Chapter 186
Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)
Lillian was absolutely livid. How could the Haywood family even consider finding another suitor for that bitch Brielle.
Even if the Haywoods had fallen on hard times, they still had serious cash to their name. Was it really necessary to pair Brielle up with some upâandâcoming young hotshot?
As her face contorted with rage, Lillian overheard the next words from Miranda, âMr. Connor, from Apex Dynamics, is in his fifties. Divorced a few years back. His wife couldnât bear his constant infidelities and ended up taking her own life from depression. He hasnât remarried since then, though heâs had his fair share of flings with young things. Not exactly the classiest of acts. Brielle and him? Theyâre a match made in heaven.â
A wicked thrill darted through Lillianâs eyes. A twiceâmarried man in his fifties with a penchant for playing the field?
Miranda hit the nail on the head. This man was the perfect match for Brielle.
She could hardly wait for Brielle to tie the knot with him, her voice laced with glee. âIs Mr. Connor on board with this?â
Mira Sheered, âMr. Connor is all about the looks, and Brielleâs got the kind of face he goes for. Heâll definitely bite. With this, the Haywood clan can skim off some benefits.â
It was as if they were auctioning off Brielle to secure a lucrative deal for the Haywood estate.
Lillian felt a weight lift from her shoulders, her lips curving into a smile, âMom, youâre too kind to Brielle.
The wife of the CEO of Apex Dynamics is far better than being some chauffeurâs wife. Brielle ought to be thanking you.â
Miranda shared the sentiment. After all, they had raised Brielle for years; they couldnât let her just walk away without getting something in return.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent parlor, Robert was sitting across from Mr. Connor.
Apex Dynamics was a major client for the Haywoods.
Mr. Connor, barely five foot seven, sported a belly that hid his shoelaces from view.
Dressed in a bespoke suit, his shirt tucked neatly in, an Hermes belt around his waist stood out conspicuously.
âMr. Haywood, Iâve had other companies courting me for a partnership, offering better rates. than the Haywood estate. And with all the recent scandals including Ms. Lillianâs tarnished. reputation, your stock prices have taken a nosedive. Itâs hardly the opportune time for me to make an offer.â
The trouble with public companies was that a little bit of bad press could ripple through the stock market.
14:13 A major scandal could even cause a stock market crash.
Connor might have been nouveau riche, but he knew how to talk the talk. After so much back and forth, he still hadnât budged.
Losing Apex Dynamics to a competitor would be a massive blow to the Haywoods.
Robert had no choice but to play his trump card.
âI hear youâve been on the lookout for a suitable marriage partner, Mr. Connor. What do you think about Brielle?â
A gleam of excitement sparked in Connorâs eyes, Brielleâs stunning visage flashing through his mind, his chubby cheeks flushing with excitement.
He had seen Brielle once before, and her beauty had left an indelible impression.
She might be a bit too demure for his taste, but that was no issue. Once she was in his grasp. heâd mold her into the perfect plaything.
Still marriage was business, and business meant negotiation.
He immediately pinpointed Brielleâs flaws to drive the price down.
âBrielle, yes, Iâve seen the girl a few timesâquite the looker. But word on the street is that her personal life is a bit messy.â
Everyone knew Connor craved excitement and couldnât care less about a womanâs past indiscretions, as long as she was diseaseâfree. He was not one to turn down company.
His wealth enabled him to lavish gifts worth millions, and those women who had been with him turned up their noses at his looks while simultaneously clinging to the luxurious lifestyle he provided.
Over the years, he had discarded countless playthings.
Robertâs smile widened, âBrielle is very obedient and quite competent. She might even become a formidable ally for you, Mr. Connor.â
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