Chapter 8

Maxwell was a bit stunned by the men's chorus greetings, but still, he maintained his composure and walked gracefully into the study, as Mr Jude had taught him beforehand.

“You may rise.” He said, after some seconds of nervousness. Thankfully, Mr Jude had taught him all of these before the meeting.

The men all raised their heads and took their seats. Maxwell also took his seat on the high floor.

Mr Jude cleared his throat and stood up from where he was seated.

“Fellow Directors, I am happy to inform you that all conditions have been met, and his lord, Maxwell Arnold, has taken over as the chief executive owner of the SkyDrive group of companies.” Mr Jude said, and there was a rumble of applause in the entire study.

Maxwell had never felt so honored before, a smile was boldly written on his lips. It somehow felt fun as the men addressed him as “my Lord.”

“My Lord, these are the top directors of our companies, each one of them holding a very important position in their respective companies.” Mr Jude said and proceeded to introduce them one after the other.

The documents of the list of companies under him were passed to Maxwell. His eyes bulged out, as over 200 companies were listed in the documents.

Even though everyone knew of SkyDrive, and their influence had touched virtually all sectors of the industry, Maxwell never thought that a whole 200+ companies would be owned by SkyDrive.

Even the renowned First City Bank was owned by SkyDrive.

“We own all of these?” Maxwell asked, his eyeballs rolling all over the entire document.

“Yes, my lord.” Mr Jude said, and Maxwell immediately wanted to remind him of their agreement, but it seemed that he had to address him with his title in front of the directors.

“That’s a lot,” Maxwell muttered. On the other side of the documents was a list of companies and consortiums under the influence of SkyDrive. Their thriving and downfall were just at the fingertips of SkyDrive, and they could only maintain their prestige by relying on SkyDrive.

And of course, Brown's consortium was a part of the companies.

Maxwell smirked, he never knew that the arrogant Patrick Brown would be at his mercy one day. He was going to make him pay for stealing his wife from him.

“Whenever you have time sir, please visit the headquarters, so you can familiarize yourself with some activities over there.” One of the directors said with a broad smile.

Maxwell thought for a while before nodding his head negatively.

“The previous CEO stayed in anonymity; I would love to tread on that path also. My identity should be kept secret; it shouldn't be known to any other soul aside from all of us here.” He explained, even though he had other motives for doing that. Being in the dark, he could target those who had hurt him with ease, and he could easily make their lives miserable.

The thought only made him smile; he was sure it was going to be fun.

The directors looked at themselves and mumbled some words that were partially audible to Maxwell.

Mr Jude took the initiative and calmed down the directors.

“If that's what you want, then so be it.” Mr Jude said, and the other directors agreed.

The meeting lasted for about an hour before finally coming to an end. The directors exchanged pleasantries, shook hands with each other, and took their leave one after the other.

“How did it feel?” Mr Jude asked as he walked up to Maxwell.

“What?” He asked ignorantly.

“I mean…the meeting, how did you like it?” He explained himself well, and Maxwell immediately smiled.

“It was nice, to be honest, and I am glad everyone agrees on my anonymity,” Maxwell replied.

“If I may ask, why did you choose to remain anonymous?” Curiosity was written all over Mr Jude's face as he asked Maxwell.

“I just wanted to continue Mr Smith's legacy, also, I still need more time to adjust to this lifestyle.” He added, and Mr Jude nodded in agreement with him.

Maxwell's stomach rumbled, which caused Mr Jude to laugh out loud.

“You must be hungry.” He said and beckoned to the kitchen to serve their food.

They both headed to the dining table and they were served some minutes later.

“Father, I want to go out for a while, I will be back soon,” Maxwell said as soon as he finished his food.

“You are free, go anywhere you want. But please, be safe. I will assign some guards to follow you.” Mr Jude warmly said, but Maxwell waved off his idea.

“No. I want to keep a low profile; bringing those men with me will only cause attraction.” He spoke gently, and Mr Jude nodded in agreement.

“But still, two men will follow you in secret, people will never relate them to you, just for your security.” Mr Jude said, and Maxwell had to succumb. He knew he wouldn't stop persuading him until he took some guards with him.

“They will be secret guards.”

“Of course, just secret guards.” Mr Jude replied, and Maxwell stood up from his seat. He headed to his room and changed into a more casual dress, which made him look more like a commoner.

“I am leaving, father.” He said as he reappeared in the living room.

Two hefty men with arms crossed stood beside Mr Jude. They were so built and muscular, that Maxwell was for a second terrified of them.

“These are the guards, they will ensure your security.” Mr Jude stood up from his chair and adjusted Maxwell's collar. He told Maxwell that he wouldn't be living in the mansion for the day, as he lost some loved ones exactly today, some years back.

“I would love to mourn them privately.” Mr Jude said, and Maxwell was somehow surprised.

“What a coincidence.” He thought within himself and stared at Mr Jude.

“Please, be safe.” He said he couldn't bear to lose the only person who brought him joy and happiness.

Maxwell smiled,

“Of course I will.”

“Take good care of him; nothing must happen to him; not even a scratch is allowed.” Mr Jude ordered and the men yelled out a “yes” at almost the same time.

“There are some luxurious cars in the garage, feel free to choose one.” Mr Jude said as Maxwell walked out of the living room.

He got to the garage, picked up the old model of a Mercedes Benz, and drove off. The men each climbed on a power bike and drove at some distance behind Maxwell.

He suddenly halted in front of a shopping mall, he wanted to get some flowers as it was his mourning day. According to the orphanage home he grew up in, today was the exact day he lost his parents to a planned brutal car accident.

“Father, mother, you can rest in peace, and I vow to unravel the mystery behind your deaths, and I will find my twin brother.”