Chapter 510


    “Rx, by the time webine our shares, we’ll have well over sixty percent of the control in our


    hands. But there’s something else I gotta mention – you remember Book, right? He’s been stirring the


    pot while we’ve been gearing up to go public. There might be some market shes down the road.”


    “Let’s cross that bridge when wee to it,” Brielle said, her voice cool as ice. The IPO was just the


    beginning of their climb to the top; there was a long road ahead.


    After ending the call, she stared out the window, lost in thought, sparks of ambition flickering in her


    eyes. She couldn’t help but check on Max. At the moment, Max had his Bluetooth earpiece in, busy in a


    conference call with the executives.


    Despite the injuries he carried, he was like an unceasing engine. His position was a testament to his


    extraordinary talent and hard work. She needed to be stronger to stand by his side.


    The hotel was aze with lights, and a barbecue grill had been set up outside, adding a festive air to


    the evening.


    Tessa was out of her element in such a gathering, stuck to Andrew like ivy to an oak. Her eyes darted


    around, always wary whenever theynded on any woman who rivaled her own beauty.


    She scanned the crowd and didn’t spot Brielle, which brought a cold smirk to her lips. Would Brielle


    dare show up tonight?


    Just as she had that thought, a car pulled up in front of her. The door opened, and out stepped Max. He


    walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Brielle.


    The moment Brielle showed her face, all eyes were drawn to her.


    Max having a girlfriend was no longer a secret, but this was the first time he’d brought a date to such


    an event, and everyone was surprised.


    The sight of Brielle made Tessa’s face darken, and she clutched Andrew’s arm unconsciously.


    She’d heard the rumors but never imagined Max would actually pick Brielle. Somehow, the thought that


    someone as lowly as Brielle could rise to the top, made her fear being reced by Aubree one day,


    especially since the two women were friends..


    When Andrew caught sight of Brielle, a sharp glint passed through his eyes before he greeted Max.


    “Come on, let’s head in.”


    Max nodded and reached for Brielle’s hand, concerned she might be nervous. But Brielle was more at


    ease than he expected. “Of course,” he thought, “why would someone who dared to y high–stakes


    poker be nervous about a few strangers?”


    Brielle walked beside him, noticing the path to the entrance was lined with a pool, an ice rink, and the


    open barbecue pits, leading up to the Starcatcher Tower. The Starcatcher Tower was a bungee jumping


    site so high it seemed one could pluck stars from the sky. She marveled inwardly at the extravagance


    of the rich.


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    13-02


    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Chapter 510


    Inside the hall, servants in ck and white uniforms were everywhere, and the tables wereden with


    pastries and drinks. It was just a casual get–together, yet it had the air of a grand banquet. Unlike a


    formal event, the guests were dressed down, making those few in fancy attire seem out of ce.


    Brielle felt the weight of many gazes upon her. She caught the looks of curiosity and disdain. from the


    wealthy heirs and heiresses like spotlights attempting to reveal her every secret.


    She quickly nced around the room and saw the scions of the big four banks, the retail. princess, and


    the smartphone empire’s young heir, intermingled with the current hotshots of the celebrity scene, likely


    apanying the young elites. The caliber of this gathering was on par with any of the major gs


    back home.


    Max seemed to sense her wonder and whispered an exnation. “The Riddle family is pretty old–


    school, with a lineage steeped in military honor. Business and politics run in Jaired’s family, and he’s


    got a sterling rep – a lot of friends.”


    Brielle knew of Jaired and the Riddle family; anyone in Max’s orbit was no ordinary person.


    She reached out, lightly grasping the fabric of Max’s sleeve. He thought she might’ve been hungry and


    asked softly, “Want something to eat?”


    There was a variety of snacks, and he knew she preferred the less sweet options. He was about to


    fetch some for her when Brielle shook her head gently. “I’m not hungry.”


    Before she could say more, a pleasant male voice came from outside. “Drop it, man. Thest time he


    left me in the desert for a week, I nearly turned into a mummy. You know how the old man is only


    interested in tough love.”


    –


    Following that voice was Alivia’s. “Grandpa cares about you. Do you remember when you fainted as a


    kid? he was so worried he almost passed out, too. Both of you were rushed to the hospital.”


    The man chuckled. “Alivia, you remember that? All that time I was away, you were on my mind.” “You’re


    so slick. You should’ve stayed out there longer, as long as you didn’t kick the bucket.”


    “You’re heartless, you know? I worried about you the whole way back.”


    Their banter continued as they entered the hall.