Chapter 353


    Brielle almost burst intoughter at the sheer audacity of Spencer’s confidence. Stripping away the


    years of familiarity, what did Spencer have to his name except the legacy of the Dorsey family?


    She didn’t want to utter a single word, yet she overheard the murmurs of discontent within the


    department.


    “We’ve been putting in so much overtimetely. What’s the harm in a littlete–night snack?”


    “Yeah, she’s been on leave for so many days. We’ve all had to pick up the ck.”


    It dawned on Brielle that there was more to leadership than just strength; it was about managing


    people. Your power was measured by how many were willing to serve you. She had never before


    considered the intricacies of interpersonal rtionships, but now she couldn’t ignore her colleagues‘


    comints. Due to her absence, overtime had indeed increased.


    She offered a smile, turning to those still present. “Friday’sing up. Let’s do dinner on me, huh?


    Spread the word to the rest, you’ve all earned it.”


    Theiners were taken aback, somewhat startled. They’d never expected Brielle to show such a


    down–to–earth side. Back when Brielle was a manager, she was a lone wolf. So, this sudden gesture


    left them feeling a bit sheepish.


    “Ms. Haywood, there’s quite a bunch of us in the department. This could run you a pretty penny,” one of


    them said.


    Brielle’s smile grew more generous. “No worries. Just send me the bill afterward.” With that. she strode


    off.


    Spencer hurried after her. “Brielle!”


    She pretended not to hear him, frowning as she pressed the elevator button.


    Meanwhile, the department was abuzz with whispers, especially about the one who had spoken


    1. up.


    “Why are you worried about Ms. Haywood’s money? She’s a director now, and with Spencer chasing


    her, she’ll likely marry into wealth.”


    “Exactly. Let’s not hold back tomorrow night. Order the expensive stuff. I’ve never liked her much


    anyway.”


    “First, Noah, now Spencer. Why does Brielle have all the luck?”


    The other women in the department were green with envy. Hooking up with a high–up meant a life of


    luxury, and Brielle had snagged two. Spencer, set to inherit a chunk of the Dorsey fortune, was leagues


    ahead of Noah.


    1/2


    The loudest of theiners was Sarah.


    “I say we all go for king crab tomorrow night. If it doesn’t cost us a small fortune, we’re not doing justice


    to Ms. Haywood’s status.”


    “Isn’t that a bit much?”


    “What’s the harm? She didn’t set a limit. When others got promoted, they knew how to treat their


    colleagues. It took Spencer to remind her. I can’t fathom what he sees in a woman he once dismissed.”


    The more Sarah thought about it, the angrier she became.


    It was clear to everyone that Sarah probably had a crush on Spencer. With Spencer’s boyish charm


    and his history in the department, it was inevitable that some would fall for him..


    “Sarah, cut it out. There are cameras here. Be careful. Do you remember what happened to Emily after


    crossing Brielle? She vanished.”


    Someone warned Sarah, hoping to prevent any drama that might make life difficult for


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    everyone.


    Sarah pouted. “Can’t I even speak my mind? Every time I see her smug face, it just gets to me.”


    Sarah’sints dwindled, but the department remained restless.


    Brielle, who had already driven off, avoiding Spencer and returning to Pearl Estate, didn’t know any of


    this.


    It was only after locking her door that she finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling an unease settle in her


    chest. After a ss of water and a nce out the window to ensure no odd figures were following her–


    fortunately. Spencer hadn’t–Brielle settled on the couch.


    In the stillness, her thoughts inevitably drifted to the phone call with Max. What would they talk about


    when he returned?


    His departure was hasty, and she didn’t even know why he had to travel abroad with Alivia. She was in


    the dark about everything. It was all just a gamble.


    This might’ve been the only gamble she’d ever taken in her life, so she prayed silently, hoping


    not to lose.


    Her phone chimed, and as though summoned by her thoughts, there was a picture from him. It was a


    cluster of small flowers.


    Brielle instantly recognized them as irises. She smiled, feeling a profound sense of peace. Everything


    else could wait until his return.