My Darling Ex-Wife Is Unaware I’m Rich

Chapter 10: Tension Unleashed

‘This feeling,’ Max thought as he pushed through the hospital doors, ignoring the looks of confusion and shock from Richard and Fiona behind him. The chauffeur held the door of a sleek black car open for him, and Max slid in without a backward glance, leaving his ex-in-laws to stew in their own disbelief.

As the car sped toward the office, Max’s mind switched gears. The hospital drama with Emma was now in the background; something more pressing had surfaced. His phone buzzed, and he glanced down at the message from his assistant: “Urgent. Lenox is pushing for a buyout of all investor shares.”

Lenox. Max’s foster brother, once family, now rival. Their relationship had twisted and broken over the years. After the reveal of their shared blood, they’d never built any real closeness. Lenox didn’t like the thought of Max coming out of nowhere to take everything from him, leading to an endless game of one-upmanship. Lenox wasn’t someone to take lightly, and Max knew it.

The car pulled up to the office, and Max wasted no time. He stepped into the building, nodded briskly at his assistant, and strode directly into the meeting room, where the tension hung thick in the air. Around the long table, shareholders and board members sat with anxious faces, murmuring quietly. At the head of the table, Lenox leaned back in his chair, exuding his usual smug confidence.

Max entered, and the room fell silent. He looked each person in the eye, giving a slight nod before turning his attention to Lenox, who watched him with a smirk.

“Glad you could make it, Max,” Lenox said smoothly, leaning forward. “I was just about to outline a generous offer to buy out every investor here. It’s time to streamline this business, don’t you think?”

Max crossed his arms, his gaze steely. “There will be no buyouts, Lenox. Not while I’m CEO.”

Lenox’s smile didn’t falter, but his eyes hardened. “Are you really so attached to this company? I mean, considering all it’s been through, you can’t possibly think it’s worth fighting over.”

Max’s voice was low but firm. “I don’t remember asking for your opinion on the company’s worth. I’m putting an end to this meeting. Now.”

The board members exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared to object. Lenox’s jaw tightened, a flicker of annoyance breaking through his calm exterior. He sat up straighter, his gaze locked on Max.

“Very well, then,” Lenox said, his voice cold. “I’ll speak with you privately, Max. I think it’s time we sort this out, once and for all.”

Max held his gaze a moment longer, then nodded. “Fine. Follow me.”

He turned and led the way down the corridor, ignoring the curious looks from his employees as they passed by. He could feel Lenox’s presence close behind him, like a shadow—one that had grown darker and more menacing over the years. When they reached his office, he stepped inside, letting Lenox follow before shutting the door firmly behind them.

Lenox leaned casually against the desk, arms crossed, but his eyes were anything but relaxed. “You’re making this harder than it needs to be, Max.”

Max raised an eyebrow. “Am I? I think you’re the one forcing the issue.”

Lenox’s smirk faded, and he stepped closer. “I don’t want to be your enemy, Max,” he said, his tone quiet but dangerous. “But if you keep holding onto this company—if you refuse to let it go—then I’ll have no choice.”

Max’s jaw clenched. “Is that a threat?”

“Call it…advice,” Lenox replied, his eyes flashing. “You know me from the time that you’ve been here, Max. I always get what I want. And I’m warning you now: this company means nothing to me compared to what I’m willing to do to take it.”

Max stood firm, refusing to look away. “You didn’t build this company from the ground up, Lenox. You don’t just walk in here and take it because you’ve decided it’s convenient for you.”

Lenox let out a low chuckle, but there was no humor in it. “Still playing the noble card, are we? You know, sometimes it’s better to cut your losses while you still can. I’m not a patient man, Max. I can taste greed from you; it’s not as if you’ve been tasting power all your life. You were just a random heir that was brought in.”

“Then be impatient somewhere else. I haven’t tasted power because it doesn't mean I’ll abuse it now that I have a quarter of it, Lenox,” Max replied, his tone hard. “This isn’t a negotiation, Lenox. It’s over. Now get out of my office.”

For a moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Then Lenox took a step back, his eyes narrowing.

“Fine, Max. Have it your way,” he said, his voice dripping with venom. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you. You have no idea what you’re dealing with.”

With that, he turned and strode out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

Max remained standing by his desk, the air thick with the aftermath of their confrontation. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension. But the reality was clear: this was far from over. The stakes were high, and Lenox wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted.

As he stared out the window at the bustling city below, Max realized he needed to prepare for the battle ahead. He had fought too hard to lose it all now, especially with Emma's uncertain future hanging in the balance. He wouldn’t allow anyone to take away what has been built, not even family.

The game had changed, and he was determined to play to win.