Brielle.

The video had spread wide, but this juicier gossip had everyone’s attention fixed on the upcoming Haywood soirée.

Brielle ignored their judgements, grabbed the necessary paperwork, and headed to the top floor.

In the executive office, Patrick laid a report before Max. “Mr. Dorsey, a few board members are liaising with Ryan, discussing an investment in Alpha Company. Ryan seems unwilling to give up on that project.”

Ryan had hoped to turn his fortunes around with this venture, but Max’s sudden return had thrown a wrench in his plans. Plus, with the scandal of his son’s affair becoming common knowledge, Ryan got a few raps on the knuckles from Michael.

“Let them reach out. After all these years at Dorsey International, Ryan’s bound to have some loyalists.”

Drawing the snake from its hole was the best way to catch it.

Patrick placed the document on the desk, “William and Ryan have been in touch too. They met last night, though what about is unclear.”

Max cracked a smile, flipping open the file, “William’s position is solid. Unless he slips up, there’s not much I can do about him. He’s not foolish enough to make a move unless he’s sure it’s a fatal blow.”

But perhaps he might push a scapegoat forward first.