Two days passed and Max remained unconscious. His family and friends took turns to visit him as he lay on the bed, neither eating or drinking. “How long is he going to remain like this? Do we need to transfer him to a better hospital?” Ryan questioned the doctor worriedly as he came for another full body checkup. “Sir, from today's report, it’s obvious he is doing better. Like I said before, he had lost too much blood before he was brought in. His sudden unconsciousness was as a result of a cardiac arrest.” He announced. Blake and Carl who were hearing of this report for the first time were shocked to their wits, exclaiming in sync, “What?” “Is it possible for a young, healthy and perfectly fit man like him to suffer a heart attack?” Blake asked curiously. “Max is the healthiest person I know. Always hitting the gym and eating right. How is that even possible?” Carl also wondered. “Yes. It is rare but highly possible. It can happen as a result of several factors but in his condi
"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
“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
Marcella was Max’s younger sibling, and upon reading the earliest pages on the tablet, he realized she had run away from home shortly after he left for his in-laws. Ryan sighed before explaining, “Well, you know she takes a lot after you. She has always wanted to live an ordinary life, and she took up the opportunity the moment she got it. No one can stop her except you.” “What was Blake doing when she left?” He asked curiously. Ryan suddenly burst out laughing, “News flash, Blake was family zoned.” He announced, confusing Max. “Family zoned as in?” He asked curiously. “How can I possibly love you, Blake? You’re like a brother to me.” Ryan mimicked Marcella’s statement. “That’s what she said to Blake when he finally summoned the courage to ask her out. You should have seen how embarrassed Blake was. We teased him endlessly for days...” Unfortunately for Ryan, Max was offended by his joke, “You think being rejected is funny? Just because ladies come easily to you doesn’
“Max, calm the f@ck down!” Blake yelled, pulling him away as the crowd were already gossiping about him. “I heard he had anger issues since his parents’ death, i never thought I’d witness it.” Some one said. Max brushed his hand over his head, casually removing the frail bandaid from his head, “What is there to calm down about? You were all in it too. Where is he?” He asked.“In his room. He left after making a short presence…” Before Miguel could finish replying him, Blake already stormed off through the back door, almost disappearing into the main house. The men helped Ryan up and dusted his clothes, “F@ck, I such have added two more doze.” He complained, wiping his nose with his handkerchief. “You really do have a death wish, hmph..” Carl mumbled. “Well, let’s join him before he wrecks havocs.” Blake suggested and they all quickly ran to the main house while Sr. Stratford’s PA restored the calm at the party. Sr. Stratford was in the living room receiving gifts from Bryce and
Max’s jaw ached as he gritted his teeth. His movements were stiff, but eventually, he found his way back to his seat again. “Tell me about your marriage.” Williams requested. Max scoffed, “What more do you want to hear from me? Direct from the source? Because I know you already got all the juicy details.” He said. “Well, I don’t know what goes inside your house…I mean your in-laws, but I’m sure by now you know you don’t have a son.” He said. Max had to hold his breath for a while, his muscles stiffened as he tried his best to hold back his anger. “You…” He started to speak but stopped to hold back the angry tears that were threatening his eyes. “You had no idea what goes on inside my ‘in-laws’ house, yet you know even the secrets I just found out. How funny.” He scoffed. Williams Stratford understood Max’s anger and quickly replied, “I promise I don’t know what is going on in your in-law’s place but after I confirmed she was really pregnant, I asked someone to keep an eye on her
“That would be for you to find out. Our deal ends here. Remember it was your call.” Williams said. He picked up the landline on the stool beside him and called a number. “James, bring the documents over and announce my return at the party.” He said on the phone. As he attempted to stand up, his guard who was standing meters away quickly ran towards him and helped him with his walking stick. Max sat confused, not sure what the next line of action to take. If only he had this conversation with his Grandpa before leaving for his in-laws’, maybe he would have been a little more attentive in his three years stay. “Come on, you don’t want to keep the crowd waiting.” Williams said just before stepping out of the living room.Max was hesitant to stand up, but eventually, he did, sluggishly following behind the old man’s guard. The crowd quickly assembled as soon as Williams Stratford reappeared. Since he was old, he sat while others stood. Everyone was curious what the old man was going
“You should hurry and finalize it. Those people are sneaky as f@ck.” Miguel suggested, before standing up to make the calls to the media stations.Max forced a smile, remembering they were supposed to finalize the divorce today. “Don’t worry guys. I can’t be fooled twice.” He reassured them. “So what do you plan to do with them now?” Carl asked curiously. “I am going to ruin every single member of that family. I am not going to limit the punishment to just Aria…”Max was interrupted by Miguel whom he heard scolding someone around the corner. “What’s up Miguel?” Blake inquired. Miguel eventually walked back to the men, “It’s Bryce. He was eavesdropping again. I had to make sure he returned to his room.” He explained. The men quickly started to complain about Bryce's incessant interruption in their conversation, causing Max to have a good laugh. “Guys, free this kid. He is already an adult. Let him have fun.” He suggested but no one agreed with him, especially Ryan. “By the way,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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