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2024-10-29 19:42:56Max’s grip was firm but not too much that Tate easily pushed off as he was too weak from the beating.
“Your wife? Your house?” Cynthia asked while the others laughed. “Max, don't you think you’ve become too entitled now? I thought Aria wanted a divorce? Why are you still calling her your wife, and when did MY House suddenly become yours?” She questioned. He ignored Cynthia and faced his wife, pulling her apart from Tate, “Aria, what's gotten into you? You knew I was injured, but you didn't even bother to come and check me. Why the f*ck did you take out all of my savings for Liam's trust fund?” Aria rolled her eyes in disgust, fanning her nose with her hand as if Max stinks. “You're complaining about a measly $5,000? In our three years of marriage, have you ever gifted me anything? I decided to buy myself a parting gift and you're complaining, how shameless!” She insulted and then called out to one of their domestic staff and ordered, “Get me those documents and the traveling bag arranged on the table in my room.” Max's eyes, which were now swollen, reddened even more, a huge lump stuck in his throat, making breathing harder for him. “Aria, do you even know I was arrested and tortured? For two whole days? By this asshole of a person?” Max managed to ask, pointing at Tate. Tate smirked, adjusting his suit proudly. “Oh, about that!” Aria gasped, “I was just about to ask how you managed to get out? I know for sure you don't have a dime.” She asked. Max was dumbstruck. He couldn't believe his ear. Even though Aria was not exactly nice to him in the past three years since he became ‘broke’ he didn't expect her to be so cruel and a carbon copy of her mother. “This isn't the Aria I know. This definitely isn't the Aria I dated.” he cried. “Hmph…so delusional.” Anna mumbled. Max turned towards the family while wiping his tears, “I guess you all knew about this. You knew he injured me and sent me to jail on false accusations.” He paused and swallowed hard. “Mother, you knew it too. Yet you complained about my absence from the house. I know you all are money-crazed, but do you have to be so heartless too? Mother, you should be ashamed you raised your children like this!” He challenged. Everyone gasped in shock at his audacity. They all felt offended by Max’s words, but before any of them could take action, Cynthia marched towards Cade and sent a thunderous slap down his cheek. “How dare you? A lowlife! How dare you open that gutter you call mouth and say rubbish to me?” Cynthia bellowed furiously, her eyes literally spitting fire. “Your mother should be the one ashamed of raising such a loser.” She scolded. Max's senses heightened at the mere mention of his mother. No matter who the person is, he'd never tolerate anyone speaking ill of his mother. His body stiffened as he hovered around Cynthia, a gesture that actually made her cower. “I can tolerate everything from you, but don't you ever mention my mother again.” He warned, his voice gentle, yet it sent shivers down her spine. The staff Aria had sent finally returned with the document and handed it over to Aria. The door of the house creaked open, momentarily taking all the attention. Walking into the house in a black dress and small backpack was 19 years old Arabella Kingsley, the last born of the house. She looked confused at the unlikely gathering as she scanned the family members one after the other while greeting, “Good evenin…” “Oh my goodness! Max’s what happened to you?” She exclaimed in disbelief as soon as her eyes landed on him. She ran towards him, briefly examining him. “Brother-in-law, where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you, but it wasn't going through. What happened to you?” She asked, her voice tinged with concern and worry. Max smiled and gently ruffled Arabella’s long brown hair, “I had a bit of an accident, but I'm fine now.” Arabella was the other person aside from their Dad who treated Max's with respect, and their bond was even stronger than the one Arabella had with her siblings. “You're not fine! How can this be fine?” She complained. “Arabella, I promise I’m… “If you're done being all lovey dovey why don't you sign this and fuck off!” Aria rudely interrupted, slapping his face with the divorce papers. Max grabbed it and looked over the terms one more time. It stated that the reason for divorce was social differences. He smiled realizing just how different their social lives were. PetroVista was a trillion dollar company compared to the Kingsley Enterprise which was just a few million dollars. It also stated that neither of the two parties were going to demand anything from the other on the basis of their divorce which also sat well with Max. “Here, have it.” Tate said, handing over a pen to him. Max ignored him and looked into Aria’s eyes again as he asked, “I know your mind's made up but have you ever thought of Liam? How is he going to feel growing up in a broken home?” Everyone else burst out laughing except for Max and Arabella who looked confused as they found it hard to understand what was so funny about Max’s question. When Aria finally contained herself from the laughter, she said, “He’s here. Why don't we ask him what he thinks about our divorce.” “Liam! Liam! Liam!” Aria called, looking around the corner of the room as if he was searching for a pet. “Liam is home? Why didn't you tell me? Where is he?” He asked as he looked around the house in search of him. Everyone watched him make a fool of himself before Aria finally announced, “There you are! Come here baby!’ Max had his back turned against Aria and as soon as she made the announcement, he felt his breath hitch. He scanned himself from head to toe and realized how much of a mess he was. Too bad he was seeing his son for the first time since he was born three years ago looking like trash that fell off a garbage truck. ‘He’s still a kid. He won't remember this.’ He thought to himself as he quickly wiped his face clean and put on a bright smile as he turned around. To his dismay, Aria stood there fondling a cute Pomeranian dog. “Liam! Say hi to Daddy.” She said, giggling devilishly.
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"Sis, can you stop fooling around? He’s so anxious to finally meet his son, and you are…” “Hey, hey, you stupid little brat! Get into your room now before I slap those beefy cheeks of yours.” Aria threatened, forcing Arabella to keep shut. Max dropped his tension as he walked closer to Aria, demanding, “Can you be serious for once? Where is my son?” Aria shrugged, “How am I supposed to know if you have a son other than little Liam here?” She feigned ignorance. “Aria, don't make me lose it. I’m talking about Liam. Our three-year-old son who is living abroad.” Max reminded her. Aria was done playing this cat and rat game, so she decided to come clean. She dropped little ‘Liam’ and found herself a seat beside her mom. “Umm…Max, I get that your pocket is empty, but does your brain have to be empty, too? I mean, how could you believe in the existence of a child you’ve never seen? Like how?” Aria asked, seemingly stunned by Max’s dumbness. Max, still not able to comprehend the
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Max shook his head vigorously for a few seconds to clear his eyes before he eventually signed the divorce papers. He looked at Aria, who was still trying to catch her breath, and said, “Aria, don't think you are the only one that had secrets. Just like you had plans of our divorce in your heart for our third year anniversary, I also had a special plan or rather a gift. One that could have turned this money-craze family into Wessixia’s envy. Unfortunately, you ruined it—just at the right time.” Tate grabbed the small traveling bag which the staff had brought earlier and threw it at Max. The zip was ruined, sending his things flying all over the place. “Stop talking big! Pick your trash and scram!” He bellowed furiously, hoping Max would flinch but Max didn't give him the slight fuck as he went on to talk. “I promise when I start with you, you will wish your mom had aborted you just like you did with my baby!” He threatened, his voice in echoing rumbles and his eyes bloodshot
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“You’re right! He needs medical attention because he has totally lost it!” Cynthia agreed with Arabella for the first time as she believed Max was just being delusional. Arabella stood up and looked at Max with concern. “Brother-in-law, do you have someone that can come pick you up? You’ve never spoken of a family in three years.” She said, “Don't worry about me, Ara. You should go to bed now.” He said, gently patting her head. “But…” Max dialed Arabella’s number on his old phone and called it, causing her phone to ring and interrupt her statement. She attempted to bring down her bag and check it, but Max said, “That's me.” One of the security guards by the mansion gate ran into the living room and greeted everyone. Before he could say another word, Cynthia scolded, “What are you doing here?” “My Lady, someone is here to see Mr. Maximilian.” He explained. “Someone really came for him.” Ava whispered. “Should in case you fail to find yourself a wealthy dude and your mom deci
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"Max, I can explain…” “Explain? Explain what? What the f*ck do you have to say when I gave a f*cking clear instructions? What part of ‘Don’t pry on my private life’ do you not understand?” Max bellowed furiously as he stormed into the hospital room once again. Most of his bruises had disappeared, but he still had a bandaid tied around his head. Until a few months back, the boys had hired a guy to seek employment in the Kingsley Mansion just so he could keep an eye on Max and report back to them. Just looking at all Their faces, Max could tell Ryan didn't do it alone. “We did it because we were worried, Max…” Blake was cut short by Max’s interruption. “I never asked you to worry about me!” “But that's what families are for. You always say we should drop social level and just be families, but you’re not even letting us do the slightest thing for you.” Miguel sensibly chimed in. And he was right. Max was the main reason the group chat was created. It was to deepen t
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“Welcome, Sir.” All the staff quickly stopped what they were doing and greeted Miguel, Carl, and Blake, knowing who they were. The security guard moved closer to Miguel and decided to explain, “Sir, this loser came…” Before he could finish his statement, Miguel sent a hot slap across his cheeks, making his lips blend. “How dare you call him a loser? Do you have a death wish?” Miguel asked, baffled. Blake scoffed in disbelief, “How did you cope with all this insult for three years?” Max smirked, putting on a fake smile, “Ryan is right. I was desperate to win the challenge.” “I wonder what this stupid challenge even is,” Ryan mumbled to himself. The cashier stepped out of her seat and quickly adjusted her lipstick before moving closer to Miguel. She shut out her chest, gently caressing Miguel's body. “Sir, you don't have to stress your handsome self because of these low class men. Sincerely, this man is a broke ass who has tried to scam us before but horribly failed…”Miguel
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Charlotte’s eyes widened, almost popping out of its socket as she stuttered, “$7…$7 million? Are you out of your mind? Where do you expect me to get that kind of money from?” Max smirked as if he already knew what was going to happen, “You’re merely a waitress at a club, I already knew you wouldn’t have that kind of money. That’s why I prepared for it. Look at it and sign where necessary.” he said, pointing at the file Miguel had dropped on the table. Charlotte was confused and curious too, so she picked up the file and skeemed through it. “What? You’re literally asking me to be your slave! For three whole year!” She exclaimed in disbelief. Max stood up, his hands tucked in his pocket. “It’s a good offer considering the luxury you’ve enjoyed in the past years. Plus you don’t choice. Even if you were to miraculously pay up the money, I will always find a way to own you and ruin your life!” He threatened, his eyes narrowing into slits as he focused his gaze on her, which sent a shi
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Charlotte’s eyes widened, almost popping out of its socket as she stuttered, “$7…$7 million? Are you out of your mind? Where do you expect me to get that kind of money from?” Max smirked as if he already knew what was going to happen, “You’re merely a waitress at a club, I already knew you wouldn’t have that kind of money. That’s why I prepared for it. Look at it and sign where necessary.” he said, pointing at the file Miguel had dropped on the table. Charlotte was confused and curious too, so she picked up the file and skeemed through it. “What? You’re literally asking me to be your slave! For three whole year!” She exclaimed in disbelief. Max stood up, his hands tucked in his pocket. “It’s a good offer considering the luxury you’ve enjoyed in the past years. Plus you don’t choice. Even if you were to miraculously pay up the money, I will always find a way to own you and ruin your life!” He threatened, his eyes narrowing into slits as he focused his gaze on her, which sent a shi
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Charlotte was slowly losing her breath. She anxiously tried to fight Max off, but her little hands were nothing compared to Max’s firm hands. Her body slowly weakened by the second until she gave up.If this was her fate, she would have happily accepted it, but the thought of her son living without a mother and father figure scared the living hell out of her and she struggled again until help came when Max quickly moved his hand away with a little screaming.“Stay away from my mommy!” the little guy who had just bitten Max’s arm yelled, his blue eyes glittering with tears.The sight of him weakened Max. He dared not raise his hand or voice again— rather, he just couldn’t.While Charlotte tried to catch her breath and regain her strength, Max and little Liam had a face off as they stared intently into each other’s eyes.It looked like he didn’t just have his face, but his personality, too. ‘How can he not be mine?’ He mumbled to himself as he slowly moved his hand, aiming to cup his li
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With the paparazzi around, they was no room for doubts anymore. Anne and her mother had already browsed his name and were shocked to see him all over the internet. Hearing the mind-blowing revelation, Aria felt dizzy, staggering backward. The thoughts of losing out on being the wife of the richest man in Wexissia made her breathe hitch. Max didn't miss seeing the priceless expression on her face before he started towards the car. Max's day was going great…until a report asked, “Mr. Stratford, it's been seen years since you last showed up publicly. Is this because of your mother’s incident?”Max’s composure quickly weakened hearing about his mom again. He didn’t want to talk about it and had strictly given this information, so he never prepared a response for such a question. Instead, he got into his car, angrily slamming the door behind him as he ordered, “Drive off!”Max had hoped his day would be wonderful by watching Aria in misery, but he didn’t know someone was going to ruin
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Publicity
The ladies exchanged glances and giggled, believing Max's words for the first time. This statement alone was enough to make Msx lose all his charm in Aria’s eyes. She moved closer and whispered in his ear, “This is the difference between you and Tate. He would never have a reason to steal or fear being fired.” Max smirked as he shoved her off and walked into the city hall, leaving them stunned. “That poor skunk. How dare he…” Aria scoffed in disbelief. Cynthia patted Aria's shoulder as she walked past her, reassuring her, “Don't worry. He has no one else except us. He will come back begging once Tate makes him lose his job. Then we will be able to pay him back for this embarrassment.” Aria agreed swiftly following her mom into the hall. Aria has already completed all the steps for the divorce and since they both agreed ‘on paper’ that they ended things on mutual consent, the divorce was quickly processed and sent to the city hall, thanks to Tate’s connections. Once
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With this response, Miguel was convinced something was up. Max was sensible enough to know that there was an extent to which he could lie about his look, so he decided to go with the most believable one. “Fine! I got into a fight.” Max lied. “With who? Why?” Miguel asked curiously. Max bit his lip as he tried to come up with a believable response, “Well, I met Tate Wilson. I just found out he was working with Mr. Newman. I was going to ignore him, but I couldn’t help listening to his trash.” He explained, stylishly readjusting his pants. With the details, Miguel had no reason to doubt Max and quickly believed him, saying, “Don’t worry, I will have the contract terminated.” Max let out a sigh of relief, seeing that he was finally free “There is no need for that. I have better plans for him.” He said. Soon enough, they arrived at the house, and fortunately, there was no one around to question him as they had already left for their respective businesses and homes. Max asked
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After several minutes of driving in silence, the car came to a halt in front a familiar gate. She looked beside her at Max who was slowly dozing off and announced, “We’re here.”Hesitant, Max winds down the window hissed in disbelief, “I gave you this address?” He asked still tipsy. “Yeah…”“Stupid me. What’s so great about her that I can’t even forget?” He mumbled, clear enough for her to hear.Confused, she asked, “what are you talking about?”Max sighed, rubbin his palms roughly against his face. “This house, it’s my ex’s. I signed the divorce papers two night ago.” He replied, “Oh, I’m sorry about that.” she apologized. Max who didn’t want ot open up to anyone about his divorce just started to rant, “You know, it’s already bad that she was cheating on me with that twerp we met at the club earlier, but she lied about having a kid for me. Even though I never saw him, he was the best thing that ever happened to me.” “In fact, I already had his life planned out. I promised myself
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As Max reached the receptionist counter at the lobby, he dropped his car key on the desk and ordered, “Get me a driver!”Seeing Max for the first time, the receptionist calmly asked, “Your card, sir?“I need to show you a freaking card? Where the f@ck is your manager?” He asked angrily, transferring his aggression to the lady. The lady tried to calm him down by apologizing and explaining, “Sir, I am sorry if I came out rude, but everyone needs a card to assess the resources available in this club. It is so that the club runs smoothly.” Max angrily smashed the telephone on the table, scaring the hell out of the lady. “I have had enough tonight. I swore to my mom that I wouldn’t drive drunk. Get me a f@cking valet right now before I do something worse.”Scared, the lady whispered into her ear pod, “Security, we have a situation…”“A situation? Do I look like a f@cking situation to you? And you dare call the security on me?” Max yelled angrily, pulling the land line from her. Hearing
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Doomed
Just as he was about to turn around to face him, the third person, Sam Dennis, quickly threw an unexpected punch at Max’s face, giving him a small cut on his lips as his ring brushed over Max’s lips. “He’s an annoyingly disrespectful waiter, of course. He has no idea who you are.” Sam explained. Eric frove as his eyes set on Max’s face. The light in the room was dimly lit but he could make out the face of the man he knew well and even saw just two days back. “I–I’m doomed.” He mumbled, dropping to the floor on his knees. “Sir…sir, I am so sorry, I didn’t know it was you…”Max scoffed loudly, intentionally interrupting him as he inspected his torn lip. “Eric Newman, I should have known it’s you. I just had no idea you prefer younger women despite being married with children her age.” He said.Unlike the other two staffs, Eric Newman was a high official at PetroVista and had been working there for years, he was quite acquintained with the Stratfords and knew Max from when he worked
