CHAPTER 10

As Max was overwhelmed with his life changing from poverty to rich heir.  For a brief moment, his mind wandered back to Amanda.

 She’d left him without hesitation when she found someone who could provide the wealth and status she desired.

 The memory still stung, but now, with his life turned upside down, he couldn’t help but think about how much things had changed.

With a faint, ironic smile, Max let himself imagine the idea of telling Amanda he was wealthy now and that he could afford to give her the luxuries she’d always wanted. 

May be she comes back to him and loves him more. 

But the thought only lasted a second, fading as he realized the futility of it. Even if he could have everything she wanted, she never truly loved him. Money couldn’t change that fact.

“Max?” His grandfather’s voice brought him back to the present.

Max turned to see his grandfather watching him, a knowing look in his eyes. “I’d like you to come by the company next week,” Richard said. “There’s a lot you need to learn. Familiarizing yourself with our operations is the first step as you start taking on responsibilities.”

Max nodded, feeling the weight of his new role settle on him once more. He would soon need to step into the world of business—his family’s world.

The weekend flew by, and soon Max was preparing to return to school. As he stood by the front entrance, his grandfather gave him a rare, emotional goodbye, his eyes shining with pride.

“I know this is a lot to take on,” his grandfather said, his voice wavering with emotion, “but seeing you here, ready for it... I couldn’t be happier.”

Max smiled, surprised by the warm, sentimental side of his grandfather. “Thank you, Grandfather. I’ll make you proud.”

Mr. Harrison, the butler, approached with a respectful bow. “Shall I arrange the Rolls-Royce to take you back to school, Master Max?”

Max chuckled, shaking his head. “I appreciate it, Harrison, but I think I’ll stick with a taxi. Last time I was in the spotlight... well, I’d rather not invite any more drama after the livestream incident.”

Harrison gave an understanding nod.

 Max took a taxi back to his small university dorm. As he approached the building, the front door burst open and a group of his friends came rushing out.

"Max! There you are!" his friend Lily cried, pulling him into a tight hug. "We were so worried when you just disappeared after that mess with the police station last week. Where did you go?"

The others gathered around, all talking at once, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

"I'm so sorry, you guys," Max said, his voice a little sheepish. "It's been...a lot to handle. But I'm okay, really."

“We are relieved now that you are okay,” His friend Peter patted his shoulder. 

"Well, come on then," his friend Peter said, ushering Max inside. "We got you some food - figured you might be hungry after everything that happened."

As he saw the fast foods, his heart was full of greatness.

Max's friends had clearly gone out of their way, even with their limited budgets, to make him feel cared for. 

As he sank onto the worn couch, the familiar scent of burgers and fries - his absolute favorite - wafted up to him.

"You guys didn't have to do this," Max said, accepting the paper-wrapped sandwich from Peter.

"Are you kidding?" Lily laughed. "After the week you've had, dealing with the drama, you deserve a little treat."

Max unwrapped the burger, suddenly aware of just how much his life had changed in such a short time. 

This used to be his go-to meal when money was tight, when he worked long shifts at the family's fast food restaurant to make ends meet. 

Now, his grandfather had gifted him an unlimited credit card, and the very same restaurant was part of his family's vast business empire.

“Thank you guys,” Max thanked his friends. 

As his friends chatted animatedly around him, Max found himself torn. 

He wanted to tell them where he'd been and who he really was now. 

He was no more penniless loser friend of them, but Montegomory Heir.