Chapter 1

“How could Rafael do this to me?” Maxime asked himself, looking for answers in the crowd of his raging thoughts. Behind his eyes fixed on the sky was an invisible internal battle. Doubts were rampant and his confidence in himself began to fade.

“Is there perhaps a seed of truth in these accusations?” he hissed again, facing unexpected confusion.

In the midst of disappointment and inflamed inner conflict, Maxime tries to embrace uncertainty. In the silence that surrounded him he knitted a plan to prove the truth. Dusk is a silent witness to Maxime's inner struggle and the increasingly dark sky seems to reflect increasingly difficult challenges. However, within him the light of determination and desire to restore his honor shines, creating hope that survives amidst the storm of slander that never subsides. Maxime walked to the kitchen to get a drink because his throat was starting to feel dry. When Maxime passed the brightly lit living room.

Rafael quipped sarcastically. "Who would have thought that Maxime, the heir to the Neo family, could be involved in a scandal as bad as this?" Even though Maxime tried to explain in words full of emotion, his anger and sadness were difficult to express fully.

“This is all slander, Rafael! "I'm not involved in anything you're accusing me of," he said in a firm tone, trying to break through the wall of distrust growing between them. Rafael's cold, merciless ice-like gaze expressed deep disbelief.

"You can talk all day Maxime but the evidence is already there," said Rafael sarcastically, strengthening his position without showing the slightest hesitation. This verbal confrontation created an increasingly wide gap between the two brothers. Maxime tried to control his emotional turmoil but despair enveloped him.

“I don't know how all this could happen,” he added in a hoarse voice, reflecting his confusion and disbelief at a situation he didn't fully understand while Rafael laughed coldly creating a tense atmosphere in the room.

"Maybe it's time for someone more capable to take over this family," he said, demeaning Maxime further.

In the tense atmosphere, Maxime tried to absorb every word that Rafael said, even though he tried to defend himself with words full of emotion, his anger and sadness were still buried deep in the recesses of his heart.

"But Rafael you have to believe me that all the games are planned."

Maxime tried to explain but his half-brother's distrust became an increasingly difficult wall to penetrate. Rafael's cold gaze was like a knife that stabbed straight into Maxime's heart destroying every shred of hope that remained. In a dark corner of the room, Maxime's despair overflowed.

“I just want justice,” he sighed in a soft voice, reflecting the confusion and loss that felt so heavy. His inner conflict is increasing, forcing Maxime to face the uncertainty that haunts him, but Rafael does not let up his attitude.

“Justice Maxime? You just bury yourself deeper with every word you say!” Rafael's sarcasm coldly carved a deeper wound into Maxime's already wounded heart.

In a dark corner of the room, Maxime pondered, trying to find strength amidst the overwhelming despair. Even though Rafael continued to bombard him with sharp sarcasm, Maxime couldn't get rid of the sense of justice that burned inside him.

"You can belittle me as much as you like, Rafael, but the truth will come out," said Maxime with remaining determination. Even though he sounded weak, his voice was full of confidence that the truth would be his last protector. Rafael's cold gaze did not change as if refusing to make room for consideration.

"You're still trying Maxime, maybe this is the time to admit your failure," he quipped, trying to break Maxime's spirit but Maxime won't back down.

"I will not give up. You may win this battle but it is not the end of my struggle," said Maxime with courage. His inner conflict may create darkness but in that darkness lies a determination that has not been extinguished. The morning atmosphere in the dining room was filled with almost negligible tension. Maxime sat at the head of the table flipping through newspapers but his mind wandered to every step he had taken to clear his name. Rafael on the other hand squinted with satisfaction enjoying the impact of every intrigue he had planned.

"Maxime, are you really sure that this is the right step?" said Rafael with a cynical smile. Maxime turned his gaze to meet Rafael's cold eyes.

“I'm just looking for the truth Rafael. "That's what every family member should do," said Maxime firmly. Rafael actually laughed a little as if mocking Maxime's determination.

“You've always been a hero, haven't you? But maybe it's just the family that needs a more assertive leader.” Maxime restrained himself from being provoked by emotions.

“A true leader does not need slander or intrigue to prove his power.” Rafael got up from his chair and left the breakfast table with steady steps, leaving Maxime in a silence full of conflict and dark intrigue that continued to run rampant in the Neo family.

"Father, there must be a misunderstanding. I never intended to betray the family," said Maxime, but the atmosphere became increasingly tense when Neo ignored Maxime's words. Meanwhile the sound of knife fighting could still be heard in the air, bringing the tension to a higher level. Maxime tried to defuse the situation.

"Dad, we can talk about this calmly. I want to prove my innocence." Neo showed an unwavering facial expression.

“The evidence is sufficient, Fathur. I don't want to have children who can't be trusted. Go!" chased away Noe.

“But dad!” Maxime shouted in a voice full of despair, trying to beg Neo to listen to his explanation.

"Service! Please drag this child out of my house!” Neo's orders were firm to his ministry without giving Maxime a chance to explain.

"Sorry Mr Maxime, I have to obey Mr Neo's orders, please follow me."

Behind the door of his room, Rafael smiled happily at the victory, feeling satisfaction at Maxime's failure.

“Goodbye parasites!” he muttered in a condescending tone. Maxime was forced to follow the servant who led him out of the house he once called his own, while Rafael still watched with a triumphant smile.

"Father, please listen to me," said Maxime once again before the door closed in front of him.

“Enough Maxime. No words can change this decision. I'm disappointed in you." Maxime left the house, leaving behind broken memories and hopes. The sound of a knife in the air becomes a symbol of the breakdown of their relationship. Rafael just laughed contentedly behind the door enjoying the sight of his stepsister's defeat.

Walking out of the gate of Maxime's house, he felt a gust of wind that seemed to imply the end of all hope. His heart was broken but his determination still burned to prove his innocence. Inside the house, Neo sat alone contemplating his decision. A hint of doubt began to creep into his mind but he remained firm with his decision.

"It's great dad he's finally out of our lives." Neo looked at Rafael with mixed feelings.

“This is not an easy time, Rafael, is this decision correct?” asked Neo.

"Of course our father cannot have anyone who cannot be trusted here," said Rafael.

"Father isn't sure if Maxime is the perpetrator, Ar," said Neo in a doubtful voice. However, behind Neo's determination, there were doubts that still hung in his heart.

"That's because father loves and trusts Maxime too much. Maxime is cunning and the evidence is clear."

Neo nodded slowly trying to process Rafael's words and regroup her thoughts.

"You're right, Aray, but my heart still has doubts."

"Dad, I just want to protect our family from people who can't be trusted. We have to stay strong," said Rafael.

"You're right Rafael, we have to continue this life without Maxime." Rafael smiled triumphantly, Neo's father finally followed his words