Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Max’s Point of View

I stared out the glass window of my office, watching the city that used to feel like it was mine, every towering building and bustling street, all under my command. Now, it felt distant, slipping further away with each passing day. I didn’t want to admit it, but ever since Eva walked out of that courtroom, something in me had shifted. That slap, her defiance it haunted me, refusing to leave my mind. She had changed, and it seemed like everything else was changing with her.

“Sir?” A hesitant voice pulled me back to the present. I turned to see my assistant, Liam, standing nervously by the door, clutching a folder tightly to his chest. His face was pale, worry etched deep into his expression. Whatever he was about to say, I knew it couldn’t be good.

“What is it, Liam?” I asked, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice.

Liam swallowed, shifting uneasily on his feet. “It’s... it’s about the investors, sir.”

I frowned, my grip tightening on the edge of my desk. “Go on.”

He cleared his throat, glancing down at the folder as if it might somehow soften the blow of his words. “Several of our major investors have decided to pull out of their contracts with the company. They... they don’t feel confident in our leadership anymore.”

I felt a sharp, stinging sensation in my chest, like a punch I hadn’t been prepared for. “What do you mean they’re pulling out?” My voice was harsh, sharper than I intended, but I didn’t care. The frustration, the anger, it all surged up, demanding a release.

Liam flinched but held his ground. “They’re concerned about the recent... events, sir. The media coverage, the court case it’s all made them wary. They feel that the company’s image has been... compromised.”

The words hit me like a slap, and for a moment, I couldn’t respond. Investors pulling out? My company’s reputation tarnished? This couldn’t be happening. I had worked too hard, sacrificed too much to let it all crumble because of a few misunderstandings, because of Eva.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm. “Who exactly is pulling out?” I demanded.

Liam opened the folder, scanning through the list of names. “Harrison Enterprise, Louis International, and Marlowe Capital, among others. They’ve all sent notices over the past few days.”

My heart sank further with each name. These weren’t just any investors; these were some of our biggest backers, the ones who had helped build this company from the ground up. Losing them was like watching the foundation of my empire crack and splinter.

“What are we doing to keep them?” I snapped, desperation creeping into my voice.

Liam hesitated, his gaze flicking up to meet mine. “We’ve reached out to discuss potential renegotiations, but... so far, they haven’t shown much interest.”

The frustration boiled over, and I slammed my fist down onto the desk, the sound echoing through the room. “Damn it!” The anger in my voice startled even me, but I couldn’t help it. How could they all be so disloyal, abandoning us over a few rumors and headlines?

Liam shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure how to respond. “Sir, maybe if we address the media’s portrayal of the situation, try to clear up some of the misunderstandings, we could...”

I cut him off, my voice cold and sharp. “Do you think I haven’t thought of that? Do you think I haven’t considered every possible way to salvage this mess?”

He dropped his gaze, mumbling an apology. I knew it wasn’t his fault, but the weight of my frustration needed a target, and Liam was the closest one.

For a moment, silence settled over the room, heavy and suffocating. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to think clearly. “Set up a meeting with the board,” I said finally. “We need to come up with a plan to handle this, and fast.”

Liam nodded, quickly scribbling down a note. “Of course, sir. I’ll arrange it immediately.”

As he turned to leave, I slumped into my chair, running a hand through my hair. How had things spiraled out of control so quickly? Just weeks ago, I had everything, power, control, loyalty. And now, all of it seemed to be slipping through my fingers, one piece at a time.

Eva’s face flashed in my mind, that defiant look she’d worn as she walked out of the courtroom. She’d changed. The quiet, submissive woman I’d once known was gone, replaced by someone stronger, bolder. And somehow, that strength was tearing everything I’d built apart.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was supposed to be the one suffering, not me. I was supposed to be the one in control, the one who came out on top. But instead, I was here, watching everything crumble around me, and I couldn’t stop it.

The door opened again, and I looked up to see Liam returning, looking even more uncomfortable than before. “Sir, there’s… one more thing.”

I clenched my jaw, dreading whatever else he had to say. “What now?”

Liam hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. “Some of the employees... they’re starting to express concerns as well. Rumors are spreading that the company is in trouble, and... well, some are considering leaving.”

I closed my eyes, the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders. Employees doubting me, investors pulling out... it felt like a betrayal from every side.

“I don’t pay them to doubt me,” I said, my voice tight with barely suppressed anger. “If they want to leave, then let them. I don’t need weak-minded fools in my company.”

Liam nodded quickly, but I could see the concern in his eyes. He knew, just as well as I did, that losing employees would only make things worse. But I was too angry, too frustrated to care. Let them leave if they wanted to. I’d rebuild with people who were loyal, people who believed in me.

For a moment, Liam seemed to want to say something more, but he thought better of it, simply nodding before making his way out of the office.

As the door clicked shut behind him, I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. I’d been through challenges before, faced setbacks that would have broken a lesser man. But this... this was different. This was personal.

Eva had walked away, her head held high, and somehow, that single act had set off a chain reaction that was threatening everything I’d worked for. It wasn’t just about her anymore, it was about my reputation, my power, my pride.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I realized the irony. I’d spent so long trying to make her feel small, to remind her of her place, and now... now, it felt like she was the one standing tall, while I was left scrambling to hold on.

No. I couldn’t let this happen. I wouldn’t let her win.