chapter 17


    “You did well back there, Victoria.” Mrs. Griffith patted her cheek. “And because of that, you deserve an


    award. Tell me what you want.”


    “Grandma, you said that whoever won the deal will get the general manager’s position. I am looking


    forward to—”


    “Yes. But I want to award you more. How about the farmhouse?” Her grandmother smiled.


    Victoria nced at her husband. The farmhouse was lovely, but she has something in mind.


    “Please ept Maximillian as part of our family. He is my husband, and I want him to be respected by


    everyone in this family—”


    “Respect should be earned, Victoria,” her grandmother cut her off. “And as long as Maximillian does


    not change his way of living, nothing will change.” The firmness in her grandmother’s voice says that


    there was no way she would change her mind about that matter.


    Victoria bit her lower lip and tried her best to suppress her tears.


    “You will get the farmhouse as an additional reward.” Mrs. Griffith cleared her throat and stood up.


    Maximillian pulled her up afterward.


    “Max, I—”


    “Hush…” He shushed her with a quick kiss on the lips. “No need to say sorry. We are the victors here,


    dear wife. Right, Franklin?”


    “Do you really think I will kowtow to your wife?” Franklin scoffed. “Come on, I am the eldest grandson of


    this family.”


    “WELL, this is kinda disappointing, Franklin.” Maximillian’s lip twitched. “You know… I thought you are a


    man of your word. It turns out it was nothing but a bluff. Aren’t you the one who started this bet?”


    “Looks like someone should be really careful to his words,” Iris teased. “And besides, everyone knows


    about the bet, you know. And we are all looking forward to seeing you kowtow to Victoria.”


    The grim look on Franklin’s face was enough evidence that he was not willing to do it.


    “No! I will not do that!”


    “They why did you make a bet in the first ce?” He arched a brow. “Ah. Perhaps you are so full of


    yourself. Am I right?”


    “You—”


    “Should I go to your grandmother and tell her about our bet?” He caressed his chin. “I wonder if what


    she would do next if she knew what kind of man you are.”


    “Shut up!” Franklin snapped.


    “Then apologize to my wife. Fulfill your end of this bet, you loser!”


    Franklin’s eyes wandered inside the study room. He looked at each family member who was with them


    at that moment. And when his eyesnded on his father, Maximillian knew he will get what he wanted.


    “Damn it, Franklin! I didn’t raise you like this. You are the one who started this bet. Kowtow to Victoria.


    Now!” his father said through gritted teeth.


    “But Father—”


    Franklin’s father walked towards him and grabbed his shoulder. “Let this be a lesson to you.”


    The next thing Maximillian knew, poor Franklin was wailing like a kid. He was kicking the chairs and


    throwing whatever his hands could reach. It was clear, he could not ept his defeat. But he has no


    choice because Maximillian cornered him in front of his family, and it seemed that his father would not


    let it slide.


    Soon, Franklin kowtowed to his wife in front of everyone.


    “I…”


    “Come on, say it. Ah, you are making my legs ache.” Maximillian pulled a chair and sat there with


    crossed legs as he waited for Franklin’s apology.


    “Max, this is—”


    He beckoned Victoria to be quiet.


    “I apologize for what I did,” said Franklin.


    “Are you sincere?” he asked.


    Franklin raised his head and scowled at him.


    “Apology epted.” Victoria stretched out a hand to her cousin, but Franklin did not ept it and stood


    up on his own.


    He scowled at Maximillian once again before storming out of the study room.


    “Oh, that was—” Victoria pulled him up and tugged him out. “What?”


    His wife did not answer until they reached the garage.


    “That is not necessary, Max.”


    “Of course, this is so you, Victoria.” Maximillian put his hands up. “Stop acting like a saint because you


    are not.” He fished the key from his pocket and unlocked the car.


    “What are you talking about?” His wife grasped his arm.


    “That ass—cousin of yours, deserves that. Besides, he was the loser, and he does owe you an


    apology.”


    “I know. But that’s Franklin Griffith. I know my family very well, Max.” Victoria shook her head. “This


    kowtow thing doesn’t make it even. I am sure he will think of ways to get back to you.”


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    “I don’t care if he runs out of brain cells thinking of ways to get even.” He sneered.


    “Max!” Victoria grabbed his arms. “Can’t you understand? I am worried about you! I am worried about


    us!”


    Maximillian cupped his wife’s face and smiled to give her assurance.


    “I will never… ever let Franklin or anyone hurt us.”


    “Oh, Max…” With teary eyes, Victoria hugged him tightly.