CHAPTER 9

Max awoke in the plush king-sized bed, the softness of the mattress beneath him a sharp contrast to his usual lumpy dorm bed. 

He stretched, his body rested but his mind still struggling to accept the reality he was in.

“Is this really happening?” he murmured to himself, shaking his head as he pushed back the covers.

He wandered over to the tall, draped windows, pulling the heavy curtains aside. Sunlight flooded the room, revealing the expansive courtyard below. 

Manicured lawns, a stone fountain, and flowerbeds meticulously arranged around the property took his breath away. 

Max blinked, still trying to connect this sprawling estate with his own life.

“Unbelievable... just yesterday I was drowning in debt,” he whispered.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called, still staring out the window.

The door opened quietly, and the butler, Mr. Harrison, stepped in, his posture as impeccable as his suit.

“Good morning, Master Max. I trust you slept well?” Mr. Harrison greeted, his voice carrying a warm professionalism.

Max turned, giving a half-smile. “Uh, yeah... I did. Thanks. This is all just... a lot, you know?”

“Understandable, sir. It’s quite a change,” Mr. Harrison replied, his tone gentle. “If you’re ready, your grandfather would like to meet with you in the study.”

Max nodded, glancing down at his clothes. “I don’t exactly have anything... suitable.”

“Not to worry,” Mr. Harrison said with a slight smile. “Your grandfather doesn’t expect formal attire for family.”

Max chuckled awkwardly. “Good to know. I’ll head down in a minute.”

Mr. Harrison gave a courteous bow. “Very well, sir. I’ll inform him of your arrival.” He left quietly, and Max exhaled deeply, steadying himself for the conversation to come.

Max took a seat, nodding slowly. “It’s... a big adjustment, but I’m getting there.”

Richard smiled knowingly. 

“Good. Now that you’re here, it’s time to start understanding the family business. As my heir, you’ll need to get acquainted with our operations and monitor their monthly progress. This won’t be a simple responsibility, Max.”

Max swallowed, feeling the weight of his grandfather’s words. “I’ll do my best to handle it, Grandfather.”

“Excellent,” Richard replied with approval. 

“To make the transition smoother, I’ve asked Mr. Harrison to hire a personal assistant for you. They’ll help you stay informed and keep you updated on all necessary matters.”

Max nodded, feeling a sense of relief mixed with determination. 

“Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll do everything I can to learn and manage the company well.”

Richard’s expression softened, and he gave a nod of encouragement. 

Max gave another nod, his mind still rushing. 

The Consortium was a huge machine that had a lot of money and power. 

To handle it, he would need someone he could trust to take care of the details—a trustworthy assistant who could help him through the complicated business deals and choices.

"I understand, Grandfather." Max responded.The weight of it was starting to fall on his shoulders. Even though it was slight, his grandfather's support was clear.

Richard's eyes moved a little as he looked at Max's worn-out clothes, and he gave her a mildly nasty look.

"Max, I see that you're still wearing clothes that look pretty... simple.How much money do you have in your bank account right now?"

Max took a deep breath and felt the standard pang of shame.

"Well...nothing." “I owe my roommates a little more than $5,000,” he said.

He was determined to start this new part of his life with honesty, even though the truth hurt.

Richard reached into his desk, pulled out something, and slid it across the table. It was a phone, but not just any phone. 

This model was made just for them, was very rare, and was shockingly expensive. The back was white and had a gold "R" written in beautiful writing on it.

"This is small welcome gift,"Richard smiled.

Max just stood there and stared. He couldn't believe he owned something so valuable—the phone alone was probably worth more than his rent every year.

Just then, Harrison came back with something that he carefully placed in front of Max. The same golden "Max" was raised in the middle of a stylish black card.

“If you look at this card,” Richard said, "This is the official debit card for the head of the Reid Consortium. It lets you get into the Consortium's accounts and gives you access to over ten billion dollars as your pocket money.”

"Ten... ten billion dollars?" Max whispered because he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Yes.Now you are in charge of the Reid Consortium.This amount is a very small part of the whole.” Richard's answered back. 

Max just sat there in shock. He hadn't had anything since yesterday. He could now reach out and touch anything in the world. It was almost too much to handle, but it was there.

Max still looked shocked as he nodded. The room, the house, the card, and the duty all seemed very important.