Hamilton was bound toe up empty–handed–after all, Max was already on his way to the office with Alessia.


    “You knew all along he’d block us from getting in, didn’t you?”


    “Hamilton’s all about pride. He’d sooner pay someone to fake a painting just to save face than let anyone see he’s run out of inspiration. Yesterday was a blow to his ego; naturally, he’ll try to regain his dignity somewhere else.”


    Clearly, Max had seen iting from the start.


    “So why bother showing up just to be turned away at the door?”


    “If someone gives up an honest face–to–face conversation for the sake of pride, only to end up with a much bigger humiliation–tell me, who do you think is going to lose their cool?”


    Alessia caught on, a knowing look in her eyes. “You really are as devious


    as ever<i>.</i>”


    “Pride is the most useless thing in the world–and yet, it’s the one thing those at the top can never let go of.”


    As Alessia nodded thoughtfully, Max couldn’t help but chuckle and ruffle


    her hair.


    “Learn from me,” he said, his tone yfully affectionate.


    Alessia rolled her eyes, but didn’t bother arguing back.


    When they arrived at the office, they happened to run into Bhus. Linden, who was just heading out on a site visit.


    “So let me get this straight–I’m working myself to the bone out in the field, while you’re off at your brother’s track meet and bringing your sister in for a tour? Max, have a heart! I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in


    two weeks!”


    The moment Bhus spotted Max with Alessia, he shoved his stack of


    11:02


    Chapter


    files into his assistant’s hands, stormed over, and grabbed Max by the cor.


    “Don’t be dramatic,” Max replied calmly, prying Bhus‘ hand off.


    “Is your brother alright?” Bhus asked. His grandfather was the principal at Berlington Elementary, and York–Alessia’s brother–was a student there. The old man always had a soft spot for Alessia, so Bhus knowing the details wasn’t surprising.


    “He’s fine. What’s got you out in the field today?”


    “Cole’s a sharp kid–nothing gets past him. Sent back a whole batch because of a tiny w.” Bhus jerked his chin toward the documents he’d just handed off, looking exasperated.


    “So now I have to go check the factory myself.” He spread his hands, shooting Alessia a look that was half usation, half plea.


    Alessia avoided his gaze and pretended not to notice.


    For all the griping, the group’s attention to quality was what made their partnership work. Any disagreements were strictly about the project, never personal, and working together was, overall, surprisingly smooth.


    “If you’re not in a rush, stick around,” Max said, catching Bhus‘ interest.


    “Oh? Are we expecting fireworks?”


    “Give it half an hour–Hamilton will probably show up.”


    Bhus‘ eyes lit up as he followed Max toward the elevators. “Wait, weren’t you supposed to visit the Quincy family today?”


    Max shot him a look but didn’t answer.


    Now Bhus was thoroughly intrigued, Since the factory visit wasn’t urgent, he waved off his assistant and rode the elevator upstairs with Max and Alessia.


    Pressed by Bhus‘ relentless curiosity, Max gave a quick rundown of


    Chapter <b>411 </b>


    that morning’s events.


    “So, let me get this straight: he shut you out, and now you’re nning to turn the tables on him?”


    “Not exactly!” Alessia cut in, shooting Max a triumphant look. “We’re just busy. If he has to wait a little, well, that’s life.”


    Max smirked and pushed open his office door.


    “Make yourself at home on the couch. If you want anything, ask the assistant to grab it for you.”


    “I’m not a toddler, you know,<i>” </i>Alessia muttered under her breath.


    Bhus, meanwhile, was secretly d he’d stayed–watching these two siblings banter was entertainment enough.