Chapter 161
Lillian’s face twisted with envy as she clutched the banister, her fingers tightening until her knuckles ached. Tonight, she was supposed to be the star of the show, all eyes should have been on her, but the couple at the entrance was simply too dazzling, their appearance making the grand hall seem all the brighter.
“Mr. Dorsey,” someone called out respectfully, yet no one dared approach. Others followed suit with their greetings, anxious to be noticed.
Max simply nodded in acknowledgment before lowering his gaze to speak with Brielle. A respectful distance formed around them, as if by unspoken agreement no one would encroach. The crowd was itching with curiosity, eager to see what would unfold next.
Spencer, upon seeing them together, was instantly reminded of the previous day when he visited the apartment and happened to see them sharing an elevator down. He didn’t want to dwell on it, not even now, as he gripped his wine glass, his anxiety magnifying.
The murmurs continued around him, though hushed.
“Is that Brielle beside Mr. Dorsey?”
“Isn’t Mr. Dorsey known for his aversion to germs? How come he’s with that woman?”
“Can’t deny it, Brielle’s got a face that turns heads.”
Brielle, usually light on makeup, had applied just a touch this evening, yet she effortlessly overshadowed the other women in the room.
The Haywoods looked sour. They had arranged for a graceful, soothing melody to play as Lillian descended the stairs, but she had barely reached the midpoint when Brielle stole the limelight. Was this deliberate?
Miranda’s expression soured at the sight, and she noticed Lillian stalled mid–staircase, the music still playing, seemingly now a backdrop for the couple at the door.
Unable to take it anymore, Lillian clumsily made her way down and approached Max.
“Max, did you run into
Bri on your way here? What a coincidence,” she said; her words carefully crafted to suggest they had met by chance outside, but this ruse hinged on Max playing along.
Max didn’t even glance at her, continuing instead to ask Brielle, “Have you booked your flight for the business trip? Found the company you were targeting?”
Who would have thought they’d be discussing work at such a gathering? It was both odd and yet not, familiar yet laced with subtlety.
Brielle, pleased that Max ignored Lillian, allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. “I’ve got my eye on a company, but I’ll need to inspect their operations on–site. There’s a border between us, so I can’t be sure of their situation just yet.”
Chapter 161
The two chatted as if no one else was there, the atmosphere between them harmonious, causing those nearby to breathe a bit more softly.
Lillian, gripping a glass of wine and tilting her chin up, felt her poised façade slipping without a response from Max. She was flustered, feeling the heat of embarrassed glances.
Max had dismissed her, and it stung. Wasn’t she attractive? Spencer and Cameron both fancied. her, and Spencer had chosen her over Brielle. Wasn’t that proof enough of her allure?
The Haywoods were equally embarrassed by Lillian’s bold approach, and Miranda quickly intervened with diplomatic grace. “Max, thank you for attending the Haywood’s gala tonight. And we appreciate the care that Bri has received at Dorsey International.”
Miranda, with decades more experience than Lillian, spoke with more finesse.
Max, with a lazy glance and an indifferent “Hmm,” left Miranda to retreat with Lillian to the sidelines.
Lillian felt like she might explode, biting her lip till it bled. This was not how she had imagined her first interaction with Max. Yet, this rebuff only fueled her resolve. One day, she would be the only one in his eyes.
As the guests witnessed both mother and daughter falter, none dared to make the same mistake. Brielle, meanwhile, took a sip from a wine glass passed to her by a waiter, her fingertips lightly tracing the rim. She had finished getting ready with Aubree’s help when she saw Max waiting outside. The gentle moonlight illuminated his calm, sharp features through the window.
It was undeniable that she was moved by his presence. He actually went to attend the Haywood family event with her.
Aubree had pushed her into Max’s car with a flurry of advice and good wishes before leaving.
All the way to the gala, Brielle had a myriad of questions she wanted to ask, but she held back, not wanting to presume. With downcast eyes, she let the quiet emotion swirl within.
