Chapter 78

“Ms. Brielle, Mr. Dorsey would like a word with you.”

The staff member handed over the phone, and Brielle worked hard to keep her composure, but the moment she heard his voice, her eyes began to sting with the threat of tears. She pushed back that hint of vulnerability, striving not to let her tone betray anything.

“Mr. Dorsey.” She called out, then bit her lip hard, the taste of iron filling her mouth.

“A ten–billion–dollar corporate secret?” The man’s voice was cool, waiting for her reply.

Brielle wiped the blood from her lip with the back of her hand, managing a smile, “Yes, Mr. Dorsey, no need to worry. I will work with the police to recover the thumb drive.”

The so–called business secrets out of thin air only needed Max’s admission to become a nailed–down case. However, if he refused to admit, Brielle could be detained on charges of obstructing official duties.

Heaven and hell hung on his next words.

Max didn’t speak immediately. After a long pause, he asked softly, “Are you hurt?”

Brielle felt a sharp jab in her heart, the burning sensation was unbearable. “Mr. Dorsey, about that thumb drive-”

“Leave it to the cops. I’m sending Brent to pick you up.”

His implication was clear. The thumb drive issue was legitimate. The staff members eavesdropping on the conversation no longer dared to delay, pressing the man about the location of the drive.

The man was already panicking, his mind racing to the caller behind the scene. “I really don’t know anything about a thumb drive, I was just paid to disfigure Brielle, that’s all.”

Compared to attempted grievous bodily harm, the other allegation was significantly more severe. He sat rigid in his chair, his gaze fixed maliciously on Brielle.

The police finally understood that the so–called lovers‘ tiff was a ruse, and in their fury, they whipped out handcuffs and secured the man in place. “Spill it! Who’s behind this?”

Meanwhile, Emily was anxiously awaiting news. Pacing back and forth nervously, she was like a cat on a hot tin roof.

The thought of Brielle’s face being ruined sent a thrill of excitement through her. That bitch was so bold as to flirt with Max. This was her just deserts.

Her phone rang, excitement flashing in her eyes as she quickly answered. “How did it go?! Did everything work out?”

But the anxious, tearful voice on the other end took her by surprise. “Emily, did you set me up on purpose? The police just called me. They said this is suspected to be a theft of Dorsey International’s corporate secrets. This was your trap, wasn’t it?”

Emily was taken aback, her voice filled with panic, “What’s going on? Weren’t you supposed to have someone scratch Brielle’s face? What corporate secret?”

“How should I know! That’s what the police said. Emily, I did this favor for you, got that thug involved, and now he’s been caught by the cops. If they trace the money back to me, I’m done for. You better come up with a solution. If the other members of the Rowland family find out about this, I’m screwed.”

Emily clenched her phone, at a loss for words. She and Sophia were good friends, and Sophia was a Rowland, although her status was just as awkward as hers. The darling of the Rowland family was their frail legitimate, daughter, doted on by everyone, especially with Andrew in her corner, showering her with attention.

“Sophia, try not to panic-”

15.09 “How can I not panic! It’s not you who they’ll trace it back to. If it wasn’t for your vendetta against Brielle, 1 wouldn’t have gotten involved. Are you doing this on purpose? Have you been against me all along? We’ve been trashing Brielle together in the group chats with Lillian, all gung–ho, and when it comes to taking action, you use me as a pawn! Are we even friends?”

Emily didn’t expect Sophia to be so blunt, and she was starting to get impatient. She had no clue what was happening. “Sophia, maybe you should talk to Tessa? Since this involves Dorsey International, if she talks to Andrew, he’ll surely speak with Max. They’re on good terms, and Max won’t hold you accountable out of respect for Andrew.”

Sophia, seething with anger and frustration, hung up the phone with a click.