Chapter 443

Although the media circus remained blissfully unaware, those within the inner circle had their ears filled with whispers and rumors about the Dorsey clan. Max, the heir apparent to Dorsey International, was a busy man, especially with his brothers, each more conniving than the last.

Andrew shorted with disdain, I’d have had enough of it. If I were in his shoes, I would’ve kicked out the whole lot of them–William, Ryan, every last one–right out of the Dorsey family.”

The Clements family didn’t have the same sibling rivalry, which was probably why they took in Aubree in the first place. As for Andrew, his role as the heir had been carved out for him from birth, unlike the Dorseys‘ gladiatorial fight for the throne.

Kenzo set his glass down with a clink, corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk, reminding Andrew. “Just don’t get on Max’s bad side by talking smack about Brielle when he shows up.”

“How am I the one causing him grief? Isn’t he the one who can’t decide who to be with because of your sister?” Andrew retorted.

Was Max being indecisive, though? That hardly seemed to fit Max.

Max arrived promptly and, without reaching for a drink, settled into a quiet observation of the room’s screen.

Andrew raised an eyebrow. The Dorsey drama must’ve really been getting to him.

Max leaned back, eyes closing slowly, his Adam’s apple bobbing in the dim light, making his striking features even more pronounced.

Neither Andrew nor Kenzo disturbed him, and just as they were about to take a sip of their drinks, Max suddenly asked, “What do you guys think is the best way to win a woman’s heart?”

“Cough cough!”

“Choke!”

Both men sputtered, with Andrew nearly crying from the shock. His glass was shaking so much that the drink spilled. They must have heard wrong. Was Max asking for dating advice? But no, there it was.

Max had indeed asked the question.

Andrew set his glass down, face serious. “Max, we men don’t chase after women’s affections.”

Max glanced at him, his response dripping with sarcasm, “And wouldn’t you have the nerve to say that?”

Andrew’s face flushed, a rare sight.

Kenzo chuckled, then sighed, “I think it’s good, actually. Max used to be too cold and unapproachable.

Asking these questions now shows he’s more down–to–earth.”

Andrew turned to Kenzo in disbelief. “Down–to–earth? The guy who, at sixteen, had Wall Street tycoons falling at his feet, bankrupting companies left and right?”

Kenzo just smiled, keeping silent.

Max pursed his lips. “In Brielle’s eyes, I’m just Max, not a symbol of Wall Street, not a free a the center of power. She sees me as just a man.”

Andrew scoffed. “That kind of just a man doesn’t come around offen. I bet she’s just after your money.”

Max laughed coldly. “Then why doesn’t she go after someone else’s money?

Andrew fell silent, unable to find a retort. Why, indeed, didn’t Brielle chase after shere’s wealth?

Dustin, a top–tier blueblood from North America, had made no secret of his affection for her. His pedigree was certainly no less than that of the Dorseys. If she were after money, ticke by Dustin for a few months could’ve given her more than she could ever dream of. Why bother with a charade with Max?

Unless it was Max himself she was drawn to.

Brielle was too genuine for lies, too straightforward for guile. Perhaps it was affection alone that could tether her, and maybe all the riches in the world couldn’t hold a candle to a sweet nothing from Mac When she liked you, she liked you penniless. If she didn’t, mountains of gold would mean nothing to her.