《The Heir》


 chapter 1

    chapter 1


    MAXIMILIAN Lee took a deep breath as he entered the olddy Griffith¡¯s house. The in and boring


    ce that he used to know looked different from thest time he had been there. There were


    decorations such as balloons and flowers all over the house; cars parked inside and out of the


    residence. It was the olddy Griffith¡¯s birthday. It has been the family¡¯s tradition to be present on that


    special asion. The first to the third generation of the family will be attending. Of course, Maximilian


    himself had to attend, for he was married to one of Griffith¡¯s grandchildren.


    ¡°Max!¡± He looked in the direction of the voice and found his wife Victoria walking towards him. She


    went there ahead of him to help with the preparations. ¡°What took you so long? I¡¯ve been calling you,


    but you¡¯re not answering your phone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was in the middle of driving when you called.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Victoria adjusted her tie. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wear the suit that I bought for you?¡±


    ¡°You know I feel bad whenever you buy me a new suit.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop me, though.¡± She smiled at him. Maximilian grabbed his wife¡¯s hand and kissed her


    knuckles. ¡°Let¡¯s go. The party started minutes ago.¡±


    Victoria clutched on his arm and ushered him to the banquet.


    The children and grandchildren of Mrs. Griffith were already presenting their gifts to the olddy when


    they got to the backyard where the banquet was being held. His wife leaned closer to him and


    whispered, ¡°You should apany me when I give my gift to Granny.¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I will just wait for you here.¡±


    She looked at him with furrowed brows, and after a few seconds, she sighed. Victoria conceded. After


    all, his wife could not force him. He preferred to just stand there and watched them from afar.


    If truth be told, Maximilian did not want to attend the banquet. Ever since he became part of the Griffith


    family when he married Victoria, each one of them made him feel that he does not belong with them.


    They saw him as a loser, a waste, just because he was an orphan. He has nothing to give his wife,


    unlike the other sons-inw of the Griffith family, who came from high profile families of the society. But


    he had to force himself to attend the birthday celebration of his wife¡¯s grandmother because he has an


    important agenda.


    He got himself something to drink and waited for Mrs. Griffith¡¯s family to finish the gift-giving.


    ¡°I hope this one would help me muster the courage,¡± he said after one big gulp of champagne from the


    flute. ¡°I badly needed that...¡±


    Maximilian heaved a sigh and loosened his tie. He was not sure how things would turn out. But still, he


    should try.


    OLD Mrs. Griffith was sitting alone behind the table. She just finished a bounty meal fit for a queen


    when Maximilian came and greeted her.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Mrs. Griffith.¡± He smiled, but it did not reach his eyes.


    Mrs. Griffith just looked at him with a crooked brow. Well, he was not even expecting her to say thanks.


    Maximilian pulled the chair across the old woman and sat there. He stared at Mrs. Griffith straight in the


    eyes. It took him quite some time before he was able to say what he had to say.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t want to ruin your mood on this happy asion, but I¡¯m desperate right now, and you¡¯re the


    only person I know who could be of help.¡± Maximilian took a deep breath. He had to swallow the little


    pride left in him because he was really desperate. ¡°Could you lend me 500 thousand dors? My¡ª¡±


    ¡°What?! 500 thousand dors?¡± The old woman¡¯s voice was too loud; it caught the others¡¯ attention.


    Everyone was looking at them now. ¡°And who do you think you are to ask me for such amount of


    money?¡± Mrs. Griffith sneered. She looked at him as though he was a huge piece of trash in front of


    her.


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    His hands clenched and unclenched above the table when he saw the old woman¡¯s family walking


    towards them one by one, including his wife Victoria, who chose to stand behind him. Her hands


    grasped her shoulders.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Victoria asked worriedly.


    ¡°That husband of yours was asking 500 thousand dors from me, Victoria.¡± There was a hint of


    annoyance in the old woman¡¯s voice. ¡°Can you imagine that? How dare he ask me for¡ª¡±


    ¡°I need that money for my mother¡¯s medical expenses because she was thermally ill,¡± Maximilian said


    through gritted teeth.


    ¡°And how can you pay her back when you can¡¯t even buy yourself a suit,¡± Franklin Griffith fished


    something from his pocket and threw it in his direction. ¡°Take it, every cent count, Max.¡±


    His gave reverted on the dor coin thatnded on the table. The Griffiths were always like that,


    making fun of him.


    ¡°Franklin, enough!¡± his wife butt in. Victoria pulled him up. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be doing this to him. He is my


    husband.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to marry someone like him?¡± Old Mrs. Griffith rose from her seat. ¡°Look at him? He


    is such a loser to ask his wife¡¯s family for money for his mother¡¯s medical expenses. If only Xiao did not


    raise him like that. He is a good-for-nothing bastard!¡±


    ¡°You should leave, Maximilian,¡± said Iris Griffith. ¡°You ruined Granny¡¯s mood on her very special day.¡±


    And now, they were driving him out as if the humiliation in front of everyone was not enough.

 chapter 2

    chapter 2


    Maximilian regretted his decision to ask for Griffith¡¯s help because they will never help him. Not in this


    lifetime, even in the next. Their impression of him for being a loser would never change unless he has


    millions of dors inside his pockets. He breathed exasperatedly and looked at each one of them.


    Yeah, right, he did not belong there. Those people were dressed to fit the high society, but their


    characters stink. If not for Victoria, Maximilian could have done something to appease his wounded


    ego.


    He looked at his wife Victoria, who was now crying in silence as she looked at him. Maximilian brought


    his thumbs to her cheeks and brushed her tears away.


    ¡°Hush...¡± he said and kissed her forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at home.¡± Maximilian smiled sadly before turning


    his back.


    He walked away from the banquet. He walked away from those people who have nothing to do but


    humiliate him every single time.


    Maximilian was about to get into the car when he heard his wife calling him.


    ¡°Max!¡±


    He suddenly halted and turned to face her.


    ¡°You should stay.¡± He cupped her cheek. It was still wet from tears.


    ¡°How can I stay there at this rate?¡± Victoria muttered and sighed.


    ¡°I ruined it.¡±


    She caught his hands and gently pressed them. It was alwaysforting whenever she did that.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about your mom, Max?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to bother you.¡±


    ¡°And you think this one didn¡¯t bother me at all?¡± his wife countered.


    He tilted his head upwards and looked at his wife again. She was worried about him, and he could see


    it clearly in her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Victoria. I need a huge sum of money for the operation and other medical expenses. Your


    grandmother was the first person that came into my mind. But of course, she will always say no


    because it¡¯s me,¡± Maximilian said somberly.


    It was the sad reality of his life.


    ¡°I am your wife. When I married you, I promised to love and to hold. I am your better half, so it is only


    normal for me to share a portion of your problems. Do not hesitate to tell me everything. I will always


    help you, Max.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Victoria.¡± He kissed her on the lips and hugged her tightly.


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    They left the banquet together.


    When they reached home, Victoria tugged him in a hurry to the study room. He did not know what she


    was up to for bringing him there. But then, he was surprised when he saw his wife took out her


    checkbook from the drawer.


    ¡°Victoria, what are you doing?¡± Maximilian muttered.


    But he did not hear anything from his wife. She just continued writing on the check and handed it to him


    afterward. His mouth dropped open upon seeing the amount that she wrote on the check. It was a


    hundred thousand dors.


    ¡°Take it, dear...¡± Victoria said with a smile. ¡°I know it¡¯s just a small portion of what you need, but don¡¯t


    worry. I will try my best to help you raise the amount that you need for your mother¡¯s operation.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve been saving¡ª¡±


    ¡°We are husband and wife. What¡¯s mine is yours too, Max.¡± Victoria wrapped her arms around his waist


    and rested her head on his chest. ¡°Send my regards to mother, okay?¡±


    Maximilian hugged his wife back. He must have been unlucky in other aspects, but he was lucky to


    have Victoria in her life.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Victoria.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, dear.¡± She raised her head and met his gaze. ¡°Just kiss me.¡±


    He smiled and lowered his head on hers. ¡°This is one expensive kiss, Mrs. Lee.¡±


    HE TOOK a stick of cigarette out from his pocket but kept it between his fingers. Maximilian promised


    Victoria that he will quit smoking, and he had been trying for months now. But there were those


    moments when he wanted to break his promise, especially when stressed out.


    ¡°Just for today,¡± he told himself and searched for his lighter, but he could not find it in the car. His wife


    must have thrown it away. ¡°Great.¡±


    He got off the car and threw the stick of cigarette on the trash bin that he walked past to.


    A few feet away from the entrance, Maximilian noticed a middle-aged man in a suit and bow tie


    standing by the doorway. The man looked too sophisticated to be the hospital¡¯s security guard.


    Perhaps someone who was wealthy was admitted. People might have a different status in life, but


    everyone was the same when ites to sickness. That is why when his foster mom fell critically ill, he


    admitted her to the hospice so that she will be well-taken care of. Maximilian might not be well-off like


    the others, but he wanted to give his mom the best. He will do everything he can for her, just like what


    she did to him back then. His foster mom took care of him, raised him. It was just that fate kept on


    throwing rocks at them, making their life difficult.


    Maximilian headed straight to the cashier to pay for her mother¡¯s hospital bill.


    ¡°Hi,¡± he greeted the one who was in charge of the billing. The woman smiled at him brightly. She knew


    him since he always came back and forth. ¡°I¡¯d like to pay for my mom¡¯s operation fee. This is an


    installment¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh? Your mother¡¯s bill has been settled,¡± the woman said.


    His eyes grew wider in surprise. Ah, no, he was beyond surprise. Who could have settled the operation


    fee? He has no one in mind. It was impossible that it would be someone from the Griffiths. And his wife


    did not have enough to pay for it. Victoria was able to lend him only a hundred thousand dors from


    her personal deposit. His head seemed to spin round thinking about who it might be. And just when he


    was about to speak again, the sophisticated middle-aged man he saw from the entrance appeared in


    front of him.


    ¡°Young Master Lee,¡± the man said excitedly.


    He was astonished to see him bowing at him. ¡°Y-you know me?¡±


    The man straightened his back and put his hands behind.


    ¡°I am Wilfred Collins, your father¡¯s butler. He sent me here to bring you home¡ª¡±


    ¡°B-bring me home?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I must bring you home to inherit your father¡¯s multi-billion-dor fortune.¡±


    His jaw dropped open. ¡°You got to be kidding me.¡±


    The butler shook his head. ¡°This is not a joke, Young Master. Your father needs you now. So, I beg you


    toe with me.¡±

 chapter 3

    chapter 3


    HIS father needs him now. It must have touched his heart a little if only he did not have a painful


    memory scarred on his heart when his father abandoned them.


    ¡°You must be mistaken.¡± He tried to remain calm despite the heaviness that he felt on his chest at that


    moment. ¡°I am an orphan.¡±


    ¡°Young Master, your father wants you to take over the LS Group¡ª¡±


    ¡°I told you, my father is dead!¡± Maximilian snapped. ¡°He is dead to me ever since he abandoned us that


    day!¡±


    He could not help but be furious whenever he would be reminded of him. For so many years, he chose


    to ignore them. His mother tried and tried to reach out to him, but his father never came back. And he


    was to me for his mother¡¯s death. He left them in misery while he lives his life to the fullest.


    Considering him dead was the only thing that consoled Maximilian¡¯s heart when his mother died.


    Unlike his mother, he did not try to look for his father. Besides, he seemed to really forget about him


    because, since that day he walked out of their house, his father did not show up until now. It was funny


    how he sent his butler to meet him. Perhaps, he did not have the courage to face him, or he did not


    want to see him at all.


    Wilfred Collins looked around before turning his gaze on Maximilian again.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with me and talk about this matter privately?¡± said Wilfred.


    His hands clenched so tight; he could feel his fingernails dug on his palms.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what I said a while ago?¡± he said through gritted teeth.


    Wilfred heaved a sigh. It seemed that he has a lot of patience to waste on him today. His face says that


    he would not give up easily on him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got an offer that you couldn¡¯t say no.¡±


    His brow arched. ¡°Really, huh?¡±


    ¡°I came prepared. I know life has been tough for you, and you are under the pressure of a tight pocket


    now. Ten million dors in cold cash. How do you like that, Young Master?¡±


    Maximilian¡¯s jaw dropped. Ten million dors in cash? It was more than enough for him. He had never


    had such an amount of money before.


    ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°I know you hate your father. But you are the rightful heir to the LS Group. This is your chance to


    change your life, Young Master.¡±


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    Wilfred¡¯s words hit him. He has a point. If he agreed to take over his estranged father¡¯spany, his


    problems would be solved. As in everything!


    ¡°Let me think about it first, Wilfred,¡± he told the butler after a while.


    ¡°Oh, of course, you need some time to think.¡± Wilfred brought out a card from his suit¡¯s pocket. ¡°Here¡¯s


    my number. Contact me if you have decided to take it or not.¡± He bowed at him again before exiting the


    hospital.


    AFTER his encounter with his father¡¯s butler at the hospital, Maximilian went home. He thought his


    mind would be at ease once he gets home, but he was wrong. Just when he was about to enter the


    house, he heard Victoria and his mother-inw Laura fighting over something. He hid to the side and


    peeked through the window.


    ¡°Come on, Victoria! There is nothing to lose now! Go and divorce that good-for-nothing husband of


    yours!¡± Laura told her daughter, who was now in tears.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to Max, Mother?¡± Victoria countered, sobbing. ¡°He didn¡¯t do anything to our


    family.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it! He¡¯s doing nothing that only proves that he is a loser!¡± Laura snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t even know


    what you were thinking when you married him, Victoria. There¡¯s a lot of fish in the sea, yet you picked a


    loser like him.¡±


    ¡°Because I love him,¡± said Victoria.


    ¡°Do you really think love will solve everything? Look at you now! You have been working hard for years.


    Did that son of a waste even help you?¡±


    His hands clenched. He could take everything they said about him. But he doubted Victoria could take


    them all. For sure, every word cut like a knife in her chest. And his heart ached for her knowing that she


    was hurting.


    ¡°I am your mother, Victoria. I know what is good for you, so you better listen to me now. Do what you


    are told. Divorce that Maximilian Lee before it¡¯s toote.¡±


    ¡°You should leave now, Mother,¡± Victoria said firmly. ¡°No matter what you and the entire Griffith family


    say about Max, I will not divorce him.¡±


    Maximilian let out a sigh and unclenched his hands. His wife¡¯s words really touched his heart.


    From the window, he saw his mother-inw turned her back on his wife and walked away. He abruptly


    hid behind the bushes in the garden so that she would not see her. After Laura got inside her car and


    sped away, he stormed inside the house and found his wife sitting on the sofa, crying hard as she


    hugged her legs.


    ¡°Victoria...¡± He sauntered towards her and joined her on the sofa.


    ¡°Max...¡±


    She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face on his chest. Maximilian hugged her back.


    His hand gently caressed Victoria¡¯s back, hoping that it would somehow calm her.


    ¡°Hush now...¡±


    ¡°Y-you heard it, don¡¯t you?¡± she asked between her sobs. He felt Victoria¡¯s hands clenched against the


    fabric of his shirt.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Everything?¡±


    ¡°Hm... everything.¡± Maximilian let out a sigh. ¡°Thank you for always staying with me, Victoria. You don¡¯t


    know how much it means to me.¡±


    His wife hugged her tightly as though she was afraid that he would disappear any minute.


    ¡°I will always be with you no matter what because I love you, Max.¡±


    When Victoria looked up, he nted a soft kiss on her forehead. Right at that moment, Maximilian


    knew what to do. He will ept that multi-billion-dor fortune and his father¡¯spany. It was the only


    thing he could do to avenge Victoria. He will make sure that his wife will not have to suffer his family¡¯s


    humiliation. He would never let her feel aggrieved again...

 chapter 4

    chapter 4


    MAXIMILIAN got off from the taxi across the street. He stood there for quite some time and stared at


    the tall building of the LS Group owned by his father. Soon, it will be his. And that meant one thing, his


    life was about to change. But before finally taking over thepany, Maximillian decided to inspect his


    property first.


    He crossed the street and entered the lobby of the LS Group building. The guards did not stop him,


    though, but they gave him that kind of look that tells him he was being judged through his looks. Well,


    he could have donned his suit Victoria recently bought for him, but he chose to dress in casual attire.


    Maximillian sauntered towards the reception desk and was greeted by a woman dressed in a formal


    suit. Unlike the guards who saw him a while ago, the receptionist smiled at him.


    ¡°Hi,¡± she greeted cheerfully. ¡°Good morning. What can I do for you, Sir?¡±


    ¡°Hi,¡± he greeted back. ¡°I would like to talk with the president.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ Miss Vanessa Smith?¡± the woman implored in a polite tone.


    He scratched the side of his head. He did not know who it was. Ah, he should have asked Wilfred first


    before he went there. Why did he forget about that?


    ¡°A-ah, yeah. I would like to speak with Vanessa Smith, please.¡±


    ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°Maximillian Lee.¡±


    ¡°All right, wait a second. I am going to call the president¡¯s office.¡± The receptionist sauntered towards


    the phone.


    But just when she was about to pick up the receiver, a woman dressed in the same formal suit as hers


    appeared and stopped her hand.


    ¡°Are you nuts?¡± the woman who just arrived said in a firm tone.


    ¡°P-pardon?¡±


    ¡°You have been an intern here for almost a month now. You should know better.¡± The neer threw


    him a nce. He knew that kind of gaze very well. ¡°Just look at the way he was dressed. There is no


    way he could have any connection with the president.¡±


    The intern turned to him with an apologetic look on her face. ¡°I am sorry, Sir.¡±


    His gaze reverted to her name tag. Reba¡ªthat was the woman¡¯s name. He will make sure to


    compensate her soon for treating him fairly.


    ¡°Well¡­ well¡­ Look who is here.¡±


    Maximillian turned in the direction of that familiar voice and found Iris Griffith with her boyfriend Dominic


    Parker walking towards him. His fists itched when the two stopped right in front of him. The smug look


    on their faces was such an annoying sight. Of all ces, why did he have to cross paths with them at


    the LS Group building?


    ¡°Fancy meeting you here, Max,¡± Dominic said nonchntly.


    He did not pay attention to him and turned to Iris instead.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Iris?¡±


    His wife¡¯s cousin scoffed.


    ¡°My boyfriend is here for business, of course. I tag along with him because we have a dateter.¡± Iris


    flipped her hair. Look, I should be the one asking you, Max. What are you doing in a ce like this?¡±


    She looked at him from head to toe.


    Dominic leaned towards his girlfriend and spoke loud enough for Maximillian to hear.


    ¡°Perhaps he is applying for a job?¡±


    ¡°What kind of job suit a son of a waste like him?¡± Iris tapped her chin. ¡°Let me guess¡­ Cleaning aid?¡±


    The coupleughed together. It was enough to catch the other people¡¯s attention. Now everyone in the


    lobby was watching them.


    ¡°You know what, why don¡¯t you just go outside and wipe the dust off the cars in the parking lot? Maybe


    the owners would pay you at least a dor for your service?¡± Dominic said andughed at his


    suggestion as if it was something hrious.


    Maximillian could only scowl at him, for now. He just needs to wait a little more to get back to him. The


    lastugh was not for Dominic nor for Iris. He will make sure it was his.


    ¡°And for heaven¡¯s sake, Max¡­ Could you please stop walking around the city looking like that? Are


    you a homeless man or what?¡± Iris let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°Why are you so good at bringing


    humiliation to our¡ªI mean, my family?¡±


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    ¡°For the nth time, I am not humiliating the Griffith family,¡± he countered. ¡°I have always been me from


    the beginning¡ª¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± she cut him off. ¡°You, being a loser that you are, is enough humiliation for my family! I just


    hope that you are aware that whatever mess you run yourself into will affect my dear cousin Victoria.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Iris. We should not be wasting our time here for someone like him.¡± Dominic grasped Iris¡¯s


    arm and tugged her in the direction of the elevator.


    After they left the lobby, the receptionist called the guards and asked them to drive him away from the


    building. But Maximilian resisted leaving, so the guards used force to take him out.


    MEANWHILE, Reba, the intern, rang the president¡¯s office to report.


    ¡°President¡¯s office, hello,¡± the secretary to the president said on the other line.


    ¡°I would like to report to the president that there is a certain Maximillian Lee who wanted to see her,¡±


    Reba informed the secretary in a nervous tone.


    She heard the secretary talked with the president and got back to her afterward.


    ¡°The president will see him now,¡± the secretary told her.


    ¡°B-but¡­¡± Reba looked in the man¡¯s direction, who was now being dragged out of the lobby.


    ¡°Tell him to wait for a while. Miss Smith is on her way to see him.¡±


    ¡°The security guards are dragging him out.¡±


    The elevator doors opened, and the president, Vanessa Smith, emerged.


    ¡°You said Maximillian Lee wants to see me? Where is he?¡± the president asked her.


    Reba gestured in the direction of the exit door.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Vanessa said through gritted teeth. ¡°How dare them to drag him like that? If the chairman


    knew about it, we¡¯re all doomed.¡±


    Reba¡¯s forehead knotted. What did the chairman have to do with that man?

 chapter 5

    chapter 5


    HE could not help but sneered as the guards dragged him out of the building. If they only knew who he


    was, they would probably hide their tails between their legs. But Maximillian preferred to keep his


    identity hidden from the public. At least for now. He has a n, and the only way to execute that was to


    keep a low-key profile. He must move discreetly.


    They were almost at the exit, and the security guards were about to throw him out of the building when


    he heard a loud female voice ordering the guards to stop.


    ¡°I said stop right there!¡± the woman said authoritatively. She strode towards his direction with a serious


    look on her face. ¡°Take your hands off him!¡±


    He looked at her from head to toe. She was dressed in a sophisticated suit, and the guards acted


    quickly to her instructions. The authority that this woman holds only meant one thing. She must be the


    LS Group president, Vanessa Smith.


    The guards freed Maximillian but stayed on guard.


    ¡°I am so sorry about this, Mr. Lee,¡± the woman said apologetically. ¡°If only I was informed prior to your


    visit, this would not happen. Maybe I should give Wilfred a scolding for not telling me.¡±


    He wagged his hand. ¡°You don¡¯t have to. Wilfred followed my order not to tell anyone that I will be


    coming today.¡±


    ¡°Oh, a surprise visit.¡± Vanessa sighed. ¡°Anyway, give me a minute or two to settle this.¡±


    Maximillian nodded slowly and moved to the side to give way to Vanessa. The woman folded her arms


    and narrowed her eyes as she gave a threatening look to each one of the guards.


    ¡°Did you know what situation you put me through? You treated this person so harshly without knowing


    who he is.¡± Vanessa¡¯s voice was too loud and firm; it caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    Now, all the people in the lobby, whether thepany¡¯s clients or employees, were all looking at them.


    They all looked like a predator, waiting for something to prey on. Perhaps they thought that it was one


    big piece of news.


    ¡°So, tell me, who told you to do that?¡± Vanessa continued reprimanding the guards. ¡°Because I am sure


    that the order did note from my office.¡±


    The guards looked at each other and gazed at the reception desk. Vanessa nced there too and


    looked at the guards again, who was now looking pale and nervous. They must have felt that their job


    was at stake no matter what they say.


    ¡°I-it¡¯s the receptionist, Miss Smith,¡± one of the guards said. ¡°She instructed us to take him out of the


    building.¡±


    Vanessa gritted her teeth and went to the reception area. She mmed her hand on the counter that


    made the two receptionists flinched.


    ¡°Who ordered the guards?¡± she snapped.


    The one who did move forward. ¡°I am sorry, Ma¡¯am, it was my fault. I¡­ I thought he was just one of


    those¡ª¡±


    ¡°Because he was just dressed in ordinary clothes?¡± Vanessa scoffed. ¡°Not because he was not dressed


    in a sophisticated formal suit when he walked inside this building you have the right to treat him like


    that, especially when you don¡¯t know who he is!¡±


    The president¡¯s litany caused the onlookers to chatter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ma¡¯am. I didn¡¯t know. I wasn¡¯t aware of his rtionship to you.¡± The receptionist sped her


    hands together. ¡°Please forgive me,¡± she begged.


    ¡°How can I forgive you for what you have done to my rtive.¡± Vanessa gave him a side-way nce.


    Maximillian heard gasps from the people watching them. They were all shocked to know that he was


    the president¡¯s rtive. Maybe it was just unbelievable.


    ¡°Stacey, right?¡± Vanessa said afterward.


    ¡°Y-yes, Ma¡¯am.¡± The receptionist straightened her back.


    ¡°I want you out,¡± Vanessa said firmly. ¡°For good.¡±


    The receptionist¡¯s eyes widened. Crying, she kneeled in front of Vanessa.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ma¡¯am¡­ please¡­ please give me a second chance¡ª¡±


    ¡°Come on, Stacey! This is not the first time youmit a mistake.¡± Vanessa beckoned the guards to


    come over. ¡°Take her out.¡±


    The guards did what the president told them. Stacey was dragged out of the building.


    ¡°Vanessa.¡± Maximillian sauntered towards her.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    He nced in Reba¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Could you please do me a favor?¡±


    ¡°Sure. Anything that I can do in my power, I will do it for you.¡±


    Maximillian smiled. ¡°That intern¡­¡±


    Vanessa looked at Reba. ¡°What about her? Did she do the same to you¡ª¡±


    ¡°No. it¡¯s not like that.¡± He pocketed his hands on his jeans. ¡°Actually, I want you topensate her.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Sure, no problem.¡± Vanessa turned to the intern, who looked nervous. ¡°Reba.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, Ma¡¯am?¡± Reba swallowed hard and looked at him.


    ¡°Mr. Lee here wants topensate you for whatever good you have done to him,¡± said Vanessa.


    The intern¡¯s mouth dropped open.


    ¡°T-thank you so much, Sir.¡±


    Maximillian looked at Vanessa, silently telling her that she should reward her more.


    ¡°And¡­ uhm, from this day, you are a regr employee,¡± Vanessa added and then turned to him again.


    ¡°You shoulde with me to my office. We need to talk about a lot of things about the LS Group.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what I came for.¡± Maximillian followed her to the elevator.


    ¡°I am d that you considered to take over your father¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about him. Not now.¡±


    ¡°O-oh.¡±

 chapter 6

    chapter 6


    VANESSA beckoned him to sit on the couch and ordered her secretary to prepare something to drink.


    She then sat on the couch across him. The look on her face made Maximillian think about what was


    going on inside the woman¡¯s head. Was she trying to read him?


    Maximillian cleared his throat to get Vanessa¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Oh. I¡­ uhm, I am sorry about that. It just fascinates me that you don¡¯t have even a little resemnce


    with your father.¡± Vanessa cupped her mouth after realizing what she had said. ¡°I am so sorry. I know


    you mentioned we should not talk about your father¡ªoops!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Vanessa. It is impossible not to talk about him, though. I am here to inspect my properties,


    which technically belong to my father.¡± He heaved a sigh. ¡°And don¡¯t think about our resemnce too


    much. I look more like my mother.¡±


    Maximillian was d it turned out that way because if he looks the same as his father, he will also hate


    himself.


    Vanessa¡¯s secretary came in with two sses of refreshments.


    ¡°Here is your drink. Enjoy.¡± The secretary put the sses down on the table between them and left the


    office.


    ¡°Drink your refreshment first. The turn of events is a bit¡­ you know.¡± Vanessa picked up her ss and


    took a sip.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel bad stepping down from being president of the LS Group just for me?¡± Maximillian


    asked after a few seconds of staring at each other.


    He was kinda expecting to see Vanessa react negatively toward him for asking such a question, but


    she did the opposite. She smiled at him instead.


    ¡°Ever since I became the president of LS Group, I prepared myself that the day wille that I have to


    step down and give way to the rightful owner. And that is you, Maximillian Lee.¡± Vanessa crossed her


    legs and cupped the ss with two hands. ¡°Some mayugh at me and call me a hypocrite. But


    believe me, it is the truth. You know what makes it hard? It is when you do not know your ce.¡±


    ¡°And you know yours,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Vanessa stared at him for seconds before speaking again. ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± He sped his hands together.


    ¡°Why did you take the inheritance?¡± There was not even a hint of jealousy in her voice. Perhaps she


    was just curious. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I heard you hate your father so much for abandoning you when


    you were young.¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Vanessa?¡± He leaned forward.


    ¡°I¡­ uhm¡­¡± She shook her head andughed. ¡°I really don¡¯t know. You see, I have never been in your


    shoes.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± he muttered and leaned back against his seat. ¡°I am his son, and that means I am the rightful


    heir to everything that he has.¡±


    ¡°O-oh. Of course.¡±


    That was one reason. And Maximillian did not have to share with Vanessa that he epted the


    inheritance with a motive. It would be better to keep it for himself. Alone.


    Vanessa stood up and sauntered towards her table. She opened the drawer and took something out of


    it. When she returned to the couch, she handed him a ck rectangr thing with a cord attached to it.


    ¡°What is this?¡± His brows furrowed.


    ¡°Well.¡± Vanessa sat again. ¡°That external hard drive contains everything you need to learn about the LS


    Group. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.¡±


    ¡°So, this is you turning over thepany to me.¡± He yed the cord with his fingers. ¡°It seems that you


    are well prepared.¡±


    ¡°Look. I told you I knew this day wille. It is better to be prepared ahead of time. Thispany is


    not a yground for me¡ª¡± Vanessa¡¯s sentence was suddenly cut off when the door opened, and her


    secretary came in. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry to interrupt your conversation. But may I remind you that you have a meeting with Mr.


    Dominic Parker of the Parker Group for the renewal of their contract with us,¡± the secretary said politely


    and left.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡± Vanessa cupped her forehead. ¡°I almost forgot about that.¡±


    When she was about to stand up, Maximillian stopped her.


    ¡°No, Vanessa. The LS Group will no longer renew the cooperation with them.¡± He smirked. ¡°We will let


    them go bankrupt.¡±


    ¡°Max¡ª¡±


    ¡°This is my first order as the new president of thispany.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Vanessa stood up. ¡°But I still have to see Mr. Parker and inform him about this.¡±


    When Vanessa went out of the office, he just sat therefortably.

 chapter 7

    chapter 7


    DOMINIC was getting a little impatient as he waited for the secretary toe back. He stood up when


    the conference room doors opened. The president of the LS Group, Vanessa Smith, strode towards


    him bearing a poker-faced look that she always showed her clients. He fixed his tie and suit and


    shed a smile.


    ¡°I am very sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Parker. I am in the middle¡ª¡±


    ¡°No worries,¡± he cut her off. ¡°After all, we just have to sign the contract, and we are¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mr. Parker.¡± He did not like her tone; there was something in her voice that tells him there was


    something wrong. ¡°About that¡­ LS Group will no longer renew the cooperation with yourpany.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He loosened his tie and ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°Ourpanies have been partners


    for years. What is wrong with you, Vanessa?¡±


    He saw her jaw clenched, which irritates him more.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how long we have been in this contract. It was the president¡¯s decision, and it is final.¡±


    Dominic¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°You are the president, Vanessa.¡±


    ¡°Well, there have been changes. I am no longer the president of thispany.¡±


    He mmed his hand on the conference table.


    ¡°Then let me talk to the new president so I can exin to him what he is missing.¡±


    ¡°It would be nice if you leave this ce already,¡± Vanessa said nonchntly and turned her back on


    him.


    ¡°No. We are not done yet, Vanessa!¡± Dominic snapped. He walked past her and blocked her way out.


    ¡°Why are you doing this to mypany? Have you found a new one? Well, let me tell you this,


    Vanessa. You¡­¡± He poked her chest. ¡°And the whole LS Group will regret this.¡±


    Vanessa shoved his arm away.


    ¡°Let me remind you that whether we renew the cooperation or not, it won¡¯t hurt the LS Group.¡±


    When Vanessa¡¯s lips twitched, he lost it.


    ¡°How dare you say that to me when mypany has been doing all the dirty works for yours!¡±


    She did not speak a word and pushed him aside. When Vanessa pushed the doors open, the guards


    went inside the conference room, grabbing him to the arms and pulling him out.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Get off me!¡± He tried to free himself by fighting like a wild cat.


    Dominic was almost out of the conference room when Vanessa spoke again.


    ¡°And oh, LS Group will im a ten timespensation from yourpany. Tell that to your father.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He could not believe they would make them pay when theirpany was the one who did not


    want the renewal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act dumb, Mr. Parker. Of course, you know what I mean.¡±


    His mouth dropped open when he realized what the woman was talking about. Vanessa was referring


    to the breach. But why ask forpensation now when she already turned a blind eye on that one a


    year ago?


    The guards sessfully dragged him out of the building like some piece of trash.


    ¡°Screw you all,¡± he said as he stood in front of the building.


    He fished his phone and called Iris.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± his girlfriend asked.


    ¡°Where are you? You shoulde out now. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    ¡°Oh, wait. I¡¯m here at the restroom. I¡¯ming.¡± Iris ended the call.


    After a few minutes, Iris went out of the building. Her mouth dropped open when she saw his current


    state.


    ¡°W-what the hell happened to you back there?¡± She cupped his cheek and checked him thoroughly.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t want to renew and dragged me out.¡± He scoffed. ¡°Those scums!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it.¡±


    He grabbed Iris¡¯s hand and took him to his car. Dominic better gets home fast to talk to his father.


    There is no way he wouldpensate the LS Group ten folds. He needs to do something about it, or


    maybe he should just run away.


    MAXIMILLIAN was in front of theputer when Vanessa came back inside the office. Well,


    technically, it was his office now. He raised his head and beamed at her.


    ¡°Great work, Vanessa,¡± he said while pping his hands.


    ¡°It seemed to me that you got personal with Dominic Parker.¡± Vanessa picked up the ss of her


    refreshment that she left a while ago and took a sip. ¡°You should not do it again. Good thing I have


    something to back it up.¡±


    ¡°That is what Imend you for. And in return, I will award you withpany shares.¡±


    ¡°Max¡ª¡±


    ¡°I will feel bad if you would not ept it,¡± he said in a firm tone.


    Vanessa let out a sigh. ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, I have checked some of the files, and I came up with an idea. Why don¡¯t weunch the real


    estate project?¡±


    When Maximillian saw that the LS Group has a pending real estate project, he thought it was a brilliant


    idea tounch it now. Victoria could benefit from it.


    ¡°Oh, that. Well, I don¡¯t see any problem. It was pending, though, because we haven¡¯t found the¡ª¡±


    ¡°I have a suggestion.¡± He smiled lopsidedly.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s great news.¡± Vanessa nodded.

 chapter 8

    chapter 8


    VICTORIA filled their mugs with coffee before settling on the table for breakfast. She picked her tablet


    on the table and started to surf the inte as she waited for her coffee to cool down a little.


    ¡°Good morning, husband,¡± she greeted Maximillian when she saw him sauntering towards the dining.


    ¡°Good morning to you too, dear wife,¡± he greeted back and kissed the side of her head before sitting on


    the chair across her.


    ¡°You came hometest night,¡± she said with her eyes fixed on her tablet¡¯s screen. ¡°Where have you


    been?¡±


    ¡°Oh. I¡­ uhm¡­ I was out looking for a sideline.¡± He got an egg and put it on her te before getting


    one for himself.


    Victoria put her tablet down and focused on her husband. She could not help but feel bad for him. Her


    family had been treating him cruelly ever since they started dating. They said he was a son of a waste,


    a nobody. Her family did not believe that their love would keep them together. What they believed was


    that love could not keep them alive. Victoria thought, if she marries Maximillian, she could prove them


    wrong. But things only got even harder for them. Her husband finds it hard to look for a decent job


    because of his educational attainment. Maximillian was not able to finish college when his foster


    mother started to get sick. He had been working hard for his foster mother, who did her best to raise


    him. Her husband became the Jack of all trades. He would do part-times in store, manualbors, and


    many more to earn money. However, for the rest of the Griffiths, it was something they could not be


    proud of. But for Victoria, it only made her love Maximillian even more. She adored his perseverance.


    And there was no way she would be ashamed of the things he had done for his foster mother and for


    her. She may be a Griffith by blood, but her point of view was different.


    ¡°How was it?¡± she asked afterward.


    ¡°Hm?¡± He raised his head and looked at her.


    ¡°Tell me about this job hunting of yours.¡± Victoria picked her mug and held it with two hands.


    ¡°So-so.¡± Her husband shrugged and resumed eating.


    Victoria knew what he meant whenever he said that. She took a sip of her coffee and started eating her


    breakfast. She has no more questions to ask.


    ¡°By the way, I heard from a reliable source that the LS Group will beunching a real estate project¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who told you that?¡± she cut him off.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°I said a reliable source.¡±


    ¡°Max.¡± She pressed her lips together.


    Her husband heaved a sigh. ¡°Fine. A friend who works at the LS Group.¡±


    ¡°Who is that friend?¡±


    ¡°A friend of a friend.¡±


    ¡°Maximillian.¡±


    ¡°Wilfred.¡±


    ¡°Sounds new to me.¡±


    ¡°Well, he is indeed a new friend of mine.¡± Maximillian took a sip of coffee. ¡°If you do not believe me,


    why don¡¯t you check it online?¡± He pointed his lips at her tablet.


    ¡°Right.¡± Victoria picked it up with her eyes still fixed on her husband.


    She searched the LS Group website, and when the webpage opened, she saw the thing Maximillian


    was talking about. They were inviting thepanies to submit project proposals. And by the looks of it,


    manypanies already showed great interest in the project. However, it was not the only thing that


    caught Victoria¡¯s attention. There was this forum on the LS Group website. A lot of people were talking


    about this mysterious new boss of the LS Group that thepany has not announced yet. Even her


    grew curious of who it was. As far as she remembered, the president was a certain Vanessa Smith,


    and their website said so. Where did the news of a secret bosse from?


    ¡°Does your friend¡¯s friend know about this mysterious secret boss of the LS Group?¡± Victoria asked


    after a while. But her husband justughed at her. ¡°What¡¯s funny, Max? It was here at their webpage¡¯s


    forum. Everyone is talking about it.¡±


    ¡°The mysterious new boss thing reminds me of those Mafia-themed stories that I¡¯ve watched recently.¡±


    Victoria rolled her eyes. ¡°Max,e on. I¡¯m serious.¡±


    Just when her husband was about to respond, the phone suddenly rang. She rose to her feet and went


    to the living room to answer the call.

 chapter 9

    chapter 9


    ¡°Lee¡¯s residence, good morning¡ª¡±


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°You shoulde over here,¡± said Franklin. ¡°We have a meeting.¡±


    ¡°O-oh.¡± She nced at her husband, who was now busy surfing on the tablet that she left on the table.


    But even before she could respond, her cousin ended the call. Sighing, she put the receiver down and


    went back to the dining. ¡°Max, you should fix yourself now.¡±


    He turned in her direction. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°We are going to the Griffith mansion. Franklin phoned me. He said there will be a meeting.¡±


    ¡°It seems that the news already reached them.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Shall we shower together?¡± Maximillian cocked his head.


    Victoria did not answer and ran towards the bathroom.


    THE MEETING seemed like a family reunion. Everyone in the Griffith family was present except for the


    kids. Well, it was natural for families like the Griffiths when everyone in the family was involved in


    running the business.


    ¡°And why is he here?¡± Franklin threw a nce at Maximillian, who was just behind her when she


    entered the study room.


    Victoria scowled at his cousin. Perhaps some things would never change in the family. She turned to


    her husband and smiled apologetically.


    ¡°Let him in,¡± said her grandmother. ¡°There won¡¯t be any changes whether he is here or not.¡±


    Maximillian sneered at her cousin when he walked past him.


    They sat together on thest vacant seat on the end of the long table¡ªVictoria on the chair, her


    husband on its armrest. Everyone in the room seemed to have their own conversation. But when the


    oldest of the Griffiths stomped her cane on the tiled floor, the silence ensued.


    ¡°I bet you all have an idea why I see you all here today,¡± her grandmother started. ¡°Just this morning,


    the news came out that the LS Group will beunching a billion-dor real estate project. And I want


    ourpany to get this project.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we aiming too high here, Grandma?¡± Franklin sounded doubtful. ¡°That¡¯s the LS Group.¡±


    Old Mrs. Griffith narrowed her eyes on her eldest grandson.


    ¡°Of course, we have to aim high. That is the very purpose of aiming, isn¡¯t it?¡± Victoria chimed in.


    Her cousin Franklin turned in her direction with his nose crinkled. But she did not pay attention to it.


    ¡°So, no one of you wants to try?¡± Old Mrs. Griffith asked.


    ¡°Let us be realistic here. Ourpany is just a third-ratepany,¡± Iris said as she checked every nail


    polish on her nails. ¡°You see, there were a lot of powerful and prominentpanies out there. I bet the


    LS Group will give the deal to one of them. There is no way a third-ratepany like ours could win


    this project.¡±


    Victoria looked at her rtives one by one. No one dared to take the project. Perhaps they were afraid


    of the oue once they failed.


    ¡°You are all missing something here.¡± Her grandmother tapped her fingers on the table. ¡°If we get this


    billion-dor project, that means a great sess for ourpany. The cooperation with LS Group is


    ourpany¡¯s ticket to our way up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m out,¡± Iris wagged her hand. ¡°There is no way we can get this deal.¡±


    ¡°The one who will win this deal will be the general manager,¡± her grandmother announced.


    Maximillian tapped her shoulder and leaned towards her.


    ¡°Take the challenge, dear,¡± he whispered in her ear.


    ¡°What? I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can do it.¡± She raised her head and looked at her husband. Maximillian shed a smile as if he


    was sure that she could win the deal. ¡°This is your chance to prove to everyone that you are more than


    what they think you are, Victoria¡­.¡±


    Her husband has a point. Victoria has always been working hard since day one to prove to her family


    that she was capable of running the business. If she ever wins the deal with the LS Group, she will be


    the general manager. And the position was not just a trophy, but it also meant superiority in the family.


    When Maximillian cupped her hand, Victoria turned to her grandmother.


    ¡°I volunteer,¡± she said bravely. ¡°I will give it a try.¡±


    Her husband gently pressed her hand. ¡°That¡¯s my girl.¡±


    Victoria patted his knuckles and leaned against his body. If not for her husband¡¯s encouragement, she


    might not take that opportunity ande home with regrets. Of course, what he did right now would


    not matter to anyone else in the room. But for her, that little act was enough motivation. Whatever the


    situation it may be, her husband always knew how to lift her spirit up. One of many reasons why she


    loves him so.

 chapter 10

    chapter 10


    MAXIMILLIAN wouldugh out loud if only they were not in the middle of a business meeting. The


    shock on Victoria¡¯s rtives¡¯ faces when she said she will take the project brought him satisfaction. It


    was like a pre-taste of sweet sess for him and his wife. But then, it did notst long. Perhaps, it was


    too early for triumph.


    ¡°Seriously, Victoria? Are you sure you are taking this project?¡± Iris said after she recovered from the


    shock. ¡°Come on, dear cousin. Maybe you should think about this more than a hundred times. Look, I


    have been there at the LS Group. They are rude. Gosh, whenever I imagine how miserable my


    Dominic looks like that day, I want to cry.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Maximillian butt in.


    Iris scowled at him. She was about to say something when Franklin started mocking his wife.


    ¡°We all know that Victoria will only bring harm to our family¡¯s name and thepany.¡± Franklin looked


    in his wife¡¯s direction and sneered. ¡°She can¡¯t do it. Believe me.¡±


    ¡°No, she can.¡± Maximillian¡¯s fists clenched.


    ¡°Really? Then why do you think she remains at the lowest position in thepany? Because she¡¯s a


    woman who is certainly not capable of running the business¡ª¡±


    ¡°Of course, Victoria is well capable of running the business. It is just that you are not giving her the


    chance to prove herself. You and your medieval point of view!¡± Maximillian snapped. He could not take


    it any longer. There was no way he would let that mockery slide this time around. He was not weak


    anymore. ¡°She has been doing her best at work. But what did you do? You did not pay attention just


    because she is a woman, and you do not believe that she can do what men can do.¡±


    ¡°M-Max¡­¡± Victoria grasped his arm. ¡°T-that¡¯s enough¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, Victoria. It¡¯s you¡­ it¡¯s us who had enough of this¡­ crap!¡± He gritted his teeth. ¡°And you, Franklin.¡±


    Maximillian pointed a finger at his wife¡¯s cousin. ¡°Do you really think you are that good at what you do?¡±


    Franklin¡¯s lips pressed into a grim line. Maximillian was sure that if the Old Mrs. Griffith was not there


    as a witness, he woulde to him and punch him in the face. The clenching of his jaw says it all.


    ¡°How dare you say that you son of a waste!¡± Franklin snarled. ¡°You don¡¯t even know how to run a


    business¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe you are right. I do not know anything. What I know is that you are one lucky guy who


    always gets the favor of your grandmother because you are the eldest son of this family. So


    convenient, isn¡¯t it?¡± He sneered.


    Of course, Maximillian knew how Franklin stole the projects Victoria worked hard for. But because the


    favor of the elders was always in him, his wife would just sulk in their home and acted as if nothing was


    wrongter on. Because she was a woman, she did not have the voice to speak for herself. It was as if


    she did not have any rights. And it sucks! Gone are the days that the women¡¯s role to the society was


    nothing but to stay at home, take care of the kids and her husband. He knew Victoria could do better


    than that. She was capable of being the career woman that she wants.


    Old Mrs. Griffith stomped her cane on the floor, louder this time. It was her way to silence everyone in


    the room.


    ¡°Enough. If there is someone who has the final say here, it is me,¡± the old woman said in a firm tone.


    Franklin shed a smug smile on his face. ¡°See? Grandma has the final say in everything in this


    household and thepany. If she does not approve of Victoria taking this project, you can¡¯t do


    anything about it.¡± He turned to his grandmother. ¡°Right, grandma?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that you want to take this project, Victoria?¡± Old Mrs. Griffith turned to his wife.


    Victoria straightened her back and grabbed his hand. It was cold and shaky. So, Maximillian cupped his


    wife¡¯s hand, hoping that it would somehow calm her.


    ¡°Y-yes, grandma,¡± Victoria replied in a shaky tone.


    ¡°If you win the deal to the LS Group, you will be the general manager.¡± Old Mrs. Griffith arched a


    brow. ¡°And if you fail¡­¡±


    ¡°Which I am sure will happen,¡± Franklin chimed in.


    ¡°If I fail¡­¡± Victoria heaved a sigh. ¡°That means I need to pay for it. I need to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Leave thepany,¡± said Franklin, who cocked his head to the side arrogantly.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Of course, someone needs to pay the price. Maximillian was well aware of that, and Victoria as well.


    There was no way the old Mrs. Griffith would let a failure slide.


    ¡°Take this project, Victoria. We will see what will happen next,¡± said Mrs. Griffith.


    When his wife¡¯s grandmother went out of the study room, the others followed. Except for Franklin, who


    strode towards their direction. The arrogance that he has was overflowing. Maximillian could not wait to


    trample him with his feet.


    ¡°Max, why don¡¯t we have a bet?¡± Franklin said nonchntly.


    ¡°A bet?¡± His brows furrowed. ¡°On what?¡±

 chapter 11

    chapter 11


    ¡°Max, let¡¯s go.¡± Victoria held him by the hand and tried to pull him out of the study.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he said and pulled his hand from his wife. ¡°Let me hear him out. Go on, tell me, Franklin.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a bet if your wife¡­¡± Franklin turned his gaze to Victoria and back to Maximillian. ¡°Will


    seed or not.¡±


    ¡°I guess you will bet that she wouldn¡¯t.¡± He put his arm around Victoria¡¯s shoulders and pulled her


    closer to him. ¡°So, what¡¯s the catch?¡±


    ¡°Whoever lost will kowtow and admit his mistakes.¡± Franklin sneered.


    Maximillian lowered his gaze on his wife, who was looking at him intently at that moment.


    ¡°Deal,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Great.¡± Franklin pocketed his hands on his jeans and walked away.


    Victoria clenched her hands against the fabric of his shirt.


    ¡°Why did you do that, Max?¡±


    He cupped her face and brushed his thumbs on her cheeks.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, love. I have nothing to lose. It does not even involve money¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am not feeling good about this, Max.¡± She let out a long sigh as she put her hands down.


    ¡°Cheer up, Victoria. I believe in you. You can win this war and prove yourself to everyone. You have it


    in you. It¡¯s just that they always take your chance away. But I promise you, it won¡¯t happen again¡­¡±


    Maximillian nted a kiss on his wife¡¯s forehead, then to the tip of her nose, before kissing her on the


    lips.


    ¡°If¡­ I fail on this project¡­ and I lose everything¡ª¡±


    Maximillian ced his finger above her lips to silence her. ¡°There is no way you will lose everything


    because I am here for you¡­ always.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Max¡­ thank you. How sweet of you.¡± Victoria wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her


    head on his chest. ¡°If I ever lost my job, we would leave this town, find a new ce and start all over


    again.¡±


    ¡°I love that idea,¡± he agreed. ¡°And maybe, when you are finally free, we can focus on building our


    family.¡±


    Victoria smiled. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°SHOULD I cook for dinner, or we should just have it delivered?¡± Victoria asked when they reached


    home.


    ¡°Maybe we should check first if your mother cooked something for dinner,¡± he said as he got off the


    car.¡±


    Victoria got off swiftly on her own before he could open the door for her.


    Holding each other¡¯s hands, they headed to the main door.


    Laura, his mother-inw, was already standing by the foyer when they got inside the house. It seemed


    that she had been waiting for their return.


    ¡°Mother.¡± Victoria approached her and kissed her on the cheek. ¡°Max and I were thinking if we should


    cook or order food for dinner¡ª¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s the meeting?¡±


    ¡°O-oh.¡± Victoria nced at him. ¡°Well, Grandma wants us to get that billion-dor estate project of the


    LS Group.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Laura looked at her daughter intently.


    ¡°No one dares to take the project.¡±


    ¡°Well, it is indeed risky for ourpany, though¡ª¡±


    ¡°And I volunteered.¡±


    ¡°You what?¡± Laura did not sound proud of her daughter¡¯s bravery.


    ¡°I volunteered. Grandma gave me her blessing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Victoria!¡± Laura grasped her daughter¡¯s arms and shook her. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you,


    huh? You will just put yourself in vain!¡±


    Maximillian got in the way. He removed his mother-inw¡¯s hands and pulled his wife away from her.


    Until now, he still could not imagine how Victoria managed to live her life under the pressure of her


    family. Laura seemed to not have any maternal affection for her child. For her, it seemed like Victoria


    was just a pawn. And he despised that.


    ¡°You have nothing to do with this, Max. This is between my daughter and me¡ª¡±


    ¡°But I am her husband,¡± he said through gritted teeth. ¡°I have the right to meddle in her affairs.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Laura¡¯s face turned red.


    ¡°You know what, I think you should be asking yourself what¡¯s gotten into you.¡±


    Laura sneered. She put her hands to her sides and held her head up high.


    ¡°Oh, Maximillian! Here you go again!¡± His mother-inw slowly shook her head. ¡°You always prove


    yourself to be an arrogant son-inw¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you think about me. But I could not stand how you treat my wife. You are her mother.


    But instead of taking care of her, you were always the one to belittle her when you have no ce in the


    Griffith group¡ª¡±


    Laura¡¯s palmnded on his cheek. ¡°How dare you talk to me like that! You may be my daughter¡¯s


    husband, but you don¡¯t have the right to question my ways of¡ª¡±


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Victoria will seed on this project!¡± he snapped. ¡°Put that in your mind!¡±


    ¡°Mother. Max. Please, let¡¯s end this now. This won¡¯t¡ª¡±


    He pushed Victoria to the side when she tried to pull him away.


    ¡°You must put your trust in her, Mother. And if you don¡¯t, the door is always wide open for you to leave,¡±


    he said firmly.


    Laura¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡ªare you kicking me out?!¡±


    ¡°No. I am not. It¡¯s always up to you, Mother.¡±


    Maximillian grabbed his wife¡¯s hand and tugged her to their bedroom.


    ¡°Max, you shouldn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am doing this for you, Victoria. Aren¡¯t you tired of how they treated you all this time?¡± He halted and


    turned to face her. ¡°I know this fight is a hard one because they¡¯re your family. But if we don¡¯t do this


    now¡­¡± He tucked her hair behind her ears. ¡°The way they see you¡ªus will never change.¡±


    Victoria brought his knuckles to her lips and kissed them.


    ¡°You are braver now, Max.¡±


    He smiled and embraced her tightly.

 chapter 12

    chapter 12


    AFTER that heated conversation between her husband and her mother, Victoria donned into her house


    clothes and went inside the study room to prepare for theirpany¡¯s proposal to LS Group. She did


    note out for hours and has no intention to do so until she finishes everything. She wanted it to be


    perfect so that the other party would be impressed to sign a deal with them. Victoria will do her best to


    make her family proud. And most of all, she would not let her husband down. Maximillian defended her


    so much to her family, and there was no way she would let that go in vain.


    She raised her head when she heard the door creaked. Maximillian¡¯s head peaked through the small


    opening and smiled.


    ¡°May I?¡± smiling, her husband asked.


    Victoria propped a hand on her chin and nodded slowly.


    Secondster, he pushed the door to open wider. That was when she saw that he was carrying a tray


    of food in his hands. She could not help but grin from ear to ear. Maximillian¡¯s gesture really touched


    her heart.


    When he sauntered towards the table, she pushed theptop and documents to the side.


    ¡°Max, this is too ssy for ate-night meal,¡± she said upon seeing the steak and wine when he finally


    reached the table.


    ¡°Nothing is too ssy for you, my love.¡± Maximillian put the tray down.


    Victoria palmed her belly when she suddenly felt something in there. It seemed that she still got the


    butterflies whenever her husband acts sweet towards her.


    Maximillian picked the bottle and opened it. He then poured wine into their sses.


    ¡°So, how is it going?¡± Instead of sitting on the visitor¡¯s chair, he sat on the edge of the table.


    She started slicing her steak. It was cooked the way she wanted it to be, well-done.


    ¡°I am almost done preparing the proposal.¡± She popped a slice of meat inside her mouth and shut her


    eyes as she munched it. The savory taste of the steak seemed to replenish all the brain cells that she


    consumed for hours of making the proposal. ¡°But I have this feeling that something is missing, so I am


    still reviewing it. Maybe I can make some revisions to make it better.¡±


    Maximillian scanned through the pages at the side of the table. Victoria was not sure if he could


    understand what was written on them. Well, her husband could read, but he was not into business


    terms that were hard toprehend.


    ¡°It looks good to me,¡± he muttered before sipping his wine.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± She heaved a sigh. ¡°It is not the case for me¡ª¡±


    She raised her head and looked at her husband when he suddenly grabbed her chin.


    ¡°You should not pressure yourself too much, Victoria.¡± His thumb lightly brushed her lower lip. ¡°You are


    brilliant, and I know you are capable of¡ª¡±


    ¡°But my family didn¡¯t see me the way you see me.¡± She heaved a sigh and caught her husband¡¯s hand


    and brought it to her cheek.


    ¡°Always remember that whatever they say, I am always here rooting for you.¡± He pulled her closer to


    him and wrapped his arms around her.


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    In a world full of judgement, there was someone like Maximillian. It was enough for her to feel better. All


    her worries seemed to vanish in an instant.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± She withdrew herself from his embrace and gave him a peck on the lips.


    But it seemed that he wanted more. Maximillian pulled her up and plopped down on the chair. Then, he


    pulled her down. When shended on hisp, he immediately snaked his arms on her waist and kissed


    her on the lips. It was deep and fiery.


    ¡°Max¡­¡± Victoria drawled when his lips traced her jawline. ¡°I still have to¡ª¡±


    ¡°You did a great job, Victoria. Now, it¡¯s time for a breather.¡± His lips went to her neck and nibbled her


    flesh.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a tease, husband.¡± She cupped the back of his head and tilted her head to the side to give


    him more ess.


    Victoria felt his lips curved into a smile against her flesh.


    ¡°But I have no intentions of teasing you, my dear wife.¡± Maximillian¡¯s voice was husky at that moment,


    and it sent shivers running up and down her spine.


    She clutched her legs on her husband¡¯s waist when he suddenly stood up, then his sturdy arms


    supported her. Maximillian carried him out of the study room and brought her to the master¡¯s bedroom.


    He deposited her in the middle of the bed and started taking off his clothes.


    ¡°You do know that I have an appointment tomorrow¡ª¡±


    ¡°Early in the morning,¡± he cut her off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will make this quick.¡± Maximillian joined her on


    the bed and undress her.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± she told him as she helped him remove thest piece of her clothing. He looked at her


    with a boyish grin stered on his face. And she did not have to ask why he was looking at her like


    that. ¡°I mean,e with me tomorrow¡­ to the meeting.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Hey her down on the bed and kissed her.


    ¡°HI, good morning. What can I do for you?¡± the female receptionist greeted them with a smile.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Victoria smiled back and looked at the name tag the receptionist wore on the right


    side of her chest. She always made sure to remember the people who treated her well. It was one of


    the things her husband thought her. ¡°I have an appointment with Vanessa Smith.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Wait for a second.¡± Reba made a phone call. After a few seconds, she went back to her. ¡°Miss


    Smith is waiting for you in her office on the tenth floor. Turn left for the elevator.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Reba looked behind her. ¡°Sir¡ª¡±


    Victoria nced at her husband. ¡°Ah. He is with me.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    At the corner of her eyes, she saw Reba bowed at Maximillian.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± she said as they walked to the elevator.


    ¡°What?¡± Her husband pocketed his hands and fixed his eyes to the closed doors.


    She shook her head. ¡°Nothing. Maybe I was just¡ª¡±


    Maximillian grabbed her hand and put it inside the pocket of his coat. ¡°Nervous?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Who would not feel nervous? It felt like judgement day for Victoria.


    ¡°Do you want me to get you something to drink?¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± She pulled him inside the elevator when the doors opened.


    They were both silent as it goes up to the tenth floor.

 chapter 13

    chapter 13


    When the doors opened on Miss Smith¡¯s office, Victoria was in awe. The entire floor belonged to the


    president alone. Perhaps it was one of the perks of a big-timepany.


    ¡°Perhaps the news about a mysterious new boss is not true,¡± she whispered to her husband¡¯s ear.


    Maximillian just shrugged.


    They walked towards the secretary, who was upying the seemed to be reception desk outside the


    president¡¯s office. The woman stood up the moment they reached the desk.


    ¡°Victoria Griffith of the Griffith Group?¡± the secretary asked politely.


    She nced at her husband, who remained poker-faced beside her. Victoria¡¯s family addressed her by


    her maiden name, and thepany must have told the LS Group the same name.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ uhm¡­ Victoria Lee.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± The secretary looked at her husband.


    ¡°He is with me. The Griffith Group sent us here.¡± Of course, it was a lie. There was no way his family


    would send Maximillian with her.


    The secretary ushered them to the mini-conference room.


    ¡°Have a seat. Miss Smith will see you in a while.¡±


    When the secretary left, Maximillian sat on the chair at the end of the rectangr meeting table. With


    his three-piece suit and his newly shaved aura, he looked like a hot-shot CEO in town every woman


    ever dreamed of. Victoria could not help but smile as she admired her husband.


    And then, she heard the door squeaked. She turned in its direction and saw a sophisticated woman in


    a beige suit walking towards her.


    ¡°You must be Victoria,¡± the woman said, smiling.


    ¡°And you must be Vanessa.¡± She stretched her hand out for a handshake, but to her astonishment, the


    LS Group president hugged her. ¡°T-that is a very warm wee, Miss Smith,¡± she said afterward.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Vanessa turned in her husband¡¯s direction, who was still sitting pretty as if he owned the ce.


    ¡°A-ah, Max¡­¡± She beckoned him to stand.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay.¡± Vanessa ushered her to the other end of the table and pulled the chair. ¡°Sit wherever


    you want, Victoria.¡±


    ¡°O-oh¡­¡± She chose the one next to Vanessa. It would be better to sit next to her during the


    presentation. She heaved a sigh as she brought out the folders and herptop from the attach¨¦ case.


    Vanessa just watched her every move, and she also noticed that she asionally threw nces at her


    husband. ¡°D-do you want me to send him out of here¡ª¡±


    Vanessa raised a hand. ¡°No need.¡±


    ¡°O-okay.¡± She pushed the folder in Vanessa¡¯s direction.


    ¡°So, this is the presentation you came up with¡­¡± said Vanessa, then opened the folder and scanned a


    few pages before closing it again.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She caught her breath. ¡°That is the printed copy of the proposal, so you can review it after my


    presentation¡ª¡±


    ¡°No need for the actual presentation, Victoria. We no longer need that.¡±


    Her shoulders dropped as well as her mouth. She worked hard for it, and now it was no longer


    needed?


    ¡°What do you mean? Is this how you reject ourpany¡¯s proposal?¡± She bit her lip. If not for her


    husband¡¯s presence in the conference room, she should be crying by now.


    ¡°Oh, I am sorry for not making myself clear.¡± Vanessa smiled. ¡°Yourpany has been chosen for this


    project.¡±


    Victoria felt a mix of emotions at that moment. She did not know what to say nor how to react. All she


    knew was that it was indeed good news for her and for everyone in thepany. It seemed that the


    odds were in her favor this time. She turned to her husband, who, just like her, seemed to be delighted


    with the news.


    ¡°Oh, Miss Smith. I didn¡¯t expect you to grant us this kind of favor,¡± she told Vanessa.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Vanessa once again nced at her husband. ¡°The new president wanted to give small


    companies like yours a break. We reviewed yourpany¡¯s profile, and it looks promising.¡±


    The secretary went in carrying folders that she handed to Vanessa.


    ¡°Here is the contract of our cooperation. Let¡¯s sign it now. Shall we?¡±


    ¡°S-sure.¡± She nodded agreeably.


    When Vanessa handed her the contract and the pen, her hands were shaking in sheer happiness. She


    could not wait to tell her family about it.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°The new president¡­ Where is he?¡± Victoria asked afterward.


    ¡°Oh¡­ He is at home, preparing himself to take over the LS Group.¡±


    ¡°The public doesn¡¯t know about him yet, right?¡± She closed the folder and returned it to Vanessa.


    ¡°A-ah, yes. Williamson is a son of a very wealthy family, who likes to keep himself out of the spotlight.¡±


    When Vanessa nced at Maximillian again, she could not help but feel something weird in her chest.


    Perhaps it was jealousy because her husband kept catching the women¡¯s attention since they went


    inside the building. But then, she realized it could not be jealousy. Victoria¡¯s instinct never fails her.


    There was something with those gazes Vanessa and Maximillian threw at each other. There was this


    sense of familiarity as if they know each other.


    ¡°Here is your copy of the contract.¡± Vanessa handed her a folder.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    They both stood up and shook hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t see you out. I have an important web meeting with the chairman after this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s all right. No problem.¡± Victoria smiled.


    Maximillian rose to his feet and walked towards them. He shook hands with Vanessa as well.


    Victoria turned to face her husband when Vanessa finally went out of the conference room.


    ¡°By any chance, do you know each other?¡±


    His brows furrowed. ¡°What? No. What were you thinking?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± She shook her head and tugged him out.


    She could not help but feel suspicious. Her mind was telling her that something was going on, and her


    husband was not telling her. Then she suddenly remembered that Maximillian went there. What if he


    did not meet with a friend?


    ¡°I KNOW this atmosphere very well,¡± Maximillian said when they were riding the car back home.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Victoria turned to him.


    ¡°I know you felt jealous back there. Because those women kept looking at me, especially that Vanessa


    Smith.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± He heard her heaved a sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t feel jealous towards Vanessa.¡±


    ¡°Then what?¡± Maximillian gave her a side-way nce and saw her head leaning on the windshield with


    her eyes fixed on the road.


    ¡°I sensed familiarity between the two of you,¡± Victoria muttered.


    His grip on the steering wheel tightened. Could it be that his wife was feeling suspicious about him?


    Maximillian knew Victoria; she believes whatever her instincts told her.


    ¡°Well¡­ maybe we are just twopatible souls.¡±


    He nced at his wife again when he did not hear any response from her. Victoria¡¯s eyes were closed.


    He was not sure if she was really sleeping, or she was just pretending.


    Maximillian let out a slow nervous sigh.

 chapter 14

    chapter 14


    AFTER the contract signing, Victoria decided to head home first. She wanted to savor the moment of


    her victory by herself for a while. She will tell the good news to her familyter that day.


    ¡°We are here,¡± Maximillian announced as he pulled over in front of their house.


    She turned her gaze on her husband when he did not move an inch to open the door for her.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you getting off the car?¡± Victoria asked with a knot on her forehead.


    He reached for her cheek and patted it. ¡°I need to go to the hospice to check on my mom. I will be back


    soon, I promise.¡±


    She sighed and nodded slowly.


    ¡°You must. Because I want you to take me to the Griffith mansion this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°And then, we will celebrate your victory after.¡± Her husband beamed.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Victoria leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. She then twisted the knob and got off his car.


    She waited until the car disappeared from her vision before getting inside the house. And despite the


    delight she was feeling on her chest for sessfully signing the contract, there were these thoughts


    that would not get out of her head.


    Victoria plopped down on the sofa and took a deep breath.


    There were only two things to answer that question that has been running inside her head since they


    left the LS Group building. A, Maximillian was cheating on her with Vanessa Smith. B, the woman was


    a sister or a distant rtive.


    Cupping her head, she looked at the ceiling and groaned.


    Of course, there was no way her husband would cheat on her. He was always faithful to their marriage,


    and never in their years together that she felt that Maximillian was falling out of love. Shame on her for


    thinking that way towards her husband when he made her feel his love. Now, she had to rule out the


    first option.


    And as for option B¡­


    From the start, Maximillian was honest with who he was, and he did not dare to hide the story of his


    life. He was an only child and an orphan who grew up under the care of her foster mother. He has no


    connections with his foster siblings. He did not even know any close blood rtives of his biological


    parents and lived his life the way it was. It was kinda impossible that he has blood connections with


    Vanessa Smith. When he needed money for her foster mother¡¯s medical expenses, he has nothing and


    only got through it with the money she lent him.


    Victoria straightened her back and scoffed.


    Why was she bothered thinking about those things? They were all nonsense, anyway. Well, she had to


    admit her husband was indeed charming, especially when he shaves his beard and wear his suits.


    Perhaps Maximillian has this appealing aura that day; women could not resist him.


    She rose to her feet afterward.


    ¡°I should clear my mind now from any nonsense thoughts and prepare myself.¡±


    Perhaps a cold shower would help.


    ¡°HOW is your mother, Max?¡± Victoria asked as she got off the car. They already arrived at the Griffith


    mansion when she remembered to ask about his visit.


    ¡°She is preparing for the operation. Though, we are still waiting for her body to be in a better condition


    before we proceed.¡± He mmed the door closed and went to her side. Max wrapped an arm around


    her shoulder as they sauntered towards the Griffith mansion. ¡°And she¡¯s sending her regards to you.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ it suddenly makes me feel bad.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°And why?¡± Maximillian gently pressed her shoulder.


    ¡°Well, your mother is sick, and I haven¡¯t seen her in a while. So, she might be thinking that I am not a


    good daughter-inw.¡±


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Come on, love! She knows you are busy with work these days. And what made you think you are a


    bad daughter-inw when you were the one who provided the initial payment for her medical


    expenses.¡±


    ¡°Mother knew about it?¡± She nced at her husband.


    ¡°Of course. There is no reason I wouldn¡¯t tell her about it.¡±


    ¡°Good afternoon, Lady Victoria. Mr. Lee,¡± one of Griffith¡¯s mansion maids greeted them with a bow.


    ¡°Has everyone arrived?¡± Maximillian asked the maid.

 chapter 15

    chapter 15


    Victoria was a bit surprised that he sounded giddy at that moment. She had never heard him spoke that


    way whenever they were in the Griffith mansion or whenever they were with them. Perhaps the


    happiness has not faded away.


    ¡°Yes, they are all inside the study room, waiting for your arrival.¡± The maid took her leave after


    informing her.


    Victoria sauntered to the study room with her husband. But just when she was about to open the door,


    she heard amotion from the inside that made her stop from opening the door.


    ¡°Do we really need to bet about this? For sure, dear cousin Victoria didn¡¯t make it,¡± said Iris, following it


    by augh.


    ¡°Of course, Victoria was a failure. Just like what I expected her to be. I can only imagine the humiliation


    she put us through by presenting her proposal in front of the LS Group higher-ups. When she sent us a


    message that the presentation was done, I could not help but raise a brow. I was like¡­ No, not that


    fast!¡± Franklin sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you that she will only bring disgrace and


    disappointment to this family,¡± his cousin said.


    ¡°Mother, I think you made the wrong choice this time.¡± Her uncle, Franklin¡¯s father, scoffed. ¡°How can


    you send someone so irresponsible to represent the Griffith Group when we have Franklin here, who


    knows the business very well?¡±


    Victoria heard the voices of other family members agreeing to what her cousin and uncle said about


    her. Suddenly, it was hard for her to breathe.


    Seriously? Just because she was done with her job at the LS Group earlier than expected, they judged


    her too quickly? Why were they so sure that she failed when they have not heard what happened back


    there? Everything she heard from them hurt her so much.


    She withdrew her hand.


    ¡°Victoria.¡± Maximillian hugged her from behind.


    Her husband heard everything, and that hurts her even more.


    ¡°It seems to me that no matter what I do, I cannot please everyone in the family¡ª¡± Her voice trailed off.


    ¡°You did a great job, Victoria. You always do. It¡¯s just that they didn¡¯t know because they always choose


    to ignore all your efforts,¡± her husband muttered and kissed the top of her head.


    She turned to face Maximillian and buried her face on his sturdy chest. For a moment, she let herself


    cry, poured her heart out. And when he wrapped his arms around her, Victoria cried even harder,


    without a sound.


    ¡°Hush¡­¡± he said as he caressed her head and back. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be crying over their snide remarks


    about you.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ but¡ª¡±


    ¡°You have the sweet triumph in your hands now, Victoria. Pull yourself together and m it to their


    faces.¡±


    She distanced herself a bit and looked at him. ¡°What would I do without you, Max?¡±


    ¡°That is why I am here. Don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Victoria wiped her tears with the back of her hand and smiled at him.


    ¡°I will just go to the powder room to fix myself.¡±


    ¡°Sure. I don¡¯t want you to scare everyone with your mascara dripping on your cheeks.¡± Heughed.


    Maximillian made herugh at that.


    ¡°I will be back in a jiffy.¡±


    WHEN his wife went to the powder room to touch up, Maximillian opened the door to the study room.


    ¡°Hello, everyone,¡± he greeted them with a high-pitch tone that made everyone¡¯s brows furrowed and


    eyes narrowed.


    ¡°How long have you been there?¡± asked old Mrs. Griffith.


    ¡°Oh.¡± He pocketed his hands. ¡°Well, not that long.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well¡­ he must be eavesdropping.¡± Iris sneered.


    ¡°Where is Victoria?¡± Franklin¡¯s father asked.


    ¡°She went to the powder room.¡± Maximillian tilted his head to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. She will be here


    any minute now.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps your wife is trying to hide her puffy eyes.¡± Franklin smiled arrogantly, just as he expected from


    him. ¡°`Bet she cried a river when she didn¡¯t get to sign a deal with the LS Group.¡±


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Why are you always certain that she will fail?¡± Maximillian¡¯s lip twitched. ¡°As if you can foresee what


    will happen next. Are you a seer? A fortune-teller?¡±


    Franklin¡¯s jaw clenched.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a special power to know that. It¡¯s all about critical thinking, which I think you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Critical thinking, my foot. All you do is to judge.¡±


    ¡°You! Son of a¡ª¡±


    Franklin was not able to finish his sentence when the door opened, and Victoria went inside the study


    room. She was walking towards them confidently with her head held up high. Seeing his wife like that


    made him a proud husband.


    Maximillian whistled as he stepped to the side to give way to Victoria.


    ¡°I guess everyone¡¯s dying to hear the news.¡± Victoria put her attach¨¦ case above the table.


    No one dared to speak as she opened the zipper. And when she pulled out a folder, each and everyone


    who saw it caught a breath.


    ¡°This folder¡­¡± Victoria held the folder up high with a smile on her face. ¡°Contains the signed contract of


    the cooperation between the Griffith Group and the LS Group for that billion-dor estate project.¡±


    And just like what he told her earlier, his wife mmed the folder on the table.

 chapter 16

    chapter 16


    A LONG silence ensued after Victoria revealed the contract in front of everyone.


    So, this is the sweet taste of sess, she thought.


    She was about to speak again when Franklinughed mockingly, breaking the silence no one dared to


    do.


    ¡°Victoria, Victoria, my dear cousin, Victoria,¡± said Franklin.


    She did not like the tone of his voice. It seemed like there was a hint of evilness in it. Well, wasn¡¯t this


    cousin of hers evil? The devil might feel ashamed if she started to count Franklin¡¯s wicked deeds.


    ¡°What now?¡± She still held her head high. But hid her hands inside her pocket when she felt them


    trembled.


    ¡°Do you really think we are dumb to buy this charade of yours?¡± Her cousin sneered.


    She felt all her blood went up to her head. Victoria was not dumb, too, not to understand what Franklin


    meant by that.


    ¡°Charade?¡± Maximillian chimed in. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything¡ª¡±


    ¡°You better shut your mouth, Maximillian. You may be Victoria¡¯s husband, but when ites to


    business and internal family matters, you have no right to interfere,¡± Franklin cut him off without looking


    in his direction.


    Victoria¡¯s hands clenched inside her pockets. She could feel her fingernails dug on her palms.


    Iris grabbed the folder. She opened it and scanned through the pages. ¡°You mean to say¡­ this


    contract is fake?¡± Her cousin raised her head and looked at her with eyes wide open. ¡°Oh, my gosh,


    Victoria! Tell us the truth!¡±


    Maximillian moved from his spot, and Victoria knew very well what he was about to do. And before her


    husband could even reach Franklin and Iris, she met him halfway and blocked his way.


    ¡°Max.¡± She shook her head.


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t do it.¡± She grasped his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t do it for me¡­¡±


    She was well aware that all he ever wanted was to avenge her. However, she also knew the weight of


    the consequences if she let him do what he wanted.


    ¡°Victoria,¡± her grandmother said firmly.


    She abruptly turned in her grandmother¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Grandma, there is no charade¡ª¡±


    ¡°Grandma, please allow me to check the authenticity of this contract,¡± Franklin chimed in and grabbed


    the folder from Iris¡¯s hands. ¡°We never know what Victoria could do just to get the general manager¡¯s


    position.¡±


    She narrowed her eyes on his cousin.


    ¡°I swear in our ancestors¡¯ grave that I will never do such a thing, Franklin!¡± Victoria could no longer


    control her emotions. She raised her voice. ¡°How the hell can I fake a deal between ourpany and


    the LS Group?¡±


    Franklin shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I have never done so.¡±


    Victoria ran her fingers through her hair and let out an exasperated sigh. She was about to curse at him


    when her grandmother¡¯s secretary came over.


    ¡°Madam,¡± Charlotte, the secretary, handed over the tablet to her grandmother. ¡°Take a look at this. The


    LS Group once again announced something on their website¡¯s bulletin.¡±


    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Everyone gathered behind her grandmother and looked at the screen, except for her and Maximillian.


    They chose to remain on their grounds.


    ¡°Victoria, it¡¯s legit! You are telling the truth!¡± Iris eximed and looked in her direction.


    She just arched her brows and put her hands to her sides.


    ¡°Victoria,¡± said her grandmother. Old Mrs. Griffith might not be smiling at that moment, but her eyes tell


    that she felt ecstatic knowing that she seeded in closing a deal with the LS Group. ¡°Franklin,e


    over here.¡±


    Her cousin did what he was told. He stood beside the chair where their grandmother was sitting.


    Victoria pressed her lips together when her grandmother¡¯s canended behind Franklin¡¯s legs. A series


    of ouch echoed in the corners of the study room.


    It was Griffith¡¯s way of reprimanding everyone who did wrong. Old-fashioned, yes. But the elders


    believed it would help you reflect. And for her grandmother, no matter what generation you are, you will


    feel the cane on your legs.


    ¡°Are you nuts? You just ndered your cousin Victoria in front of our family when she did nothing


    wrong!¡± Mrs. Griffith snarled at Franklin. Her grandmother even poked the end of the cane to his chest.


    ¡°From now on, you are to be mindful of everything you say about your cousin. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, Grandma,¡± Franklin responded like a scared puppy.


    Victoria turned to her husband, who was just watching Franklin getting scolded as he caressed his


    chin.


    Now that she got her grandmother¡¯s approval and favor, Victoria hoped that somehow, the family will


    learn to ept her husband as part of the family.


    When her grandmother beckoned Franklin to move away, she was called next. Victoria immediately


    came forward and crouched in front of her grandmother.

 chapter 17

    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¡ª¡±


    ¡°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¡ª¡±


    ¡°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¡ª¡±


    ¡°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¡ª¡±


    ¡°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¡ª¡±


    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¡ª¡±


    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¡ª¡± 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¡ªcousin 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.

 chapter 18

    chapter 18


    WHEN Maximilian entered the Griffith mansion, a butler met him at the foyer. He immediately hid the


    unlighted stick of cigarette inside his pocket.


    ¡°Mr. Lee,¡± the butler greeted nonchntly.


    ¡°Daniel.¡± He tapped the butler on the shoulder.


    ¡°Is she home?¡± he asked, referring to the old Mrs. Griffith.


    Maximilian was alone. He did not tell his wife Victoria that he would visit her grandmother because he


    did not want her to know what he secretly did for her.


    ¡°Yes. Madam is in the parlor right now, drinking her tea. She has been feeling quite weaktely.


    Perhaps she was really, really getting old,¡± Daniel said in a low tone.


    He made himughed at that.


    ¡°But then, she still holds power in this household.¡± He pocketed his hands and sauntered to the right-


    wing of the Griffith mansion where the parlor is located.


    Maximilian knocked on the door twice. Mrs. Griffith¡¯s secretary opened it for him.


    ¡°Mind if I join you?¡±


    Old Mrs. Griffith turned in his direction. The moment she saw him, Maximilian saw that sour expression


    on her face. There was never a time that this old woman would be happy to see him.


    ¡°And you really dared toe over here unannounced.¡± Mrs. Griffith took a sip of her tea.


    He plopped down on the chair across from her.


    ¡°Well¡­ this is more like a surprise visit, Grandma.¡± He grinned.


    Old Mrs. Griffith looked at him with a crooked brow.


    ¡°I doubt you care for me so much you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nah! I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you, but that is not the case why I came here.¡± He picked a piece of


    Danish cookie from the can and popped it into his mouth. He munched it first before speaking again.


    ¡°Well, it has been a week since the Griffith Group signed a deal with the LS Group. I am here to remind


    you that you promised my dear wife Victoria that she will be the general manager.¡±


    Old Mrs. Griffith cleared her throat. ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten about that. If that is what you mean.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Great!¡± Maximilian sped his hands and leaned against his seat. ¡°Then what is taking you so


    long?¡±


    ¡°How bold of you to ask me such a question?¡± Mrs. Griffith sneered. ¡°It is mypany, Maximilian. As


    long as I am the president, I call the shots. Victoria will be the new general manager soon. And


    besides, she is on vacation with you at the farmhouse.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ right. She¡¯s been through a lottely, and she deserves a vacation.¡± He rose to his feet and


    exited the parlor.


    Maximilian went back to the farmhouse, where he found his wife still tucked under the nket in broad


    daylight. Victoria was awake, though.


    ¡°Where have you been, Max?¡± She yawned and sat up afterward.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± He leaned against the door frame. ¡°I drove to town and bought you your favorite bread for


    breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ how sweet of you.¡± Victoria blew him a kiss.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s eat.¡± He beckoned her to leave the bed.


    ¡°Coming!¡± Victoria said as she eased from the nket.


    Maximilian had prepared the bagels and coffee when his wife arrived at the kitchen. She sat on the


    stool and grabbed half of the bagel with cream cheese from the te.


    ¡°We are leaving the day after tomorrow,¡± Victoria told him after a bite.


    ¡°Yes. Do you want to extend our vacation?¡± He sat on the stool beside her.


    ¡°As much as I want to, we need to go home. I still have piles of work to do.¡±


    VICTORIA was busy assisting her husband at their barbeque party. It was theirst day at the


    farmhouse, so they decided to throw a small banquet for the staff who had been with them on their


    one-week stay.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.¡±


    She turned behind her when she heard Linda, the housemaid, called her.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Your grandmother is on the phone. She is looking for you,¡± Linda informed her.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She nced at her husband.


    ¡°Go on. I can manage here,¡± Maximilian said as he gestured to the front door.


    Victoria removed her apron and rushed inside the farmhouse. She wondered why her grandmother


    called her in the middle of her vacation. She just hoped that there was no problem.


    ¡°Grandma,¡± she said as soon as the receiver reached her ear.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been calling you on your mobile phone, but I couldn¡¯t reach you.¡± There was a hint of irritation in


    her grandmother¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that, Grandma. I was outside the farmhouse. Why are you calling, anyway? Is there a


    problem?¡±


    ¡°Oh, there is no problem. I just want to inform you that I decided to host a banquet,¡± her grandmother


    said excitedly. ¡°We will invite the bigwigs and then announced the new general manager of the Griffith


    Group, which is you, of course, and brag about our cooperation with the LS Group.¡±


    Victoria smiled even though she could not see her grandmother at that moment. Now she could really


    feel the worth of everything she had done for the family and thepany for the past years.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, Grandma. My husband and I areing back tomorrow. I can help you with the


    preparations for the banquet¡ª¡±


    ¡°There is no need for you to help me with that. I already asked your cousin Iris to do the necessary


    preparations. However, there is something that I want you to do for me.¡± Her grandmother¡¯s tone was a


    bit low, which made her a little anxious. That tone never fails to intimidate anyone.


    Victoria took a gulp before she could talk back. ¡°W-what is it, Grandma?¡±Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

 chapter 19

    chapter 19


    ¡°Well, you are the one who signed the cooperation with the LS Group. It is your responsibility to make


    theme to the banquet. Invite that mysterious new president.¡±


    ¡°But I haven¡¯t seen him, Grandma. It¡¯s Vanessa Smith whom I met.¡±


    ¡°Invite that Vanessa Smith then and tell her toe with their new president.¡±


    Victoria was about to say something when her grandmother ended the call. She let out a sigh of


    disbelief. How could she tell them toe to the banquet when she did not have the authority to do


    so? It was just one signed cooperation. She was not even acquainted with Vanessa Smith.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.¡± Linda approached her.


    ¡°Yes?¡± She turned to face the housemaid.


    ¡°Your husband said if you are done with the phone call, pleasee outside and join us. The food has


    been served.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ yeah.¡± She put the receiver back to its base and headed outside the farmhouse.


    When she went to the buffet table, Maximilian handed her a te filled with food.


    ¡°What did the old Mrs. Griffith say to you?¡± her husband asked when they upied one of the tables.


    ¡°Well, she told me she will be hosting a banquet to brag about the cooperation with the LS Group.¡± She


    shook her head. ¡°My grandmother¡­ she always brags about everything.¡±


    Victoria sliced her meat, but when her husband noticed that she was having difficulty, he exchanged his


    te with hers.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± he asked after a while.


    ¡°She said she will also announce the new general manager.¡± She turned to Maximilian and found him


    grinning from ear to ear while slicing the meat. And she knew very well why he reacted that way. Of


    course, her husband was proud of her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for the banquet. I am so excited to see Franklin¡¯s gloomy face once your grandmother


    announced to the public that you are the new general manager of the Griffith Group.¡±


    ¡°Max¡­¡± She cupped his hand. ¡°What did I tell you? We should not get to the bad side of my cousin¡ª¡±


    ¡°But he did it first, don¡¯t you remember?¡± Maximilian scoffed. ¡°He was so arrogant towards you. And I


    can still remember how he humiliated me in front of¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let bygones be bygones, Max.¡± She gently pressed his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on the good things in


    life, hmm? It¡¯s our time.¡±


    Maximilian just shrugged and withdrew his hand from hers to eat.


    ¡°And oh¡­ I have one important task to do for Grandma,¡± she told her husband afterward.


    ¡°What task?¡± He turned to her with a knotted forehead.


    Victoria heaved a deep sigh.


    ¡°Grandma wants me to invite Vanessa Smith and their new president to the banquet.¡± She winced.


    ¡°Maybe I gave my grandmother a false impression when I sessfully signed a cooperation with them,


    Max.¡±


    ¡°And why?¡±


    ¡°As if I am too close with any of the two!¡±


    ¡°Well, it is not a banquet for your birthday, though.¡± Maximilian stood up and headed to the buffet table.


    He came back with two flutes and a bottle of champagne.


    ¡°You should invite them if your grandmother said so.¡± Maximilian filled their sses. Now that your


    companies have signed a deal, this is the start of a friendship, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°A friendship of convenience, most likely,¡± she countered and picked a flute and brought it to her mouth.


    Victoria heard her husbandughed while sipping his champagne.


    ¡°Come on, Victoria. I know you know very well how things work in business.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m afraid that Vanessa Smith nor the new president wouldn¡¯te to the banquet.¡± She drew


    imaginary circles above the table.


    ¡°How would you know if you still haven¡¯t tried?¡±


    She looked at her husband for a couple of seconds and groaned.


    ¡°You know what, it seems that you are so good atpelling me to do everything.¡± She puckered her


    lips.


    ¡°Well¡­ I only encourage you to do good things that I know you will benefit the most.¡± Maximilian tossed


    their flutes and gulped the remaining champagne on his flute.


    ¡°Well, you are right, Max. How would I even know if I haven¡¯t tried? I better give it a try.¡±


    Maximilian pulled her nape and kissed her deep on the lips. Her cheeks immediately flushed when she


    noticed that the staff were all looking at them.


    ¡°How many times did I tell you not to kiss me in public?¡± Victoria said in a low tone.


    But her husband did not seem to care. He just grinned at her.

 chapter 20

    chapter 20


    ¡°OH!¡± Vanessa almost jumped in surprise upon seeing Maximilian sitting on the swivel chair when she


    entered the president¡¯s office. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here today.¡± She dropped her bag on the


    couch and folded her arms.


    ¡°I ran some errands for my wife, and I decided to drop by.¡± Maximilian grabbed a pen from the holder


    and yed it with his fingers. ¡°Did she call you?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Vanessa¡¯s brows furrowed.


    ¡°Victoria.¡±


    ¡°No. She never called me since that day she came here. Why, is there something that concerns the


    company or me?¡±


    ¡°Well, her grandmother is hosting a banquet, and Victoria was given this task to invite you and the new


    president.¡± He returned the pen to the holder. ¡°I told her to invite you.¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Vanessa arched a brow.


    ¡°You are to say yes to the invitation, of course.¡± Maximilian rose to his feet. He was about to leave


    when she spoke again.


    ¡°How about you?¡±


    ¡°I will be there.¡±


    ¡°Not as the LS Group president, I guess.¡±


    ¡°It is not the time yet.¡±


    ¡°And when is the right time, Maximilian?¡± Vanessa cocked her head to the side. ¡°You know that you


    can¡¯t hide your identity forever, especially to the board of directors. Everyone is looking forward to


    seeing you. I had to lie to them by saying that the chairman is still training you before taking over the


    company.¡±


    ¡°You did well.¡± He pped his hands and stopped immediately when Vanessa rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Maximilian Lee, I don¡¯t have time for your¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rx.¡± He pocketed his hands. ¡°You will be the first one to know once I am ready to reveal my identity


    to the public. But for now, please think of another alibi to Victoria on why Williamson can¡¯te with


    you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right,¡± she saidzily.


    ¡°See you at the banquet.¡±


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Maximilian was about to head to the door when he heard the phone rang.


    Vanessa sauntered to the table and picked up the phone.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± he mouthed.


    But she did not respond to his question and remained silent as she listened to whatever the caller was


    saying on the other line. And then, he realized it was his wife when Vanessa started speaking.


    ¡°I am ttered by your invitation, Victoria. Of course, I will attend the banquet. My schedule is free on


    that day. So, there is nothing to worry about.¡± Vanessaughed shortly. ¡°Oh¡­ Williamson?¡± She


    nced in his direction. ¡°I¡­ uhm¡­ I will definitely inform him of your invitation. Yes, yes, of course. But


    I cannot promise you his attendance at the banquet. He is quite busy these days because of his


    training. Hmm, see you there. `Bye.¡±


    Vanessa turned to face him after the call.


    ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°Satisfied.¡± He beamed.


    ¡°Goodness gracious, you¡¯re making me feel like I am on an acting workshop.¡±


    FRANKLIN raised his head when he heard the door creaked. His secretary holding an envelope, went


    in.


    ¡°Sir, here is the thing that you asked for.¡± John put the envelope on his table.


    ¡°Really? Oh, that was fast.¡± He smiled wickedly and looked at the pictures.


    Franklin was satisfied with them. It was perfect for his shenanigans. Ah, he just hoped his cousin


    Victoria and her son of a waste husband would enjoy every second of their vacation because their


    sweet sess is about toe to an end. Of course, he was up for revenge.


    ¡°Shall I call the driver to get your car, Sir?¡± John asked after a while.


    ¡°Yes, please.¡± He put the pictures back in the envelope and put them in the inside pocket of his suit.


    Then he got his car key from the drawer and hand it out to his secretary.


    Franklin then made a call to the general manager¡¯s office, who happened to be his father.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Franklin. Tell my father I want him in my office now,¡± he ordered the secretary.


    ¡°I am sorry, Sir, but your father is not here in the office right now,¡± the secretary informed him.


    His forehead creased. ¡°And where is he?¡±


    ¡°He went to the Griffith mansion¡ª¡±


    Franklin did not let the secretary finish and ended the call. He hurriedly went down to the lobby and


    exited the building.


    His car was already parked in front of the door when he came out.


    ¡°Did you notice when my father left the office?¡±


    John just shook his head in response.


    He got inside the car and told the driver to bring him to his grandmother¡¯s residence.


    When he arrived at the Griffith mansion, he found his father having tea with his grandmother.


    ¡°Franklin, what are you doing here?¡± his father asked upon seeing him.


    ¡°Well, I should be the one asking you that, Father.¡± He gave his grandmother a side-way nce, who


    was busy blowing her tea.


    ¡°I summoned him,¡± said his grandmother. ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a seat and join us. Your father and I


    were talking about the uing banquet. I am about to ask him to invite our friends¡ª¡±


    ¡°A banquet for what?¡± Franklin smirked.


    ¡°To announce our cooperation with the LS Group. We need that.¡± His grandmother calmly sipped her


    tea.


    ¡°And how about Victoria?¡±


    ¡°Just as promised, I will give her the¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t, Grandma.¡± Franklin¡¯s voice raised a little, but he was able to control his emotions now. ¡°If


    Victoria will be promoted as general manager of the Griffith Group, it will ruin thepany¡¯s reputation


    ¡ª¡±

 chapter 21

    chapter 21


    ¡°Enough! Here you go again, Franklin. Have I not thought you a lesson before?¡±


    ¡°Grandma, please listen to me first.¡± He fished the envelope from his pocket and mmed it on the


    table.


    ¡°What is this?¡± His father was the first to open it and looked at the pictures. ¡°W-whoa! Mother, you


    should see these!¡±


    His father handed the pictures to his grandmother. Franklin saw how his grandmother¡¯s upper lip


    quivered out of anger. Her hands even clenched against the photographs.


    ¡°You see, Grandma, that wench is not worthy of what you promised her. She was relying on her body to


    get that deal. I wonder how Maximilian would feel if he knew that his wife, who acts like a saint,


    committed adultery with the new president of the LS Group.¡± Franklin crouched in front of his


    grandmother. ¡°But of course, we cannot let the public know about this scandal because it will surely


    affect our cooperation with the LS Group. The best thing we can do for now is not to let Victoria climb


    her way up to the top. We need to punish her for tarnishing the family¡¯s reputation this way.¡±


    ¡°Franklin is right, Mother. You should teach Victoria a lesson,¡± his father butt in. ¡°My son is the one who


    deserves the general manager¡¯s position. Don¡¯t be swayed by Victoria, Mother. You always favor the


    eldest son of the family. And that is what our family has been doing for generations.¡±


    ¡°You must reconsider your decision, Grandma.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been dedicating your life to thepany since your husband died. All you ever wanted is to


    climb to the top and make a legacy for your children and grandchildren. And I am sure if my father is


    still alive, he will not allow someone like Victoria to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I get your point,¡± his grandmother said firmly. ¡°I got overjoyed by the news and forgot to stick with my


    principles.¡±


    ¡°I do understand, Grandma.¡± Franklin smiled.


    ¡°We must protect our family¡¯s reputation and thepany.¡± His grandmother patted his cheek. ¡°As the


    eldest grandson of this family, you will be appointed as the new general manager.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Grandma. I know you will never fail me.¡± Franklin caught his grandmother¡¯s hand and


    brought her knuckles to his lips. ¡°This must be kept a secret between us three. I do not want any


    problems that will destroy our cooperation with the LS Group. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother.¡±


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Yes, Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Good. Then you two must head back to the office. I want to rest.¡±


    Franklin¡¯s father assisted her to the master bedroom while he headed outside the house and waited for


    him. After a few minutes, his father came out in a hurry.


    ¡°You have her tailed, don¡¯t you?¡± Franklin looked at his father andughed. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    He looked around first to check if no one was around, and when he was sure that the coast was clear,


    he told his father the truth.


    ¡°T-the pictures were fake?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Franklin lighted a cigarette. ¡°I hired a couple to act and have the woman¡¯s face edited. It¡¯s the


    power of technology, Father. Grandma¡¯s too old to know about this kind of stuff. There is no way she


    would find out that they were fake.¡±


    ¡°And how about your cousin?¡±


    Franklin caressed his chin.


    ¡°How would she know when it¡¯s a secret between the three of us? Unless you will spill the tea to the


    wrong person.¡±


    ¡°I am not insane, Franklin. I will not let your efforts go to waste.¡± His father tapped his back. ¡°I raised


    you well, son. You really know how to y this game.¡±


    ¡°Well, Victoria is the only na?ve in this family. The moment she decided to marry that son of a waste, I


    knew she is no good.¡±

 chapter 22

    chapter 22


    VICTORIA was hugging him when he woke up that morning. She was still sleeping, and Maximilian did


    not have the heart to wake her up, though he knew that she has to go to work early. He carefully


    removed her arm and tucked her under the nket before getting off the bed.


    Just like the usual, Maximilian prepared breakfast for his wife.


    He was setting up the table when Victoria appeared in the kitchen. She was dressed in her night robe,


    with its ties slightly loose.


    ¡°Stop leaning on the wall and sit here,¡± he said as he pulled a chair for her. But instead of sitting,


    Victoria went behind him and hugged him from there. ¡°What is this for?¡±


    ¡°Do I really need to have a reason to do this?¡± Victoria sounded like a kid. ¡°I just want to hug you.¡±


    Maximilianughed at that. He removed her arms and turned to face her.


    ¡°I think I know why you are acting cheesy.¡± He cupped her face. ¡°It¡¯s because our wedding anniversary


    is approaching.¡±


    Victoria just grinned. His wife never asked for anything on their special day. She would just stay with


    him all day and spend it the way she wanted it to be spent. Last year, they stayed at home and cuddled


    all day as they talked about the things they want to achieve in life in the future. She was always full of


    dreams. But this year, Maximilian has a different n. He wanted to give his wife the best now that he


    can afford anything.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°But before we n for our wedding anniversary celebration, we should prepare ourselves for the


    uing banquet first.¡± Victoria sat down.


    And so did he.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right.¡± Maximilian nodded agreeably.


    ¡°So, I am nning to visit the modiste today for my dress. You shoulde with me so we can buy a


    suit for you.¡±


    ¡°Suit again?¡± He scratched his head. ¡°Didn¡¯t you buy me a new suitst time when we attended your


    grandmother¡¯s birthday banquet¡ª¡±


    ¡°Max, you know that I am doing this for your sake, right?¡± Victoria reached for his hand and gently


    pressed it. ¡°A lot of bigwigs will be present at the banquet.¡± His wife sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not that I am ashamed


    of who you are. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t want my family to¡ª¡±


    ¡°We cannot stop your family, though. No matter how I look and what I wear, they will always find a way


    to humiliate me whenever they want.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be sorry. It¡¯s not your fault, anyway.¡± Maximilian smiled. ¡°You know what, we should


    cut the drama now, my dear wife. It will only make us lose our appetite. And that is quite bad because I


    prepared a lot.¡±


    Victoria briskly shook her head and smiled back at him.


    ¡°You know what, you were right, dear husband.¡±


    They bothughed and ate their breakfast in peace.


    RIGHT after breakfast, they went to his wife¡¯s favorite modiste in town. Victoria was busy choosing the


    fabric and design for her dress while Maximilian was sitting pretty on the couch, scanning through his


    cellphone. He was searching for a wedding anniversary gift that would fit Victoria when his wife


    suddenly called him.


    ¡°Max, are you with us?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± He unlocked his phone and pocketed it. Maximilian stood up and sauntered towards Victoria.


    ¡°What is it again?¡±


    ¡°Victoria was asking if the floral pattern looks good on her.¡± Jen, the modiste, smiled at him.


    He caressed Victoria¡¯s cheek with the back of his hand. ¡°Of course, anything will look good on you


    because you are beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ that was sweet.¡± Jen sped her hands and sighed dreamily.


    Victoria¡¯s cheeks blushed. She cleared her throat afterward and turned to the modiste. ¡°You still have


    my measurements from thest time, right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. But I think I should retake your measurements. Didn¡¯t you tell me that the dress I made you


    on your grandmother¡¯s birthday banquet seemed to be a little fitted on you?¡± Jen grabbed a pen and a


    piece of paper. ¡°It looks like someone is good at taking care of you,¡± she teased.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Maximilian smiled proudly.


    The two were in the middle of taking Victoria¡¯s measurements when his wife suddenly got a phone call.


    ¡°Max, there is something I need to do in the office. I¡¯m afraid I couldn¡¯t go with you to help you choose


    your suit for the banquet¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can manage. You should head to the office after this.¡±


    ¡°Max, promise me that you will buy a new suit.¡± Victoria looked at him sternly.


    Maximilian raised a hand. ¡°I promise.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± His wife smiled at him.

 chapter 23

    chapter 23


    MAXIMILIAN went to a jewelry store in town after dropping his wife at the office. He decided to buy her


    a ne as a gift for their wedding anniversary. And because he wanted to give her the best, he


    chose the most expensive brand in town.


    He went inside the store and looked for a design. All of them look pretty, but there was this particr


    ne that stands out. It was a gold one with a crescent moon pendant with a diamond that sits on


    the moon, representing a star. Maximilian was sure that his wife would look gorgeous on that.


    ¡°Hey, you!¡± He turned in the direction of the voice. ¡°Do not lean on the ss and take your hands off it,¡±


    said the sales assistant who approached him.


    ¡°Whoa, easy!¡± He put his hands up and made a few steps backward.


    The sales assistant gave her a once-over and sneered. ¡°You should leave.¡±


    Maximilian¡¯s lip twitched. There go the judging looks of everyone inside the jewelry store and the


    humiliation from the sales assistant. It seemed like it will always be a part of his life.


    ¡°Oh, I am here to buy a ne¡ª¡±


    ¡°Our nes here cost millions of dors. I bet¡­¡± The sales assistant looked at him again from head


    to toe. ¡°You cannot afford a twenty-million-dor ne.¡±


    He heard whispers, which he doubted so because it seemed like the onlookers intentionally made it


    loud so he could hear them.


    ¡°Guard! Take him out! Now!¡± said the sales assistant, who immediately turned her back.


    The security guards appeared and grabbed him by the arm. They drove Maximilian out of the jewelry


    store as if he were someone else¡¯s abandoned pet, making him angry. But despite the harsh treatment,


    he will not give up on that ne. He still wanted it for Victoria. So, he fished his phone and called


    the butler.


    ¡°Wilfred.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master? Is there anything I can help you with?¡± the butler asked in a polite tone.


    ¡°I need twenty million dors in cash, now.¡± He turned in the jewelry store¡¯s direction. Now, it was his


    time to get even with that sales assistant. ¡°Wilfred, are you still there?¡± Maximilian asked when he did


    not hear any response from the butler.


    ¡°Yes, Young Master, I am still here.¡±


    ¡°Can you bring it to me now, Wilfred?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I can. But first, I need to know what you are up to, Young Master. Twenty million dors is


    quite a¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am buying a present for my wife for our wedding anniversary. I am about to pay it in check, but this


    sales assistant humiliated me in front of others, telling me that I couldn¡¯t afford a twenty-million-dor


    ne!¡± Maximilian let out an exasperated sigh.


    ¡°I see. I aming then,¡± said Wilfred.


    ¡°Great! I will send you the address.¡±


    Maximilian waited on his car parked just across the jewelry store. He waited for almost an hour before


    Wilfred arrived. When he saw him got off the car with an attach¨¦ case, he immediately went out of his


    car.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± he asked, a little irritated.Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My apologies, Young Master. I just bagged you twenty million dors from the vault, and it wasn¡¯t that


    easy,¡± the butler exined.


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Maximilian grasped the butler¡¯s arm and tugged him inside the jewelry store.


    Everyone looked at them.


    ¡°What are you doing¡­¡± the sales assistant¡¯s voice trailed off when his butler put the attach¨¦ case down


    on the counter and opened it.


    ¡°My young master here wants to buy a ne. Here is his payment worth twenty million dors. You


    can check it by yourself,¡± Wilfred told the sales assistant with confidence. He was really fit for his job.


    Maximilian¡¯s lip twitched when he saw the sales assistant¡¯s face turned pale. And when his eyes


    wandered, he saw everyone in awe.


    ¡°I¡­¡± the sales assistant swallowed hard and turned in Maximilian¡¯s direction afterward.


    ¡°What did you say a while ago?¡± He pocketed his hands and shed a smug smile on his face. ¡°Come


    on, say it again.¡±


    The sales assistant shifted her gaze back and forth to him and the butler. She was teary-eyed at that


    moment and was about to cry any minute.


    ¡°I¡­ I am sorry,¡± the sales assistant said in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Your apology is toote. You already humiliated me,¡± Maximilian said in a cold


    tone.

 chapter 24

    chapter 24


    ¡°SO, is this how you treat people?¡± the butler asked the sales assistant, who still looked mortified.


    ¡°Judging them by how they look from the outside?¡±


    The sales assistant sped her hands together. ¡°I am really, really sorry. I didn¡¯t know¡ª¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know because instead of asking, you judged him so easily and asked the guards to threw


    him out.¡± Wilfred sounded so calm, yet his words cut like a knife. ¡°And I do hope that you know the


    price you have to pay sooner. I am not letting you off the hook.¡±


    ¡°S-sir, I¡­¡±


    The sales assistant tried to reach Maximilian¡¯s hands, but he moved away.


    ¡°Where is your boss?¡± Wilfred asked sternly. ¡°We would like a word with the owner.¡±


    A beautiful, sophisticated woman appeared from the door behind the counter and came over.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± the woman said. ¡°What is going on here?¡±


    Maximilian and Wilfred turned to the woman.


    ¡°Are you the owner?¡± Wilfred asked politely.


    ¡°Ah, no. I am the store¡¯s manager. I can escort you to the boss. But first, I want to know what is going


    on here,¡± the woman told them.


    ¡°Well, your staff here humiliated my young master in front of everyone. We would like to talk to the


    boss, personally,¡± Wilfred informed the store manager.


    ¡°O-oh¡­ I see.¡± The store manager scowled at the sales assistant and turned to them again. ¡°I am sorry


    about that. I will let the boss know about this.¡±


    ¡°It would be good if we can talk with the boss,¡± said Wilfred.


    ¡°Of course, you will. Please wait a moment.¡± The store manager grasped the sales assistant¡¯s arm and


    tugged her.


    Maximilian heard the two having a heated discussion as they walked away from them.


    ¡°Will you forgive that sales assistant, Young Master?¡± Wilfred asked afterward.


    ¡°What do you think, Wilfred? Should I or should I not?¡± He pocketed his hands and turned in his


    direction.


    The butler looked at him for a while and shrugged.


    ¡°I have no right to interfere with your decisions, Young Master. I am here to follow whatever you asked


    me to do because it¡¯s what I am paid for.¡± Wilfred told him. He put his hands behind him and bowed.


    Maximilian knew he was just a mere human, and he must forgive. That was what his foster mother had


    always told him. But then a voice at the back of his head kept telling him that he must also teach


    people a lesson, especially now that he has the means of doing so. He might not be able to punish all


    the bad guys out there, but at least, he could do that to those who do him and his wife wrong.


    ¡°You know what, I realized there are people who deserve forgiveness, and there are some who do not.


    With the kind of life that I have lived so far, I learned to know what people deserve by how they treated


    me.¡±


    ¡°The boss will see you now,¡± the store manager informed them when she returned.


    ¡°Great,¡± Maximilian said and followed her to the boss¡¯s office.


    A middle-aged woman dressed finely wearing aplete set of expensive jewelry weed them


    when they went inside the office. It was just her and the sales assistant who humiliated Maximilian, so


    he assumed it was the jewelry store owner.


    ¡°Hello¡­ let me introduce myself, misters. I¡¯m Olivia, the owner.¡± The woman smiled warmly and shook


    hands with them. ¡°Please, have a seat.¡±


    Maximilian sat on the chair across from the store owner while the butler stood next to his seat. He then


    turned his gaze to the sales assistant that humiliated him, who looked anxious as she sat beside the


    boss. It was funny how can some people act as if they were mighty and then tucked their tails between


    their legs after knowing what the other party was capable of.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    He turned to the store owner afterward.


    ¡°Well, I guess your store manager had briefed you about what happened earlier.¡± Maximilian cocked his


    head to the side.


    ¡°Uhm¡­ yes. I already heard about what happened.¡± Olivia heaved a sigh. ¡°I know what my employee


    did was wrong, so I want to apologize. We are not tolerating that kind of attitude.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you shouldn¡¯t tolerate such attitude. It¡¯s bad for the business.¡± He nodded consecutively.


    The sales assistant stood up and bowed. ¡°Again, I am sorry.¡±


    Maximilian just looked at her as she exited the boss¡¯s office.


    ¡°I hope this incident would not affect our store as a whole. My other employees aren¡¯t like that,¡± said


    Olivia. ¡°And I do hope that we will see you again in the future. We will be d to serve you.¡±


    ¡°Well, I mighte back if you assure me that I will not see her face¡ª¡±


    ¡°I already fired her.¡±

 chapter 25

    chapter 25


    Maximilian nced in the direction of the door when it opened. The store manager came in carrying a


    velvet box, followed by a male sales assistant who carried the attach¨¦ case Wilfred brought earlier. The


    employees put them down on the coffee table between their seats and exited the office. He eyed them


    for a moment and looked at the store owner, who was now smiling widely at him.


    ¡°I really feel bad about what happened, and this is the only thing I know to somehow make it up to you.


    Please ept the ne as a token of my apology and take your money back, Mr. Lee.¡±


    ¡°O-oh¡­¡± Maximilian did not know how to react. It was the first time someone did that to him. And the


    price of the ne was no joke. He turned to the butler. ¡°What do you think, Wilfred?¡±


    ¡°Well, in my opinion, why not?¡±


    Olivia nodded at him. ¡°Take it, Mr. Lee.¡±


    He picked the velvet box and opened it. A smile curved on his lips as he imagined the ne around


    his wife¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Thank you, Olivia,¡± he said as he closed the velvet box again. ¡°I will bring my wife here next time and


    buy your jewelry¡­ for real.¡±


    MAXIMILIAN was on his way to his car when he took out his phone from his pocket. He searched for a


    good restaurant around the ce where he can make a reservation for their anniversary dinner when


    suddenly something caught his attention. A video originally shared on the Tiktok app appeared on his


    newsfeed. And the incident was familiar to him because it was the same scene that happened at the


    jewelry store. The uploader took his side profile, and their distance was a bit far, so it was still hard to


    see his face on the video. His lips twitched as he read thement threads on the post. Most of the


    commenters were on his side, and they were discussing how wealthy he was to pay for a twenty-


    million-dor ne in cold cash. Some could not believe that a man like him, looking so ordinary,


    could be that wealthy. They assume that he has this high position in society, perhaps a son of a


    wealthy family. Some even imed that they knew him, but he doubted that. Up until now, Maximilian


    has not shown his real identity in public.


    ¡°Young Master.¡±


    He turned in the butler¡¯s direction when he heard him called. ¡°Oh, you are still here. I thought you


    already left.¡±


    ¡°What are you so upied into?¡± Wilfred asked nonchntly and moved closer to him.


    He showed him the video on his phone.


    ¡°It seems that the public has a high expectation of you.¡± The butler cleared his throat. ¡°You made quite


    a scene back there.¡±


    ¡°Did I?¡± His brows furrowed.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Wilfred sighed. ¡°Young Master, little by little, you are getting the public¡¯s attention. Sooner


    orter, the intrigue will drive everyone to dig into your real identity. So, I am wondering when you will


    reveal that you are the heir¡ª¡±


    Maximilian raised his hand, beckoning him to stop talking. ¡°Wilfred, I will reveal my identity when I feel


    that it is the right time to do so. For now, I am still enjoying the moment as I watch from the sidelines. It


    is¡­ thrilling.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, here is the money.¡± Wilfred handed him the attach¨¦ case full of money.


    ¡°Why are you giving this to me?¡±


    ¡°Well, because it is yours, Young Master.¡±Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to bring this back¡ª¡±


    ¡°I already pulled it out, and I am afraid that once I tell your father that I brought you the money, there is


    no reason for me to take it back.¡±


    He was about to say something when the butler hopped inside the car and sped away.


    ¡°How am I supposed to hide this money from Victoria?¡± He lowered his gaze on the attach¨¦ case. ¡°I


    don¡¯t even have a bank ount. Ah, Wilfred¡­¡± Maximilian groaned and crossed the street to get into


    his car.


    He did not know if the butler was trying to annoy him or something.


    But before thinking where he could hide the money, he needed to make a reservation first.

 chapter 26

    chapter 26


    HE pulled over to the parking lot of a top local restaurant in town. Based on his research, it has the


    highest ratings amongst itspetitors. The food was excellent, cooked by five stars Michelin chefs. It


    has a beautiful ambiance, suitable for special asions like anniversaries and wedding proposals, and


    the service was incredibly great. Well, it was kinda exaggerated for him, though. Somewhat, all


    restaurants are the same. Trying to give the best service they know to gain or attract customers.


    Maximilian was about to get off his car when his phone rang. His wife was calling him, and he had a


    hunch what that was about.


    ¡°Max, where are you now? Did you go to the¡ª¡±


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°I decided to have my suit tailored. A friend of mine rmended a great tailor, and I am heading to


    his shop to see him now.¡± Ah, now he needed to ask Wilfred for a tailor-made suit.


    ¡°Heading there? Just now?¡± Victoria sounded like she was in doubt.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And why, Max? We parted for a couple of hours already.¡±


    ¡°I dropped by to the hospice because my mother wants to see me.¡± There go the lies again. It was


    starting to be a habit, and it kinda made him feel bad for Victoria.


    ¡°O-oh¡­ How is she? Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that she asked me to run some errands on her behalf.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Then, let me know how much¡ª¡±


    ¡°No need to worry about it, Victoria. I can pay for my suit,¡± he said confidently.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, Max¡ª¡±


    ¡°I have money. I have enough to pay for my own suit. So¡­ don¡¯t worry about it and get back to work.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He heard Victoria heaved a sigh. ¡°`Bye.¡±


    Maximilian got off the car when the call ended.


    He was walking towards the entrance of the restaurant when the doorman suddenly blocked his way.


    He even pushed him to the chest, making his blood boil. Maximilian knew what that was for.


    ¡°You are not allowed to go inside,¡± the doorman with a loud baritone voice muttered as he gave him a


    once-over.


    ¡°Oh, is it chartered at the moment?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No. You are not allowed toe in because you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Again. Damn it.¡± Maximilian gritted his teeth. Did he really have to experience discrimination two times


    in a row?


    He stood there for a while, trying to think of a way to convince the doorman to let him in when he saw


    someone he knew walked past the door.


    ¡°Sarah!¡± he called. But the woman seemed busy talking with a customer. ¡°See that girl? I know her,¡±


    Maximilian told the doorman as he pointed at Sarah.


    The doorman beckoned a waiter and told him to call Sarah.


    ¡°Why¡ªMaximilian, why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ uhm¡ª¡±


    ¡°You see, you don¡¯t belong in ces like this, Maximilian,¡± she cut him off.


    He sneered. ¡°I was hoping that you could help me get in, but it seems to me that¡ª¡±


    ¡°This is my workce, Max. I won¡¯t do anything that will bring me trouble or anything.¡± Sarah looked at


    him from head to toe. ¡°And look at you. How can you walk around the town looking like that and hoping


    that you can get inside a top restaurant? We have a strict dress code policy here. If I were you, I would


    go home¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait. Do you hold a grudge against me, Sarah?¡± There was a hint of bitterness in her voice.


    He saw her hands clenched to her sides.


    ¡°Maximilian¡­ you know what¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been years since it happened.¡± He shrugged. ¡°Come on, Sarah, it¡¯s all in the past now.¡±

 chapter 27

    chapter 27


    Sarah Francis was his schoolmate way back in college. She has a thing for him. Actually, Sarah


    confessed her feelings for him at that time, but he chose to reject her. There was nothing wrong with


    her, though. In fact, Sarah was charming and cool to be with. But Maximilian was the problem. He


    thought he does not deserve love and attention. Because if he did, why would his father choose to


    abandon him? He was afraid to love and be loved, then gets dumped in the end. And he had been


    feeling that way for so long until he met his wife, Victoria. Sarah failing to make him realize that only


    meant that they were not fated for each other.


    ¡°You know what¡­¡± Sarah¡¯s lips quivered. ¡°Seeing you now, I regret confessing my love for you back


    then. I wonder what made me like you, Maximilian. Am I bewitched or what? Look at you now¡­


    walking in town looking like a loser. No wonder your inws see you as a waste.¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± Maximilian could not help but feel irritated.


    ¡°You better leave, Maximilian. There is no way that you will be allowed to enter the restaurant.¡±


    It hits differently because he somehow expected that Sarah would not treat him like that. Well, given


    their past, perhaps it was wrong to expect from her. Sarah scowled at him before leaving.


    Maximilian did not leave and fished his phone instead. He really liked that restaurant, and there is


    nothing that can stop him now from chartering that. Not now when he has the means.


    He called the butler for the second time that day, who answered the call after a couple of rings.


    ¡°Young Master,¡± Wilfred greeted nonchntly.


    ¡°Where are you now? Are you home already?¡± Maximilian sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to disturb you, Wilfred.


    I know you have a lot of errands to do for my father, but I really need your help to settle something¡ª¡±


    ¡°Again?¡± He heard the sound of a creaking door in the background.


    ¡°Well¡­ yeah.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, what is this about now, Young Master?¡±


    ¡°Aside from giving my wife a present, I want to surprise her too with a romantic dinner. So, I n to


    charter this top local restaurant that I saw online, and guess what? The doorman wouldn¡¯t let me in.


    And there is this woman I know working at the restaurant, but just like the others she¡­¡± Maximilian


    paused and let out an exasperated sigh. And when he looked around, he saw the onlookers¡¯ eyes were


    all fixed at him. ¡°Why am I getting this kind of attention? Jeez!¡±


    ¡°First thing first, do not lose your cool, okay? I couldn¡¯t be there instantly because I have to do


    something important that your father ordered me to do. So, you stay out of trouble. I wille for you


    in an hour or two.¡±


    ¡°Wait. What? An hour or two is too long, Wilfred. I still need to fetch my wife at the office.¡± He ran his


    fingers through his hair. ¡°Maybe you can make use of my father¡¯s connection to make this work?¡±


    ¡°Well, then, tell me the name of the restaurant, and I will see if I can make a way.¡±


    Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Romanticos,¡± he immediately told him.


    ¡°Ah, I think you won¡¯t be needing me there, Young Master.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, Wilfred? Of course, I need you here!¡±


    ¡°That restaurant¡­ is one of your family¡¯s property, Young Master. So, I am going to give the manager a


    call and tell her that you are there,¡± the butler exined.


    ¡°O-oh¡­¡± His lips twitched. ¡°Does it mean that I can do whatever I wish?¡±


    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±


    ¡°Great, that¡¯s really great.¡± Maximilian ended the call and turned to the doorman. ¡°Call that girl again,¡±


    he ordered authoritatively.


    The doorman¡¯s brows furrowed.


    ¡°Sarah Francis.¡±


    It was time to turn the tables.

 chapter 28

    chapter 28


    ¡°WHAT the hell are you still doing here, Maximilian? Didn¡¯t I told you to leave?¡± Sarah said in a stern


    tone when she saw him again. She looked really annoyed.


    Maximilian stood straight with his arms folded over his chest.


    ¡°I would like to speak with the manager of this restaurant¡ª¡± His sentence was interrupted by a call. It


    was the butler. ¡°Wait for a second. Hello, Wilfred, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I phoned Loraine just like I said. Unfortunately, she was on maternity leave. But don¡¯t worry, she


    assured me that she will call the manager in charge to ry the message.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± The call ended, so he returned his attention to Sarah. ¡°As I was saying earlier, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you nuts, Maximilian?¡± Sarah scoffed and shook her head. ¡°Of course, I will not do what you want.


    Do you really think my manager will leave his post just to talk and hear aint from someone like


    you? Why don¡¯t you just go downtown and maybe buy your meal on a food truck? Stop wasting our


    time here.¡±


    She was about to turn her back when he spoke again.


    ¡°You know what, Sarah, people like you should stop treating people like me this way.¡± There was a


    warning in his voice. ¡°Let me tell you something¡­¡± Maximilian leaned forward and whispered in her


    ear, ¡°You are going to regret thister. I promise you.¡±


    Sarah pushed him away. ¡°Are you threatening me, Maximilian?¡±


    ¡°Why? Were you threatened?¡± He sneered.


    ¡°You!¡± Sarah poked his chest. ¡°You wait here.¡±


    SHE turned her back on Maximilian and scoffed. If he thought that she would call the manager, he was


    wrong because she would ask the security to take him away from the restaurant.


    Sarah was only a few steps away from the security guard when she saw the manager rushing to the


    entrance.


    ¡°Sir,¡± she said as she stood on his way.


    The manager lightly pushed her to the side. ¡°Excuse me, I am in a hurry to meet a very important


    person.¡±


    Her brows furrowed. Who was that very important person her manager was referring to? She should


    have known about that person in advance, right? Sarah¡¯s gaze followed the manager, and she was


    shocked to see the manager panic upon seeing Maximilian Lee. So, instead of calling the security


    guard, she went back to the restaurant¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°Sir, I am sorry for not attending to you as early as possible. I just got a call from my colleague,¡± the


    manager told Maximilian that shocked her to the bone. He spoke to him in a gentle and polite voice as


    though he was a son of a royal.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    But Sarah was sure that Maximilian did note from a wealthy family. He did not even manage to


    finish college. They were in their first year when she first saw him, and in their third year, she just


    learned that he stopped going to the university because his foster mother got sick. Maybe the manager


    was treating him like that because he was a son-inw of the Griffiths. The family recently made its


    way to the top after signing cooperation with the LS Group. The samepany owned the restaurant


    where she works.


    ¡°So, what can I do for you, Mr. Lee?¡±


    Sarah was suddenly pulled out of her reverie when she heard the manager asked Maximilian.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t introduced yourself,¡± said Maximilian, who threw a nce in her direction afterward.


    ¡°Oh! My apologies for not introducing myself to you, Sir. I¡¯m Pete.¡± The manager shook hands with


    Maximilian.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Pete. Anyway, I came here because I want to charter this restaurant for my


    uing wedding anniversary celebration.¡± Maximilian looked at her again, which is kinda annoying


    because of that smug look on his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s romantic,¡± said the manager.


    ¡°Yeah, of course. I want the best for my wife.¡±


    She straightened her back when the manager turned in her direction.


    ¡°Sarah.¡± Sir Pete beckoned her toe over.


    She sauntered towards them. ¡°Yes, Sir?¡±


    ¡°Could you please go to the kitchen and tell our chefs to prepare our bestsellers so that Mr. Lee could


    have a taste test?¡±


    ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± She turned her back and was about to head to the kitchen when the manager


    spoke again. ¡°And oh, please set the table on the Eden¡¯s Hall so Mr. Lee could have a glimpse of the


    venue.¡±


    Sarah just gave a thumbs up and left.

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    chapter 29


    After informing the chefs, she immediately asked the staff to clean and set the table on Eden¡¯s Hall just


    like the manager instructed. And now, she wondered what was with Maximilian for his manager to exert


    such effort to impress him. He and his wife celebrating their wedding anniversary in Eden¡¯s Hall? Since


    Sarah started working at Romaticos, the only people who chartered the restaurant and used their


    grandest hall were executives of first-ratepanies and politicians from different states and countries.


    Where would he get the money to pay for everything?


    But wait, why did she even bother to think about it? She holds a grudge against him, so she should not


    concern herself about his future problems. It was his life, after all. Sarah let out a sigh and shook her


    head. She must pull herself together before facing Maximilian once again.


    ¡°Miss Sarah, we are all set,¡± one of the staff informed her.


    ¡°Oh!¡± She sped her hands together. ¡°Great. Go to the kitchen and check if the food is ready. I will go


    to the manager¡¯s office and call them.¡±


    She went out of Eden¡¯s Hall feeling anxious.


    When she arrived at the manager¡¯s office, Sir Pete and Maximilian were about to go out.


    ¡°Oh, Sarah. Mr. Lee and I were wondering if you¡¯re done,¡± the manager told her.


    ¡°Yes, Sir. Everything is set. The food will be served any minute now.¡± She gazed at Maximilian, who


    was looking at her too. It suddenly made her feel uneasy. Sarah looked away and gestured at the


    hallway. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°After you, Mr. Lee.¡± Sir Pete opened the door widely.


    As they walked through the hallway going to Eden¡¯s Hall, Sarah could not help but listen to the


    conversation. All she could hear was Maximilian¡¯s n on his special day with his wife and the


    manager¡¯s suggestions.


    This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Maximilian settled on the table first while the manager waited for her to get inside.


    ¡°Sarah, I know you are good at your work, but still, I want you to give your best to please Mr. Lee,


    okay?¡± Sir Pete told her. ¡°He is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Son-inw of the Griffiths. I know about it, he is my ssmate back in college and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God, Sarah! Really? You know him personally?¡±


    Her forehead formed a knot as she met the manager¡¯s gaze. ¡°Y-yes. As I was saying, he was my


    ssmate.¡±


    Sir Pete leaned forward and whispered, ¡°Then, something good is about to happen.¡±


    ¡°W-wait. What are you talking about, Sir? I¡­ ah¡­ I couldn¡¯t follow.¡±


    ¡°Were you lying a while ago, Sarah? Because if yes¡ª¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She shook her head. ¡°Of course, I am not lying.¡±


    ¡°Then, if you do know him personally, why are you so clueless?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­¡± Sarah scratched her head. ¡°Your actions confused me. I know he is the son-inw of the


    Griffiths¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just that, Sarah. Jeez!¡± The manager shook his head and grasped her arm. ¡°He is connected to


    the chairman of the LS Group. So, you better please him or else¡­ you know what will happen.¡±


    Sarah¡¯s jaw dropped, and her body seemed to be frozen. Was that a joke? Did Maximilian pull a prank


    at the manager, pretending he was someone connected to the chairman? How did that happen?


    ¡°Sarah? Hey.¡± Sir Pete snapped his fingers in front of her face, pulling her out of trance.


    ¡°Y-yes, Sir?¡± She swallowed hard.


    The manager gave her a light pat on her back. ¡°You can do this, right?¡±


    ¡°No¡ªI mean, yes. N-no problem.¡± Sarah faked a smile.


    She turned in Maximilian¡¯s direction, who was sittingfortably with his hands folded over his chest.


    There goes that smug smile on his lips again. Then, she suddenly remembered how she treated him an


    hour ago. Now, she was worried about her future at work.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Sir Pete said and sauntered towards the table.


    But Sarah¡¯s feet seemed to be stuck. It took her a couple of seconds before she mustered the courage


    to walk towards Maximilian.

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    chapter 30


    ¡°YOU do have a great taste, Sarah,¡± said Maximilian without breaking eye contact. ¡°I love your


    suggestions, and I would like that on our wedding anniversary to make my wife happy.¡±


    Sarah was ttered to hear Maximilian said that. It only meant that she seeded in pleasing him.


    Perhaps he would forgive her for mistreating him when he got there. But it would be better if he had


    already forgotten that.


    ¡°Oh, anything for you, Sir,¡± she said with a smile stered on her face. ¡°Anyway, how¡¯s your wife? I


    was quite surprised when I learned that you and Victoria got married. You know¡­ I thought you wanted


    to stay single.¡± Sarah tried to sound as casual as she can. She was cautious in every word that she


    said. Better to be safe than sorry.


    ¡°Victoria?¡± Maximilian smiled proudly. His eyes seemed to twinkle too¡ªemotions that she had not seen


    before. ¡°Well, she is quite busy with office work these days. But she is doing fine. And she remains as


    pretty as before.¡±


    ¡°Of course, she was our campus sweetheart back then.¡± And she could not help but wonder why a


    woman like Victoria married a man like him. Sarah wondered if Victoria ever felt regret choosing


    Maximilian like she felt now. Well, she would never know. ¡°Send my regards to your wife. I hope we can


    see each other again.¡±


    Maximilian¡¯s lip twitched. She did not know why he did that. Well, he must find it absurd that the woman


    who was rude to him at first was now sending regards to his wife. Well, it was all part of the act. Sarah


    managed to smile.


    ¡°I will tell her. Maybe she will recall you. You were Victoria¡¯s greatest rival, after all.¡±


    Her mouth opened, but she decided to close it again. She had to control her anger, or else everything


    would go in vain. Sarah just took a deep breath and let out a shortugh.


    That was the scene when the manager came back to Eden¡¯s Hall after taking an important phone call.


    ¡°Again, Mr. Lee, I am sorry about that. There is a family emergency,¡± Sir Pete said apologetically.


    ¡°Oh, if it¡¯s an emergency, then you should head home,¡± Maximilian told the manager.


    ¡°No need, Sir. My wife already settled it. Anyway, is everything okay? Do you want to add any details


    for the surprise dinner date?¡±


    ¡°I am happy with the details. You can proceed with that.¡± Maximilian turned to her with a poker face.


    ¡°That¡¯s great to hear.¡± Sir Pete patted her shoulder and smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve done a great job, Sarah.


    Because you sessfully pleased Mr. Lee, I will give you a sry raise and a promotion¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Maximilian chimed in, cutting the manager¡¯s words.


    Sarah abruptly turned in his direction.


    ¡°What do you mean, Mr. Lee?¡± Sir Pete asked with a knotted forehead.


    ¡°Sarah may have pleased me, but she had done something wrong.¡± Maximilian arched a brow. ¡°Why


    don¡¯t you tell your manager how you belittle me before when you saw me outside the restaurant as the


    doorman blocked my way?¡±


    The manager grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away from Maximilian.


    ¡°What is he saying, Sarah? What the hell happened?¡± Sir Pete asked through gritted teeth.


    Her heart started racing in panic. She was wrong when she thought that she could get out of that mess


    smoothly. Maximilian only pretended to be swayed. Sarah forgot how sly he was.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    But even before she could finish her sentence, Maximilian already reached them.


    ¡°Sarah told me that I am not wee here. Perhaps she thought I couldn¡¯t afford to charter a ce like


    this.¡±


    ¡°Is that true, Sarah?¡± the manager¡¯s voice was loud; it echoed inside the hall.


    She bit her lower lip. ¡°Sir¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare lie, Sarah,¡± Maximilian warned.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± she cried. ¡°Sir, I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡± She was not able to finish her sentence when her


    manager¡¯s palmnded on her cheek.


    ¡°How dare you to speak that way to our customer. Of all people, you did that to Mr. Lee!¡± Sarah cupped


    her cheek and looked at her manager. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done that to him or to anyone!¡±


    ¡°Sir, I swear I regret doing that¡­ I let my emotions¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your emotions, Sarah! This is your workce, and there is no ce for your


    personal issues.¡±


    The manager opened the door and called for security.


    ¡°Sir¡­¡± She fell to her knees. ¡°Please forgive me, just this once¡­ I promise not to do it again¡­¡± she


    cried.


    Sir Pete nced at Maximilian before looking at her. ¡°You will still get the whole month¡¯s sry and


    your separation pay despite what happened. It¡¯s the only thing I can do for you.¡±


    ¡°Sir! Please¡­ no¡­ don¡¯t fire me¡­¡± Sarah begged as she cried in front of them. She rubbed her palms


    against one another as she continued shedding tears. ¡°I can¡¯t afford to lose this job.¡±


    She turned to Maximilian, who was looking at her with a poker face.


    ¡°Get out now,¡± said the manager in a firm tone.


    But Sarah could not just lose her job like that. She was willing to do everything to keep her ce in that


    restaurant. She clutched on Maximilian¡¯s leg and cried.


    ¡°I am so sorry for what I have done to you earlier. Please, help me, just this once. I have a family to


    feed¡­ I beg you, Maximilian¡­¡±


    He did not speak nor move an inch. Sarah saw the old Maximilian¡ªcold. She slowly let go of his leg.


    Soon, the security guards came inside the hall and dragged her out. Now, her life was doomed. She


    lost her job in just a blink of an eye.


    If Sarah regretted having feelings for Maximilian Lee back then, now she regretted meeting him.


    ¡°MR. LEE, I am really sorry. If I knew beforehand¡ª¡±


    Maximilian wagged his hand. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter now. It¡¯s already settled, anyway.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± The manager nodded agreeably. ¡°How about Sarah¡¯s suggestions, would you like to change it


    or¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t change anything. Despite her rudeness towards me, I still like her suggestions, so we will


    push through with that.¡± He pocketed his hands and smile.


    ¡°O-oh¡­ I see. Then, what is your preferred time for your dinner date?¡±


    ¡°Seven in the evening will do.¡±


    The manager jotted down his preferred time. ¡°If there is anything else that you need, you can call me.¡±


    Maximilian checked his wristwatch.


    ¡°Thank you, Pete. My wife and I will see you soon.¡±


    He was about to leave the hall when the manager caught up to him.


    ¡°I almost forgot. We prepared something for you and your wife.¡± The manager smiled at him. ¡°Please


    wait for a while, and I¡¯ll go get it to the kitchen.¡±


    Maximilian nodded in response. It only took the manager a couple of minutes to return from the kitchen.


    After receiving the takeout food and wine, he left the restaurant. He then drove to the Griffith Group¡¯s


    office to fetch Victoria. Just like before, Maximilian and his wife talked about how each other¡¯s day went


    on their way home. Of course, he lied to her because he did not want to spoil the surprise that she


    prepared.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go change my clothes,¡± Victoria said before getting off of the car.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be at the kitchen preparing our dinner,¡± he told her with a grin.


    Victoria smiled and patted his cheek, then she finally got off. While he collected the paper bags from


    the backseat of the car and headed straight to the kitchen.


    ¡°MAX, this is too much food for just the two of us!¡± Victoria eximed when she saw the food on the


    table. They all looked delicious, and she could feel her mouth watery at that moment with just the sight


    of it. ¡°Where did you get all these?¡±


    Her husbandughed as he pulled a chair for her.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°From the restaurant, of course.¡±


    Victoria rolled her eyes ceilingward. ¡°Yeah, right.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me where did I get the money to buy us these meals?¡± He picked the bottle


    and poured wine on their sses.


    ¡°I know you, Max. You always treat me whenever you won the lottery.¡± Victoria picked a ss and


    sipped some wine.


    ¡°Yes, I won the lottery.¡± Maximilian sat across her and sipped his wine too. ¡°Anyway, do you still


    remember Sarah, that girl from college?¡±


    Her brows furrowed. ¡°You mean Sarah Franklin, that cheerleader?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Sarah Francis,¡± Maximilian shook his head. ¡°You barely recall her.¡±


    ¡°Franklin or Francis, whatever her surname is, as long as we are talking about the same girl.¡± She put


    the ss down and picked her utensils. Then, she started slicing her meat forcibly despite its soft


    texture. She just could not help it. The woman was her greatest rival. She was also the only woman


    who made her feel jealous. ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s with her?¡± She looked at Maximilian with a fake smile.


    ¡°It seems to me that you are jealous just by hearing her name.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Me? Jealous? Of course not. Why would I be jealous when I already have you as


    my husband?¡±


    Victoria sneered when her husbandughed heartily. He seemed to enjoy teasing her.


    ¡°Anyways¡­¡± He started eating his meal. ¡°She used to work at the restaurant where I got these.¡±


    She halted from popping the slice of steak into her mouth. ¡°Did you¡­ catch up with her?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡± Maximilian even demonstrated that little with his fingers.


    ¡°So, how is she?¡±


    Maximilian scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯ll be fine after that.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She could not help but grow curious.


    ¡°Well, I saw her got fired.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that was¡­ sad.¡±

 chapter 31

    chapter 31


    THE day of the banquet hase. Victoria was nervous and excited at the same time. It felt like a


    judgement day, but on the contrary, a good thing was about to happen¡ªher much-awaited promotion


    as the Griffith Group¡¯s new general manager.


    ¡°Do you need a hand?¡±


    She turned her gaze in the direction of the bedroom¡¯s door and found her husband leaning on the door


    frame, still dressed in his wet exercise clothes. She did not know why he had to do some exercise just


    when there were leaving.


    ¡°Max, if you don¡¯t move now, we will bete for the banquet. You know Grandma will give us a scolding


    and maybe a beating if we arete.¡± She shook her head and still try to zip the back of her dress on her


    own. Through the mirror, she saw him sauntered towards her and zipped her dress for her. ¡°Thank


    you.¡±


    ¡°We are not runningte. You just prepared way too early because you are so excited.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I am. Aren¡¯t you excited too? Our lives are about to change.¡±


    ¡°I am excited to see your cousins¡¯ gloomy faces¡ª¡±


    ¡°Max¡­¡± she said in a firm tone. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be happy for someone else¡¯s downfall. And besides¡­¡±


    Victoria heaved a sigh and sat on the chair. ¡°Whether my cousins, especially the male ones, have a


    position on thepany or none, it doesn¡¯t mean that they won¡¯t be getting any favors from my


    grandmother.¡±


    ¡°Are you worried?¡± Maximilian crouched in front of her and caught her hands. He gently squeezed


    them, which brought herfort somehow.


    ¡°I told you before, I am worried about Franklin. He is capable of everything¡­ anything.¡± She bit her lip.


    ¡°Well, it seems to me that he epted his defeat this time. Look, everything is going on smoothly, isn¡¯t


    it?¡±


    Victoria faked a smile to show him that she agrees with him. But truth be told, that was the thing that


    bothers her the most. The calm before the storm, as what they say. She could not help but think that


    her cousin Franklin was doing something behind her back.


    ¡°Come on, Victoria, this is your day!¡± He patted her cheek and stood up.


    ¡°And you should hurry up,¡± she told Maximilian, changing the course of their conversation.


    ¡°Aye, aye, Madam!¡± He grinned and then headed to the bathroom.


    After a few seconds, Victoria stood up and picked her phone from the bedside table. She phoned her


    grandmother¡¯s secretary, who answered her call after a couple of rings.


    ¡°Yes, Victoria?¡± asked Charlotte.


    She cleared her throat. ¡°Is everything okay there?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, everything looks fine. The guests started to arrive as well as your rtives. Aren¡¯t youing


    here yet?¡±


    She heard voices in the background, guests chitchatting with one another.


    ¡°Max and I are getting ready. We will be there soon.¡±


    ¡°Is the president of the LS Group reallying?¡± Charlotte lowered her voice a bit. The voices in the


    background became distant too. ¡°Everyone here is anticipating¡­¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I do send him an invite through Vanessa. But she said she cannot guarantee that he wille.¡±


    ¡°It would be nice if hees. There are a lot of tales and spections about him on and off the


    inte. He should end them now.¡±


    ¡°What tales?¡± Victoria¡¯s brows furrowed.


    ¡°Oh, gosh! You are so outdated. You should browse the inte at least once a day.¡± Charlotte


    laughed. ¡°Anyway, back to the topic, I heard from some guests that he was spotted on a jewelry store.


    There¡¯s this video circting that captured him. And that he went to one of the top restaurants in town.


    Things like that¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow, I think there is already too much scoop there.¡± She nced at the bathroom door. Her husband


    was noting out yet. ¡°I think I should tell my dear Maximilian to hurry up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are missing a lot, you know.¡± She heard someone called Charlotte. ¡°Anyway, I have to hang


    up. See youter.¡±


    ¡°Hm¡­¡±


    The call ended the same time her husband exited the bathroom.


    ¡°Who was that?¡± Maximilian asked as he dried his hair with a towel.


    ¡°Charlotte. I was just asking how things are going.¡±


    Her husband pulled the chair in front of the vanity mirror and sat there. ¡°Can you fix my hair for me?¡±


    Victoria smiled. ¡°Of course. Anything for you, my dear.¡±


    THE banquet hall Mrs. Griffith chartered was already filled with guests when Victoria and Maximilian


    arrived. Rtives, business tycoons, and a few politicians close to the family were present.


    He grabbed two flutes of champagne from the waiter who walked past them and handed one of the


    flutes to Victoria. His n was to sit in a corner and silently watch the happenings, but his wife has


    another n. When he was about to leave Victoria¡¯s side, she clutched an arm to him and whispered to


    his ear.


    ¡°Stay beside me, Max. I want you to be with me the whole time¡­¡±


    He took a sip of champagne and walked with her towards the crowd. They were almost halfway to the


    hall when Victoria¡¯s cousin, Iris, appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Well¡­ well¡­ look who is finally here!¡± Iris gave his wife a peck on the cheek and smiled at him. ¡°Oh,


    Victoria, you look gorgeous tonight!¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ thank you,¡± Victoria replied sweetly.


    ¡°Your dress looks ssy too. Where did you buy it?¡± Iris took a sip of her champagne without looking


    away.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the same modiste.¡±


    ¡°You used to call my wife¡¯s dress a low-cost fashion, didn¡¯t you?¡± Maximilian chimed in. ¡°What¡¯s gotten


    into you now, Iris?¡± Perhaps you are trying to get close to my wife now that she is about to be the


    new general manager.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Maximilian!¡± Irisughed. ¡°You are about to be a joker.¡±


    He was about to say something when he noticed that the old Mrs. Griffith was being assisted as she


    went up on the makeshift stage. Victoria saw it too and immediately pulled her towards the crowd. They


    upied the vacant seats in front.


    ¡°This is it,¡± Victoria leaned her head on his shoulder.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Maximilian grabbed her hand and gently pressed it.


    Her hand was cold. Perhaps she was still feeling nervous.


    ¡°A pleasant evening to everyone,¡± Mrs. Griffith said on the microphone.


    Franklin stood right next to his grandmother on stage. Ah, this one really loves having exposure,


    Maximilian thought.


    ¡°First, I would like to thank everyone for joining us this evening as we celebrate an important milestone


    not just for the Griffith Group but for my family as well. May we soar higher and higher to sess.¡± The


    guests cheered and apuded that made the old Mrs. Griffith pause. ¡°And also, I would like to take this


    opportunity to announce that the Griffith Group has a new general manager.¡±


    Maximilian heard Victoria took a deep breath. He turned to her, and his free hand patted her knuckles.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Everyone, I present to you, the new general manager of the Griffith Group¡­ my grandson, Franklin.¡±


    The guests apuded once again while Maximilian and Victoria were shocked. It was not what they


    were expecting. What happened?


    ¡°H-howe it was Franklin? T-that should be me, right, Max?¡± Victoria turned to him with tears rolling


    down her cheeks. Disappointment and betrayal were written all over his wife¡¯s now pale face.


    She withdrew her hand from his grip and ran out of the hall crying.


    Maximilian was about to follow his wife when he saw Franklin looking in his direction, grinning from ear


    to ear. Something did happen behind their back! His wife¡¯s instinct was right, after all.


    He postponed following Victoria and remained seated. The voice at the back of his head told him that


    he should stay because he has a much greater thing to do.


    Old Mrs. Griffith then passed the microphone to his grandson.


    ¡°It is a great honor to be chosen as the new general manager of the Griffith Group,¡± said Franklin.


    ¡°I am so proud of you, son!¡± Uncle Carlson shouted.


    Franklin turned his gaze in his father¡¯s direction and bowed. ¡°Thank you, Father.¡±


    Maximilian¡¯s fists clenched above hisp. If they think they already ousted Victoria in the picture, well,


    they were wrong. Of course, he would not let that happen. Franklin may have manipted the Griffiths,


    but he calls the shots at the LS Group. He looked around, and his vision caught Vanessa, who, just like


    him, was sitting in the front row, only a few tables away. She was looking at him too. And as if they


    have telepathy, they nodded at each other.


    ¡°And to make this night more meaningful.¡± He returned his gaze on the stage when old Mrs. Griffith


    spoke on the microphone again. ¡°We invited the new president of the LS Group. If you are here, may


    you please join us here on stage¡­¡±


    The guests started whispering at each other, sounding like bees. Each one has a tale to tell about the


    new president. One guest near him even imed that he had seen the new president in person, saying


    he happened to be at the same jewelry store where the video that gone viral days ago was taken.


    Some imed that the man on the video and the man who chartered the top local restaurant was the


    same person, and that was none other than the mysterious new LS Group president. So many


    spections, a lot of expectations from the public, but for Maximilian, it was nothing but a tale their


    tongues speak. No one amongst the guests really knows the real identity of the new president, aside


    from Vanessa.


    And then¡­ slowly, he rose from his seat.

 chapter 32

    chapter 32


    EVERYONE was looking at Maximilian with sheer shock on their faces when he stood up. A few


    seconds of silence ensued before the onlookers started whispering to each other again.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Maximilian Lee?¡±


    ¡°I think he is one of Griffith¡¯s son-inw.¡±


    ¡°I heard he is a loser. Is it possible that he is that mysterious president?¡±


    ¡°Maximilian, what the hell are you doing?¡± Franklin scolded him when he went to the end of the


    makeshift stage. ¡°Sit down!¡±


    But instead of following Franklin, he went up to the stage and grabbed the microphone from his wife¡¯s


    cousin.


    ¡°What are you doing? Are you nuts?¡± Franklin snarled at him.


    ¡°I came up here on stage to tell everyone that I have seen the new president of the LS Group myself.


    And all I can say is that¡­¡± He paused and looked in Vanessa¡¯s direction. ¡°The president is someone


    you don¡¯t expect him to be.¡±


    Franklin tried to take the microphone away from him, but he did not let him seed. Maximilian moved


    away from him and continued with his speech.


    ¡°If you are wondering how someone like me who is a son of a waste and a low-life creature met him,


    well¡­ how do I put this?¡± He cocked his head to the side and sneered. ¡°We are good friends.¡±


    ¡°Stop this, Maximilian! Aren¡¯t you ashamed?¡± Franklin sauntered towards him and grasped his arm.


    ¡°Stop this stupid act of yours and go back to your seat. Do you really think the guests will buy your


    story of friendship with the new president of the LS Group? Well, let me tell you this. You should stop


    dreaming,¡± he said through gritted teeth.


    He shoved Franklin¡¯s hand away from his arm and sneered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care whether you believe it or not. All I care about is Victoria.¡± He grabbed Franklin by the cor


    of his suit and leaned near his ear. ¡°Prepare yourself, Franklin. You and the rest of Griffiths will regret


    this. Why? Because I am going to tell my dear friend what you did to my wife.¡±


    He let his cor go and fixed it for him. Franklin was looking at him with his jaw and hands clenching.


    ¡°Ah, I am going to leave the floor to you because my dear wife needs me.¡± He inserted the microphone


    into Franklin¡¯s front pocket and went down the stage.


    He fished his phone and texted Vanessa on his way out. Now, he has to find his wife. Maximilian knew


    she neededfort. Victoria needs him above anyone else now.


    He checked all the restrooms and every hallway, even the lobby, but he could not find his wife.


    Maximilian tried calling her too, but she would not answer until he could no longer contact her phone.


    He was worried about her. God forbids, but if ever she did something to harm herself, he might kill


    Franklin. Victoria was her everything, and there is nothing he could not do to protect and avenge her,


    no matter what it cost him.


    VANESSA remained in her seat until she received a text message from Maximilian telling her what she


    has to do once he was out of the hall. He wants her to tell the Griffiths that the cooperation between


    them and the LS Group was terminated.


    When Franklin and the old Mrs. Griffith came down from the stage, she rose to her feet and strode


    towards their direction to deliver the news.


    ¡°Excuse me. Can I have a word with you, Mrs. Griffith?¡± Vanessa said as she stood in front of them.


    Franklin looked at her from head to toe. ¡°And who are you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry for not introducing myself first. Vanessa Smith of the LS Group.¡± She stretched out a hand to


    the old Mrs. Griffith.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The old woman dly epted her hand. ¡°Where is the new president, anyway?¡± Mrs. Griffith¡¯s


    eyes wandered around the hall.


    ¡°He is busy right now, preparing for taking over thepany works.¡±


    The members of the Griffith family started to gather around her.


    ¡°This is Vanessa Smith, the representative from the LS Group,¡± Mrs. Griffith introduced her to the


    family.


    It was a little awkward because she must break bad news in front of everyone in the family.


    ¡°I would like to apologize on behalf of the whole family for Maximilian¡¯s attitude a while ago,¡± said


    Franklin Griffith in a firm tone. ¡°He is Victoria¡¯s husband, and he did that to sabotage¡ª¡±


    ¡°About Victoria,¡± Vanessa cut him off.


    ¡°Hm?¡± She turned to Mrs. Griffith. ¡°What about her?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Vanessa heaved a sigh. ¡°The president told me to ry a message to you. The cooperation


    between ourpanies is already terminated.¡±


    ¡°Wait. What?!¡± Franklin eximed in disbelief.


    ¡°W-why? W-what happened?¡± Mrs. Griffith palmed her chest. Color immediately left her face. If not for


    Iris attending to her grandmother, she must have fallen on the floor.


    ¡°Howe this is about Victoria? And why are you terminating the contract when we didn¡¯t do anything


    wrong?¡± Franklinined.


    ¡°Right!¡± the family members said in chorus.


    ¡°We signed the cooperation with you because of Victoria. If she is not to get the general¡¯s manager


    position, then there is no reason for the LS Group to continue the cooperation.¡±


    ¡°So, you are telling me that everything will go in vain?¡± Mrs. Griffith asked in a cold tone.


    ¡°Grandma, maybe we can talk to the real president and ask for reconsideration.¡± Franklin scowled at


    her.


    ¡°I am sorry, but the president will remain firm in his decision,¡± Vanessa told them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that there is no other way to solve this,¡± said Franklin as he ran his fingers through his


    hair.


    ¡°Victoria is the only answer.¡±


    Old Mrs. Griffith tapped the end of her cane to the floor.


    ¡°Everyone, we need to find Victoria. Now!¡± the old woman ordered.


    ¡°Grandma¡ª¡±


    ¡°Take me out of here. We need to find Victoria.¡±


    Franklin blocked his grandmother¡¯s way. ¡°Grandma, remember what I told you about Victoria. It is


    making sense now, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about it anymore, Franklin. What I need is Victoria! Can¡¯t you understand that that cousin


    of yours is the only answer to all of this? Find Victoria now!¡±


    Old Mrs. Griffith reached for her hand and tightly pressed it. ¡°Tell the president that Victoria will get


    what she deserves.¡±


    She gave the old woman a nod in response.


    Vanessa watched the Griffith family went out of the hall one by one to look for Victoria. Then, she fished


    her phone and sent a message to Maximilian, informing him of the news.


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