Chapter 221

Max felt a suffocating tightness in his chest, especially as he heard her continuing to inquire about Mason. Without a second thought, he hung up the call.

“Mr. Dorsey.”

“Beep… Beep… Beep…”

Brielle was somewhat incredulous at the sound coming from the other end.

After Max ended the call, he walked back to his seat, his tone as icy as a December morning.

“Continue.”

Everyone shivered, feeling the room temperature drop even further.

The Finance Director, realizing he might have misspoken, attempted to mitigate the situation.

“President, I’d like to propose a raise for Ms. Haywood. She’s been an exemplary employee. and she’s about to represent our company in negotiations. Her current salary just doesn’t match her status.”

The HR Director chimed in, “Indeed, Ms. Haywood is exceptional.”

The sudden praise for Brielle baffled the others, especially since she was at odds with Ms. Alivia.

Ms. Alivia backed the Book, while Brielle was supposed to be negotiating with a new company–a task she had made no progress on. No matter how it was viewed, it seemed like negligence of duty. And they still wanted to give her a raise? On what grounds?

Several people at the meeting voiced their dissatisfaction.

“Have the directors got their wires crossed? Ms. Haywood has been on leave for two days.”

“Yes, and if anyone deserves a raise, it should be Ms. Alivia. She’s not our employee, so Mwr. Dorsey would need to personally select a gift for her.

They expected this flattery to delight Max, but his expression only grew colder. His gaze turned to the Finance Director, “Handle the raise as you see fit.”

The Finance Director’s face beamed, more convinced than ever of the need to curry favor with Brielle.

Winning over Brielle was akin to winning over Mr. Dorsey, which meant good days. ahead for him.

The others realized their sycophancy had backfired and fell silent.

As Max stood, his face clouded with gloom, he paused at the door. The thought of Brielle’s indifference, yet offering her a raise–it would be a blow to his pride if she found out.

A furrow formed between his brows, and he spoke coolly. “But don’t make it too much.

To the Finance Director, this wasn’t a sign of Max’s indifference towards Brielle. Considering the Max’s shrewdness, it must be a deliberate strategy to prolong the subordinate’s promotion progress. After all, a hungry hound hunts best. In this process, Brielle would undoubtedly become more reliant on the President.

Admiration glinted in the Finance Director’s eyes, oblivious to his overactive imagination, “Understood.”

Max had no clue what he understood. Back in his office, he still felt sour.

Patrick, knowing the probable cause of his mood, casually suggested, “Ms. Brielle has moved. into a new place. Should we send a housewarming gift?”

To his surprise, Max sat down and turned on his computer, his voice tinted with a hint of reproach.

“Even giving her a house and land didn’t elicit a word of thanks. What’s the use of sending more?”

Patrick struggled to keep a straight face. Even Max himself seemed unaware that he was acting like a regular Joe trying to win his girlfriend’s favor and failing miserably.

“Mr. Dorsey, maybe women value other things more, like commitment?” Patrick was probing. curious about how Max truly felt about his relationship with Ms. Brielle.

Max narrowed his eyes, a trace of confusion crossing his face. “Do you think I like her?” His question was about perception, not certainty, suggesting even he was unsure of his feelings.

Patrick didn’t dare respond directly, offering a noncommittal, “Perhaps.”

Max’s expression turned blank, as if void of color, “I won’t dig my own grave.” To him, affection. love, they were all graves, and he was not one to dig his own.