Vivian POV
I looked at the maid as If she had developed another head and immediately she bowed her head apologetically” I’m sorry ma’am, I’m so sorry ma’am” Her voice came out with worry and I smiled, seeing how tensed she had become.
“It’s okay, but why did you say that?” I asked and she looked at me, as if waiting for a go ahead order from me and I quickly nodded at her to say something.
” Young master didn’t want you to get any new clothes so you could wear his, I think to convince his Father” She replied and instantly, I confirmed it.
The reason Max had been grinning stupidly when he asked me to prepare for dinner. He knew very well I didn’t have any clothes with me and preferred if I wore his?
His cologne lingered on the shirt I wore and I hated myself for smelling like him.
“Thanks, what’s your name?” I inquired, steepling my hands together.
“It’s Freya” She answered and I nodded.
“Let’s go” I say and with that, she walked ahead of me while I followed closely behind but surprisingly, I realized that there was another part of the building that stretched long, it was a long passage which seemed somehow like a labrynth, I was puzzled, the interior designs of the building seemed to have been extended further and surely, I would have gotten lost if I was to venture alone.
We diverted to another passage and climbed a step- down stairs before finally arriving at the dining table and there, should I say twelve eyes gazed at me. I suddenly developed a cold feet at their stares, wondering why there was suddenly three unknown men in suit added to the dinner night.
Who exactly are they? I asked in my head even when I could see the slight resemblance with them and Mr Norman.
” Come on honey, come sit here” Max bellowed, eyeing me to conform to the act which I absolutely understood. Whoever are these strange people that made Max want to act up must be some kind of a powerful influence.
I walked towards the table, going round to sit beside Max, I felt their eyes follow my every movement, from my dressing, my face and even how I strode towards Max, something about their gaze told me they were observing me thoroughly.
I gently sat down beside Max and smiled widely, feigning my eyes to glint with excitement.
” Ridiculous!” Daniel laughed out staring at me, breaking everyone’s gaze to turn to face him. My heart raced, wondering why he would make the condescending remark in front of these people as well. I already braced myself for whatever outcome that would come out of it and wasn’t ready to tolerate any insult of any kind.
“How could you dress like this to just an ordinary dinner Vivian? don’t you have clothes? Perhaps, Max doesn’t like you enough to get some clothes for his woman and prefers wearing his?” His voice held mockery as his fiance burst into a fit of laughter, making the tension brew with taunts. I clenched my fists together under the table, suppressing my outburst from surfacing. Mr Norman shot me a knowing look, a look that depicted I spoke up but what would I say; I didn’t have any words to contend with Daniel’s nonchalance so he can perhaps continue with his ridicule.
I was about to reply when Max spoke out sharply” Daniel, you seem to care more about my wife than your own struggles” Max hinted and I creased my brows in surprise.
Oh he had a sharp tongue! Fantastic!
” I think you should focus on how to get back your company stocks back in line in the market but you’re too busy sticking your nose on irrelevant things and trust me, if you keep doing that, you’ll fail thoroughly” He completed, turned and smiled at me before taking my hands. Daniel seethed, fuming with rage, the contempt of anger radiating off him could be felt by everyone in the dining and from a corner, I could feel someone’s burning stare on my skin and when I shifted my gaze to take a look, I realized it was Max’s mother.
Hatred burned in her expression and I turned back to focus on the plates on the table. She was the least of my problems right now, my only focus was helping Max acquire his damned properties and I’ll end this fucking relationship between us.
It was beginning to get toxic in his family, the power struggle was something I didn’t expect to come out this fiercely that sometimes, I wondered why Max’s father wouldn’t just hand over the last assets to Max who was his first son and clearly competent enough for the position; I didn’t understand why Mr Norman would want his two son to fight for it although I clearly knew that he ran a dangerous mafia group and only the person that inherits the chairmanship position could run the mafia cartel.
Oh this was going to be an Interesting eat! It might really not turn out well for anyone.
“Challenges, ups and down are stepping Stones to greatness Max, if one hasn’t experienced this in their business then that means they’re not befitting enough to handle larger ones don’t you think so?” Daniel retorted sharply and Max smiled as he licked his lips knowingly. I knew where Daniel’s statement was heading to but I remained mute, letting Max do his work.
“For someone who has managed to keep their business running firm and strong without crumbling and rising could only mean they’re the larger rocks, unshakeable pillars and a stronghold. And also for another person who has experienced a fall and managed to rise through a needle hole should watch out always for the next downfall, I believe I am making sense right?” Max thundered, his voice was calm but lacing with an aura of dominance that couldn’t never be underestimated. He seemed so gentle for someone who just shot back heart- rippling words right now. I giggled inwardly, feeling overwhelmed.
Maybe if I and Max hadn’t Divorced, I might have been enjoying the play for this struggle in the family.
Mr Norman picked his forks to eat and just like everyone was expecting the cue from him, they picked up their spoons as well.
I stretched my hands to pick mine but one of the men sitting directly opposite towards me broke spoke out ” You already have an heir, don’t you Max?” He demanded and in that moment, my breathing ceased.
He found out about Ruth?