Chapter 158
As for who the fall guy was, it was still too early to tell.
The clock struck the hour for the meeting, and the executives settled into their seats one by one. The meeting was a smaller affair this time, taking place in Max’s office.
The HR Director and the Finance Director, having witnessed that episode in the office earlier. were quick to their feet when they saw Brielle walk in, oozing flattery from every pore. “Ms. Brielle, how are you.”
They had long since picked up on the dynamic between these two and were eager to curry favor.
Meanwhile, the other two in the office were taken aback by the deference shown to Brielle. They wanted to throw a snide remark or two, but with Max present, they bit their tongues.
Brielle nodded without betraying any sign of surprise or discomfort and took a seat off to the side.
The meeting was still about the investment in the Book company, and one eager beaver volunteered to personally go and win over the founder of Book.
Brielle gave the man who stood up a few extra glances–his name was Noah, a director not yet thirty.
Max’s approach to management was different from other companies. Take Hatfield Inc., for instance, where all shares were held within the family. But at Dorsey International, the Dorsey family didn’t hold all the shares.
One of the biggest bones of contention Max had with the Dorsey family was bringing in non–family board members, which could inject fresh perspectives and ensure stable governance structures, but it also stepped on the toes of other family members‘ interests.
Noah’s father had been one of those brought in back in the day, and now it was Noah’s turn. At twenty–eight, Noah had been with Dorsey International for five years.
“Mr. Dorsey, I believe I can persuade the founder of Book,” he said, standing in his sleek black suit. Brielle couldn’t shake the feeling that when Noah rose, he had shot a glance her way.
Max remained silent, his expression frosty.
Brielle pondered for a moment before standing up herself, “Mr. Dorsey, Book is indeed a fine company, but I’d like to request a business trip abroad. I might bump into even more promising prospects.”
The room fell silent after her words.
Noah looked at Brielle with a sneer, “A better prospect than Book? Ms. Brielle, do you have any idea what you are talking about? A billion–dollar valuation in half a year – do you think such
people are just lying around on the street? Could you maybe engage your brain before
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speaking?”
Brielle was now certain of her intuition; Noah was hostile toward her.
“Mr. Noah, the founder of Book isn’t going to change his mind overnight.”
“Ms. Haywood, how do you know I can’t change his mind? Besides, we have Ms. Alivia on our side.”
Brielle frowned. Alivia wasn’t a Dorsey International employee. Why would she be involved in their investments?
She looked at Max, who was just sitting there impassively. Feeling somewhat frustrated but recalling his promise from earlier at her apartment, she made up her mind.
Regardless, she was ready to go to the mat for Dorsey International, “Mr. Dorsey, after tomorrow night, I can head abroad. Ms. Alivia’s institute is well–known, but I’ve heard that her friend is not the only one from her class starting a business. I have some ideas already. Just give me a little time to do some field research, and I’ll get back to you with a solid answer.”
Noah opened his mouth to retort, but Max simply responded, “Hmm.” That was an assent.
Noah’s face darkened, and he shot Brielle a glance before quickly looking away.
Max looked up. “If you want to try and persuade the founder, you’re free to leave whenever.”
A glint of satisfaction passed through Noah’s eyes, and he nodded, “Alright.”
After the meeting, Brielle didn’t linger. She returned to her office downstairs. No sooner had she sat down than a call from an unfamiliar number came through.
Without thinking. Brielle knew it was Lillian, probably calling to gloat about how much the Haywood family was fawning over her now. Brielle blocked the number without giving her the satisfaction.
Lillian tried several different numbers, none of which Brielle answered, infuriating her to the point of nearly smashing her phone.
The Haywood family had, overnight, redone Brielle’s old room to suit her and presented her with several luxury cars worth millions. Wardrobes and jewelry boxes were filled and sent to her.
Though the Haywood family had always treated her well, their current efforts seemed to be aimed at spoiling her rotten.
Compared to Brielle’s treatment, Brielle seemed worse off than a servant.
Lillian was in high spirits, feeling utterly triumphant. Moreover, her own reputation had been restored. When dealing with Brielle’s paperwork years ago, she had been cunning enough to cover her bases, which now proved useful.
Tomorrow night, the Haywood family would announce her engagement to Spencer, and in front of all their guests, they would acknowledge her identity. Just the thought of it made Lillian almost giddy with excitement.
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While the Haywood family might not be as prestigious as some mysterious international dynasty, they were still a household name in Beaconsfield.
As long as Brielle wasn’t the lady of that illustrious family, Lillian would have won completely.
