Chapter 316
Brielle caught Max’s reaction out of the corner of her eye, but she didn’t let it faze her. After all, the cat was out of the bag. She had bigger fish to fry at the moment.
Her gaze shifted to Noah, and she strode over with determination. “Mr. Noah, I need to speak with you. Is now a good time?” she inquired, her tone casual yet firm.
At that moment, Max had just reached the door of his office. Hearing Brielle’s request, his hand paused mid–motion. He was supposed to head in and shut the door, shutting out everything else, but a wrinkle formed between his brows. Hadn’t he told Brielle the other day that Noah was already taken? And now, here she was, on her day off, seeking a private conversation with Noah. Was she really angling for a lunch date with the guy? The thought alone darkened his mood considerably.
The others in the office, eavesdropping on the exchange, were equally surprised. During the elevator mishap a few days prior, most of the senior staff were present when Noah was notably attentive to Brielle and even invited her to dinner. Now, even as Brielle was still recovering, she was making a point to look for Noah at the office. Were the two of them an item now?
Curious and confused glances were exchanged around the room.
Undeterred by the surrounding stares, Brielle kept her focus on Noah. A gleam of triumph flickered in Noah’s eyes, tinged with a touch of irony. He had wondered how long Brielle would hold out. It seemed just a few caring words from him had been enough to make her cave.
“Easy prey,” he mused. It looked like he’d be reporting back to Alivia sooner than expected.
His lips curled into a semblance of a sincere smile. “Sure, the restaurant I mentioned the other day still has a table free tonight. I’ll make a reservation right now.”
Brielle frowned, sensing his misunderstanding, but didn’t bother to correct him. “No need for a restaurant. Your office will do,” she stated plainly.
His office? Was she announcing in front of everyone that she wanted to go to his office? It seemed Brielle was ready to go public.
Noah couldn’t hide his elation; the faster this was dealt with, the better. “Alright, this way. please. After our talk, we can still hit the restaurant for dinner. What kind of food do you like.
Brielle?”
As the two walked away, the rest of the upper management remained rooted to the spot.
Max, should have been inside his office by now, but there he was, frozen at the doorway as if struck by a spell. He noticed a few glances in his direction but didn’t react; his gaze followed Brielle and Noah toward the latter’s office.
What on earth did Brielle want to talk about? Max’s brow furrowed in thought. One might mistake it for concern over the meeting’s proceedings.
1607
Only Patrick, his right–hand man, knew the real reason for his boss‘ preoccupation. Max was probably green with jealousy. Patrick subtly nudged him. “Mr. Dorsey, perhaps we should head inside.
Max pushed open the door to his office without a word; his face was a mask of indifference. Patrick followed him in.
Once seated, Max pretended to busy himself with some documents on his desk. Patrick, standing before him, noticed the papers were upside down but chose to remain silent.
Max’s concentration was elsewhere. His thoughts were on Brielle. After a while, he looked up at Patrick. “What’s the name of the restaurant Noah mentioned?”
Max had no clue about the place; he rarely dined out and usually stuck to meals at the Dorsey family estate.
Patrick, ever the proficient assistant, quickly found the restaurant’s name. “It’s a couples” restaurant, sir,” he informed.
Max, who was holding a pen, nearly snapped it at the news. He managed to maintain his composure, though a chill seemed to emanate from him.
Patrick grimaced slightly before he added, “Their most popular package is a couples‘ special. I hear it has great reviews and a lovely view of the night skyline.”
With each word, the atmosphere in the office grew colder. Sensing the mood, Patrick wisely clamped his mouth shut.
Meanwhile, in Noah’s office, the door had barely clicked shut before Noah’s hands began to wander toward Brielle’s shoulder. He was eager to close the deal and report back to Alivia.
For Alivia’s sake, he was ready to go all in.
