Chapter 423

But Brielle was none the wiser, having told Max she wouldn’t be at the Premier Palace and had Instead gone back to Pearl Estate for some rest.

The next day, when she arrived at Dorsey International, she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a strange odor in her office. The scent was enough to make her feel a bit queasy.

A stack of documents needing her signature was on her desk, and after attending to that, she decided to head to the top floor.

Passing by the workstation of the girl who had been the center of yesterday’s gossip, she noticed that her complexion was ghostly pale, devoid of any color.

Brielle frowned. The girl, Sydney, was usually such a cheerful soul. “If you’re not feeling well, just write me a sick note, and I’ll approve your leave.”

Sydney jumped at the sound of Brielle’s voice, shrinking back. As whispers of Mr. William’s assault allegations reached her ears, the last bit of color drained from her face. She stood up abruptly, knocking her chair to the ground.

It seemed she only then noticed Brielle, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears.

It must have been something about last night’s soup, and if it hadn’t been for Brielle’s soup, she wouldn’t have had that encounter with Spencer. Now, seeing Brielle’s innocent expression, Sydney’s heart filled with resentment.

After what she’d been through because of Brielle–crying for the better part of the night, still puffy–eyed–

there was Brielle looking like the picture of innocence, and Sydney couldn’t help but feel bitter.

Moreover, Spencer had been looking for Brielle last night. It was just Sydney’s bad luck.

Sydney clenched her teeth. When she realized she was overreacting, she quickly cast her gaze downward. “I’m fine. There’s no need to take a leave.”

Brielle thought Sydney had been performing well lately, and her upbeat personality was a bonus, making her a good candidate for her assistant. She offered a reassuring smile, “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Ms. Haywood, really, I’m fine. I just got a bit too invested in a TV series last night, and I couldn’t help crying.”

Such a young girl, so naïve.

“Why don’t you join me for the meeting upstairs?”

Sydney was taken aback. Going upstairs meant possibly facing Spencer. She felt a flush of nerves but followed Brielle’s lead.

Brielle, preoccupied with work matters, didn’t notice Sydney’s discomfort.

13:01 Brielle stepped out of the private elevator and saw Spencer looking dapper in a crisp white suit. Despite his disagreeable nature, he bore the handsome Dorsey family genes well.

Brielle didn’t linger on the sight but headed straight for the conference room.

Spencer smirked at her, “You sure you want to go in there? Alivia’s been inside for over an hour and came in with Mr. Dorsey this morning.” His gaze shifted past her, landing on Sydney, who instinctively hid behind Brielle.

Spencer found it amusing. Brielle was grooming her new sidekick, his conquest from last night. The thought gave him a perverse satisfaction, much like the thrill he used to get from his clandestine affairs behind Brielle’s back.

He never denied it–he was a scoundrel. Five million for just one night? Hardly enough.

Brielle, oblivious to the tension, pushed the door open. The room was devoid of Alivia. Spencer had been bluffing.

Turning to Sydney, she instructed, “Wait here for me. You can sit in on the executive meeting for me.”

“Ms. Haywood!” Sydney’s voice pitched high in alarm, but noticing Brielle’s puzzled look and Spencer’s threatening glare, she shrank back, “Sure. I’ll take good notes.”

Brielle nodded, having to run back for some documents. These kinds of meetings, where only a few executives droned on, were perfect for an assistant to summarize.

She closed the door behind her and called out, “Max.”

Max, already aware of her presence, put down his pen.

Brielle handed him the documents. Her visit wasn’t just about the paperwork; she also wanted to gauge the state of the Dorsey family after William’s incident, stirring up a storm inside Dorsey International.

Did Michael know?

Max seemed to anticipate her questions and pushed a cup of coffee toward her. “Patrick’s special roast. Want to try?”

But pregnant women should avoid strong coffee.

Office workers like Brielle usually loved their coffee, but now she had to abstain. “My stomach’s a bit off. I’ll pass. How’s the situation with William?”

Max glanced at her midsection. “Feeling that bad?”

“No, let’s focus on William.”

Seeing she wasn’t in severe discomfort, Max leaned back, and a trace of fatigue crossed his face.

Brielle rose to stand beside him, intending to ease his tension with a temple rub, but as her gaze dropped, she spotted a faint lipstick mark on the inside of his suit collar.

13:01 The subtle stain was like a thunderclap in her heart, hidden away yet revealing.