Max noticed Alexa's hesitation and asked gently, "What's going on?"Alexa sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Uncle called to say Grandpa's calling for a family gathering. He said it's important. They tried calling Dad, but he wasn't answering, so Uncle called me instead."Max nodded and stood. "Alright, let's go."Alexa nodded as well and got up to prepare herself. After a few minutes, she emerged from their bedroom wearing an elegant silver dress, paired with a designer silver handbag. Her hair was tied neatly in a bun, exuding sophistication. Max stepped out shortly after, dressed in his usual casual and simple attire.Alexa smiled, knowing full well that her husband preferred to stay lowkey despite his status. They opted to use Alexa's car, as Max's vehicle tended to draw too much attention. Max took the driver's seat, and before starting the car, Alexa said, "Let's stop by our old house first to pick up Dad and Mom."Max nodded and started driving.Upon arriving at

The room fell silent, with everyone still tense from Blake's earlier words. The elderly man looked around at their expressions and suddenly chuckled, his laughter echoing in the stillness. "Why do you all look so nervous?" he asked, his tone teasing. "Am I so scary now?"The tension broke momentarily, replaced by a few awkward smiles, but Blake waved them off as he adjusted himself in his chair. "Relax, all of you. I'm an old man now, and all I want is to live the rest of my life in peace."He turned his gaze to Alexa and Max, his smile softening. "And it seems like you two are doing well together," he said warmly.Alexa smiled back and spoke, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Grandpa. Honestly, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Max."Max nodded in agreement and added, "You've given me a gift I'll always cherish. Thank you, sir."Blake laughed heartily, clearly pleased. "Good, good," he said, but before he could continue, Lily interrupted, her voice sharp and laced

Anderson and Darwin exchanged a knowing look, a subtle nod signaling the start of their plan. Anderson was the first to break the silence, his voice firm yet laced with a false tone of reason. "Dad, I have to object to this decision," he began. "Blaine's position in the company isn't strong enough yet. What if the board and the employees don't fully support him? This could lead to instability."Darwin quickly chimed in, supporting his brother's argument. "Exactly. While Blaine has achieved some successes, it's premature to place him in such a critical position. We need to think about the company's long-term security, and this move might jeopardize it."Blake's sharp eyes turned toward them, his expression unreadable. "Are you saying the support of the Gonzales family isn't sufficient?" he asked calmly, his tone carrying a subtle challenge.Anderson hesitated before shaking his head. "It's not that, Dad. The partnership with the Gonzales family has undoubtedly been a significant boost

Leo burst into laughter, his mocking tone filling the room. "Who do you think you are, Max? Do you even know what you're talking about?"Lily smirked, leaning forward with an amused expression. "Seriously, Max. You? A contract with Crownguard? Don't make me laugh."Anderson shook his head slowly, a look of disbelief crossing his face. "Max, this isn't some playground game. Crownguard is a serious corporation, not a place where amateurs can just waltz in and ask for favors."Darwin added with a condescending tone, "Just because you have a friend who knows the president doesn't mean you can just snap your fingers and get a deal. Connections only take you so far."Leo leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. "You're way out of your league, Max. Stick to something you can actually handle—like staying out of the company's business."Max, however, remained unfazed. A small, calm smile played on his lips as he tilted his head slightly. "But what if I do secure the contract? Are you ready

Blake looked at everyone seated around the table, his calm demeanor almost unsettling. A faint smile appeared on his face as he broke the silence. "I have an announcement to make. The Collins Group has successfully secured a one-billion-peso investment from the Crownguard Group injected into Traditional Medical Solutions."The room fell into stunned silence. Blake continued, his voice steady and authoritative. "This wouldn't have been possible without Blaine's excellent leadership and the efforts of his capable son-in-law, Max."He turned his gaze toward Anderson and Darwin, his smile sharpening into something more pointed. "Now, tell me, are you convinced? Or do I need to remind you of the promises you made yesterday?" His eyes flicked to Leo and Lily, a subtle but unmistakable challenge in his expression.The four exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier confidence rapidly dissolving into confusion and disbelief.Darwin was the first to react, standing abruptly. "Impossible!" he excl