Chapter 570

Brielle was oblivious to the undercurrents swirling amongst her colleagues as she plowed through the morning’s stack of paperwork. By the time she’d finished, her eyes were so sore and swollen it felt like they might start watering.

Rubbing her eyes, she was contemplating whether to call an impromptu meeting when her phone buzzed with a message from Max. [Lunch?]

It was as if he had a sixth sense for her well–being. His message was a gentle nudge reminding her not to skip meals lest her stomach issues flare up again.

A bittersweet feeling washed over Brielle as she quickly typed back a response. [On my way.]

Max’s eyes crinkled into a soft smile at her reply.

He was seated in the boardroom, where the atmosphere had been tense, and the team members spoke with trepidation, seeing their CEO’s stern expression. Yet, within less than two minutes, Max’s demeanor shifted from stormy to sunny, and the room breathed a collective sigh of relief. One quick–

thinking team member seized the moment to finish their report, and indeed, there were no objections from Max.

As the meeting wrapped up, everyone felt as if they had been touched by a spring breeze. Their respect for the person who could lift the Max’s spirits was growing. Could it be Ms. Alivia?

Speculative glances were exchanged. Perhaps Ms. Alivia was poised to become the CEO’s wife soon.

Despite rumors to the contrary on the internet, those within Dorsey International knew better. After all, Ms. Alivia had been involved in company projects even while overseas, a testament to Max’s trust in her.

The day continued at a breakneck pace for Max, with back–to–back international acquisition meetings concluding at three in the afternoon.

He massaged his temples as Patrick briefed him on the schedule. “At four, you’ve got golf with the CEO of the Serenity Group to discuss the new tourism project in Lynn County. Then, dinner at six with Mr.

Hatfield. Their fragrance business is booming, and they’re likely looking to collaborate with Dorsey International on a limited edition line. Finally, at eight, we start bidding on the overseas acquisition, which will go on for three hours. The competition is fierce, with several local powerhouses in the mix.”

Max’s days were always full, but never before had he felt time was so scarce that even messaging Brielle had to be squeezed into the workday.

“Where’s Sammuel’s dinner place?” Max inquired.

“Mr. Hatfield said you could choose the venue.”

“Then let’s go with Bite and Sip Bistro.”

Patrick rifled through his mental Rolodex. Having been around the block a few times, he couldn’t recall ever hearing of Bite and Sip Bistro.

Feeling a tad negligent for not knowing the CEO’s chosen dining spot, Patrick whipped out his phone and searched. The address for Bite and Sip Bistro was just a stone’s throw from Stellar Stage Entertainment’s headquarters. His lips twitched at the realization.

It made sense why he was unaware. Bite and Sip Bistro was a fast–food joint.

Max, a man known for his refined palate, was now opting for fast food just to steal a moment with Ms.

Brielle amidst his hectic schedule. Was he really bringing Mr. Hatfield of the prestigious Hatfield family to a fast–food restaurant? The imagery was almost too bizarre to fathom.

Still, Patrick didn’t hesitate to secure the venue, arranging to rent out the entire bistro.

The owner of Bite and Sip thought it was a joke when he heard someone wanted to book the place for three hours for a whopping thirty thousand dollars. Their daily turnover was about ten thousand dollars, and that wasn’t even pure profit once you factored in rent, wages, and other expenses. To them, anyone willing to drop thirty grand for a three–hour reservation must have a screw loose.

“If you keep this up, I’m calling the cops,” the owner threatened after hanging up on Patrick, then instructed his staff to keep the fries and chicken drumsticks coming.

But then his bank account pinged with the deposit. He had to double–check his vision and the zeros on the screen before tremblingly dialing back.

“I apologize for my ignorance. We’re closing up shop now. May I ask what you’d like to eat? We don’t just do fast food, you know. My fries are second to none,” he boasted, hoping to keep this lucrative customer happy.