Chapter 120


    When Brielle entered Max’s office, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her.


    Max didn’t drink instant coffee. There was a small tea room in the office, and just around the corner


    from the floor–to–ceiling windows was the lounge. At that moment, he sat in a chair, one hand adorned


    with the rosary resting on the marble tabletop, his eyes calm as the snow settled at theers.


    “Mr. Dorsey.” She called out to him, trying to shake off the sting of anxiety that had settled in her heart.


    Max slid a folder across the desk, his hands folded neatly in front of him, all business. “You weren’t


    telling the truth in the conference room.”


    Brielle felt a wave of frustration wash over her. She was struggling not to let his demeanor affect her,


    but he seemed all tooposed. “How do you know I wasn’t telling the truth, Mr. Dorsey? The


    executives were all in favor of investing in Book, and Ms. Alivia is one of its shareholders.”


    “Do you think my investment has anything to do with Alivia?”


    “Doesn’t it?”


    She regretted her retort instantly, feeling as if she had lost her fundamental ability to judge the situation.


    Before she could salvage the conversation, the office door swung open, and Patrick, along with two


    other executives, made their way in, seemingly ready for an impromptu meeting. The two executives,


    sensing the mood, settled on a sofa to one side, waiting quietly for Max to finish up.


    Max didn’t nce their way but instead furrowed his brow at Brielle, “Why would you think there’s a


    connection?”


    Brielle noticed the executives casting curious nces but without much surprise. They probably would


    never guess that she and Max were entangled in an affair.


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    Brielle pursed her lips, feeling once again that singing a solo seemed too pitifut when she was the only


    one in the act. “If Mr. Dorsey’s interest isn’t because of Ms. Alivia, then this project is indeed up for


    debate. If you really want my opinion, I suggest we don’t invest.”


    Her blunt honesty took the seated executives by surprise, and they almost wished they hadn’t entered,


    now facing the potential wrath of the president.


    Brielle was bold, daring to speak to the president in such a manner and suggesting they shouldn’t


    invest. What did her suggestion matter?


    Internally criticizing her, they maintained aposed exterior, as any high–ranking official at Dorsey


    International would.


    The situation was clear. Brielle had irritated the president, and if they sided with him, perhaps a hefty


    year–end bonus would be secured. The executives exchanged nces and feigned a


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    Chapter 120


    cough before speaking up.


    “Ms. Haywood, these matters aren’t so simple,” the head of HR began with an air of


    righteousness. “Book has only been established for less than a year and has a ster research team


    backing it. It deserves investment, and we can’t let your personal feelings cloud our judgment.”


    Following his lead, the Finance Director chimed in, “Indeed, investment is serious business, not to be


    swayed by emotions. The president has sought your counsel privately, surely valuing your expertise.


    You shouldn’t be capricious.”


    As they finished, Max closed the file in front of him, his voice even, “Did I ask for your input?”


    Having tried to brown–nose and failed, the executives shrank back, wishing they could disappear.


    Max pushed his chair back slightly, his gaze fixed on Brielle, “You suggest we don’t invest. What’s your


    reasoning?”


    Brielle thought of the information she had seen on therge screen earlier and decided to be forthright.


    “The reason is the founder’s willingness to give up control uses. Isn’t that concerning enough? If the


    founder doesn’t control thepany, who will dictate its future? Dorsey International? That would


    mean we’ve essentially bought a business, not made an investment. The founder’s quick surrender of


    control suggests a focus on short–term gains. Even if Dorsey International invested billions to be


    the majority shareholder, what about the other investors? With the current mindset of the founder, as


    long as the price is right, they’ll be allowed in. However, if those investors are quick to sell their shares


    for a quick profit, where does that leave thepany’s long–term growth?”


    “Once investors start selling off, it will inevitably lead to instability within thepany, a neighborly risk,


    which I’m sure Mr. Dorsey is aware of. It’s like buying a house. You have to consider who your


    neighbors are.”


    Her words resonated with Max, as if they were on the same wavelength.