Chapter 318

Brielle’s lips quirked into a half–smile as she leaned back in her chair. The pros and cons of the situation she faced were clearly laid out in her mind. As for Williamn’s choice, well, that was his After all, the project wasn’t exactly small potatoes. If William couldn’t handle this little venture without screwing up, it was his own reputation at Dorsey International that would take the hit.

Rising to her feet with a measured nod, Brielle made her position clear. “That’s all I’ve got to lay on the table, Mr. Noah. You go ahead and weigh that as you see fit.”

Noah was fumino, feeling like Brielle was lording it over him, but keeping his ultimate goal in sight, he tried to smooth his tone. “Now that we’ve got the nuts and bolts out of the way, let’s chew the tat about something else. Brielle, what’s your take on me as a person?”

Noah wasn’t one for beating around the bush. He was supposed to get Brielle, bed her, and snap a few incriminating snapshots for Alivia. Then, his status in Alivia’s heart would definitely improve.

Watching him nearly tripping over his own eagerness, Brielle couldn’t help but find it amusing. Noah wasn’t without talent, having Inherited his position from his father. He rarely engaged in underhanded tactics, which made Brielle wonder whether to call him naïve or just plain dumb.

“Mr. Noah, let’s not rush things. I’ve had a bit of a rough patch recently. Do you mind lending me an ear and maybe some advice?” she asked, softening her voice.

Noah nodded. “What’s the issue?”

“Well, Spencer and I were engaged, right? But he’s been fooling around with Lillian, which is a slap in the face to me. There’s this gorgeous friend of mine in Beaconsfield, and I was thinking of having her seduce Spencer, catch him red–handed, and make sure the whole town gets a load of it. What do you think?”

“Wouldn’t that be like throwing your friend to the wolves? If Spencer’s a playboy, he won’t treat your friend any better. How can you call yourself a friend if you drag her into your mess? Why involve a third party in your beef?”

Brielle arched an eyebrow, smiling slightly. “Isn’t what Alivia’s asking you to do, essentially throwing you to the wolves? If I were as bad as you all think, how would you feel about approaching me? I’m not sure what Alivia’s angle is, but if you’re her pal, she shouldn’t be pushing you around like this, right?”

Brielle’s savvy lay in framing the conversation around her own experience, effectively resonating with Noah. Unbeknownst to him, what Alivia had asked him to do was no different. from Brielle’s own scenario.

Noah’s face darkened, only then realizing that Brielle was hinting at his own situation. He was quick to disassociate. “Chasing after you is my own decision; it’s got nothing to do with Alivia. Don’t paint her in a bad light.”

“So, you agree that this kind of behavior is pretty low. Whether or not she put you up to this, Mr. Noah, you know the truth. I’ve said my piece. Good day.”

Brielle stood, not lingering for another word.

Meanwhile, Noah sat clenching the arms of his office chair. His expression was as dark as the bottom of a burnt pan.

He had rose–tinted glasses on when it came to Alivia and a strong distaste for Brielle, so he couldn’t see it the way Brielle did–that Alivia was throwing him under the bus. He took it as a sign of Alivia’s trust because they were friends. Besides, it was because of that trust that Alivial had entrusted him with this task.

And though he knew deep down that he and Alivia were a non–starter, he wouldn’t let anyone else stand in the way of her happiness. To an outsider, Noah’s behavior might’ve been described with a popular internet lingo – he was a total simp.

Stung by Brielle’s frank words, he felt a twinge of discomfort but thought the potential closeness with Alivia made it bearable. Brielle was crafty, deliberately stirring up trouble between him and Alivia.

As Brielle stepped out of the office, she caught sight of Patrick waiting at a distance. She didn’t assume he was there for her and headed for the private elevator.

But then Patrick spoke up. “Ms. Brielle, Mr. Dorsey wants a word with you.”