Chapter 524

If the land really ended up with the Rowlands, it was bound to go to seed in their hands. After all, there was nothing much around those parts these days.

A glint of amusement flickered in Brielle’s eyes. The Rowland clan had been spreading rumors about her back home, so she had her people spread some false tales of their own abroad. Turnabout was fair play.

Having settled that score, Brielle felt a weight lift off her shoulders, and the online chatter no longer felt like a sting. She was determined to become the cherry on top of Max’s world, not the so–called blot on his reputation.

Downstairs, Patrick stood before Max, his tone grave. “Mr. President, the situation is as such: the online world is in an uproar. Do we need to take action?”

The New Year was just around the corner, and they couldn’t let these distractions spoil the festive mood.

Max flicked through his tablet, skipping over the posts where netizens lambasted him. He was never bothered with the opinions of those at street level. But the jabs at Brielle? They struck a nerve.

“Spread a rumor that Ms. Tessa’s been chasing me down relentlessly,” he said.

At these words, Patrick choked and coughed several times. Tessa, relentlessly pursuing the President?

Was this a way to suggest that it was Tessa who had been the interloper?

Since the woman’s name hadn’t yet been leaked online, the moment they dropped Tessa into the narrative, any prior orchestrated leaks would seem like a setup for the inevitable online backlash against her. It was a masterstroke.

Patrick chuckled, “Alright.”

Max looked down, returning his focus to the documents in hand. It couldn’t have been Brielle stirring trouble that led to Tessa’s fall into the water; it had to be Tessa’s fault.

He had allowed Andrew to punch him as a nod to their years of friendship, understanding Andrew’s anger, and knowing Jaxon to be a good–natured elder. This was out of respect for them, not for Tessa. If the Rowland clan wanted to keep fussing, he’d let them reap what they’d sown.

After a moment, Patrick cautiously inquired, “It’s almost time for the New Year, sir. Won’t you be going out with Ms. Brielle to shop for holiday items?”

Holiday shopping?

Max looked puzzled. What was that?

Seeing his expression, Patrick couldn’t help but smile. He’d never had to bother with such things growing up.

15.97 “It’s about going out with Ms. Brielle to buy things for the celebration.”

Just then, Max’s phone rang. Both men’s expressions darkened slightly when they saw the caller ID flashing on the screen.

Max frowned, assuming that news had spread to the Dorsey family, prompting the butler to call “Max,”

came the butler’s respectful voice.

“Mr. Michael would like you to bring Ms. Brielle to the Dorsey family home on New Year’s Eve.”

The Dorseys wanted Brielle to visit.

Max didn’t think his father was ready to accept Brielle. Given the online furor, it was more likely that he was finally feeling the heat and had thought of a way to deal with them.

“Did father say anything else?”

“If you don’t agree, he’ll come over himself.”

That was a threat. If Michael came himself, there was no telling what he’d do.

Max’s expression grew even sterner as he listened to the butler continue, “It’s just a visit. There’s no need to be uneasy. Mr. Michael has seen the news, and now the distant branches of the Dorsey family are calling to ask about it. He’s in a difficult position.”

Dorsey International was vast, with many relatives. Max had been untouchable in recent years, and so the extended family had kept quiet. But if the main branch showed any sign of instability, the others would become restless.

After hanging up, Max was about to delegate the matter to Patrick when he looked up and saw Brielle standing on the staircase. She must have come in while they were talking.

Her eyes were clear. “Do the Dorseys want me to visit?”