Chapter 419

Max thought of Brielle’s recent comment about being tired and responded with a simple, “Yeah.” That one word cut through the air like a blade.

Max was an Impenetrable fortress around other women, impervious to their sweet nothings and flattery.

Brielle, feeling the warmth in her palm, couldn’t help but laugh at his response. He was like a log devoid of emotion. If she were Alivia, she’d probably be seething with rage.

Indeed, Alivia was on the brink of exploding, but she managed to apologize, nonetheless. “I won’t call at this hour next time. Get some rest, goodnight.”

After hanging up, Allvia took a deep breath, resisting the urge to smash everything in sight. She had to stay calml Her mouth tasted of blood from biting her tongue in frustration. Finally, she decided to give Spencer a call. Noah had mentioned Spencer was scheming to woo Brielle, which could make him a useful pawn in her game.

Spencer answered quickly, as Alivia’s return from abroad was no secret. He was surprised by her call, though. They knew each other, sure, but they weren’t close.

“Spencer, it’s me.” Alivia’s voice was soothing, quickly settling into a poised and proper tone.

Despite his confusion, Spencer replied courteously, “Calling so late, is everything alright?”

“Well, there is a small matter. I heard you’re no longer the director at Dorsey International. What happened?” Alivia was cunning, not mentioning Brielle directly but meandering slowly to her point, masking her true intentions.

For Spencer, the subject was a sore spot, especially since Alivia was an attractive woman. No man wanted to get embarrassed in front of a pretty lady.

“Dorsey International is a fair place. Some rise above others when they prove their worth.”

“I heard it was a woman who took your place. I met Noah abroad, and he mentioned her not–so–stellar reputation.”

A cold smirk formed on Spencer’s lips. Alivia had barely set foot back home and was already targeting Brielle. If she knew about Brielle’s tryst with Max, she’d probably spring into action right away.

“Her reputation is indeed tarnished.”

“Spencer, I don’t mean to pry. I’ve just returned to the States and was dealing with the signings with Book recently, so I’m naturally concerned about Dorsey International’s affairs. We’re essentially family now, and I thought I’d ask. If the person who took your place is truly problematic, I could have a word with Max on your behalf.”

In saying this, Alivia conveyed two things:

First, that she was close enough to Max to influence high–level decisions at Dorsey International.

Second, she was unaware of the intimate connection between Max and the person who replaced Spencer, portraying herself as innocent and even pitiable.

Spencer had been scoffing internally, knowing her words couldn’t hold a candle to Brielle’s influence, but Alivia’s apparent concern for him softened his scorn. He even thought Alivia, despite her status, was just a naïve little woman, a pitiable fool. Max had passed over someone like her for Brielle, which seemed preposterous to Spencer.

He sighed, offering a word of advice, “The woman who took my place was once my fiancée, Brielle, and her relationship with Uncle Max is… complicated. You might want to investigate further. Besides, why not ask Uncle Max directly about his marriage plans?”

“Complicated? What do you mean? Max has always been above reproach. He wouldn’t fool around.

And he’s already made it clear he intends to marry me.”

“You haven’t seen how low Brielle can stoop!” Spencer was agitated, his emotions far more transparent than Alivia’s subtle manipulations.

After speaking, he suddenly realized something – had Max promised to marry Alivia? Max was a man of his word; if he’d made such a promise, it was as good as done. So, Brielle was just a mistress, after all.

A new scorn filled Spencer’s eyes. If that was the case, then pursuing Brielle himself wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Strangely, he was reminded of Brielle’s crass words, which danced upon his heart, preventing him from finding peace.

*If Uncle Max truly intends to marry you, then congratulations, Ms. Alivia. But let me remind you, my former fiancée is quite the catch. You’d best keep a close eye on Uncle Max, or your might find yourself dealing with a love child, and then you’ll really be out of the running.”

“Impossible!”

The notion of a love child struck a nerve with Alivia, shattering her, composure as she became frantic.