Chapter 10

MAX POV

The crowd's applause thundered around me, but I could only stand frozen, staring at her.

She was stunning. Her beauty was captivating but intimidating, wrapped in an air of untouchable grace. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her gown was like liquid gold under the light.

I couldn’t stop looking at her. Something about her drew me in, a magnetism that defied explanation but I knew it wasn't love… It was power, fame and wealth that made me want to be close to her.

Come to think of it, who doesn't want to be rich? My breath caught as her eyes scanned the crowd and landed on me.

Our gazes collided.

In that moment, everything else faded away. It was as though the entire ballroom ceased to exist, leaving only the two of us.

Her eyes were piercing with that of hate and regret as she saw me, filled with a quiet confidence…no, a proudness…that made my chest tighten. She wasn't who I thought she was anymore… she wasn't that weak Tamara that begs for love and attention, she wasn't a peasant I thought she was but the only daughter of the Johnson's.

And then, just as quickly as it happened, she looked away.

The talking stage of the event ended shortly after. Kenneth gave a few more words of welcome before announcing that it was time for the real celebration to begin. The orchestra shifted to a lively tune, signaling the start of dancing and festivities.

But just as I was considering stepping onto the dance floor, a young man approached me. He was dressed like a secret agent, his demeanor was calm but urgent. Leaning in close, he whispered something in my ear.

“Mr. Max,” he said softly. “You’re needed outside. My Boss wants to talk to you and It’s important.”

His tone left no room for argument. Without wasting time, I excused myself from the crowd and made my way toward the exit, my mind racing with different questions.Who is the young man Boss? What could be so urgent? I couldn't just stop asking several questions.

The air outside the ballroom felt cooler, less suffocating. My steps slowed as I followed the young man’s directions, leading me to the hallway that stretched toward the restrooms.

I entered the men’s restroom cautiously, the sound of my footsteps echoing against the tiled floor. The space was empty except for one figure standing at the far end, his back to me.

It was Jacob Johnson? What does he want from me?.

He stood with a casual confidence, his hands resting on the sink as he stared into the mirror. His reflection was as cold and calculating as the man himself.

“Jacob,” I said, my voice steady despite the unease creeping up my spine.

He turned slowly, his lips curving into a faint smirk. “Max,” he said simply, as though he had been expecting me.

The air in the room grew heavier, the tension was so weird and noticeable. I didn’t move, my instincts telling me to be careful of what I would say or answer any of his questions, I needed to be smart when talking to him. Jacob’s presence was never a good sign, and tonight, with all that had happened, it felt even more ominous.

“What do you want?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

Jacob’s smirk deepened, but he said nothing, his eyes studying me like a predator sizing up its prey.

The silence went on, and my unease grew. I fold my fists, trying to keep my composure as I wait for him to speak.

Jacob Johnson still didn't want to say anything yet as if he was studying me, his gaze was locked onto me, and piercing, like he could see right through me. I stood firm, my body refusing to betray the unease fear and confusion inside of me.

“I know who you are, Max,” Jacob said, his voice calm but laced with certainty.

My chest tightened. Those words hung in the air, heavy and charged with meaning. But I forced myself to remain composed. A look of surprise flashed across my face before I smothered it with a cold smile.

“You know who I am?” I repeated, pretending to be confused.

“Drop the act,” Jacob snapped, his tone sharper now. “I’ve done my homework, and I know exactly what you’re after.”

For a brief moment, my mind raced. How much did he know? Had someone slipped up? Was this just a bluff? Whatever the case, I couldn’t let him see through me.

“I think you’ve been misinformed,” I replied, my voice steady. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Jacob let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “Still pretending, huh? Let me make this clear…you’re not fooling anyone, especially not me.”

I tilted my head, narrowing my eyes as if I were genuinely puzzled. “ Mr. Jacob, you’re speaking in riddles. If you have something to say, just say it.”

Jacob took a step closer, the smirk on his face fading into something colder. “You’re not a good person, Max. In fact, you’re a threat…a very real threat to my cousin’s company.”

His words hit harder than I expected, but I kept my expression blank.

“I think you’ve misunderstood something,” I said coolly, shrugging as if his accusations were laughable. “I have no quarrel with your cousin or his business.”

Jacob didn’t buy it for a second. He stared at me, unblinking, before letting out a sigh. “This isn’t the place for this conversation,” he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

Before I could respond, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small card. With a flick of his wrist, he handed it to me. “My address,” he said. “Come find me when you’re ready to stop pretending.”

And just like that, Jacob turned and walked out of the restroom, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I stared at the card in my hand, the elegant script taunting me with its simplicity. My mind churned, replaying every word Jacob had said. How much did he know? What did he plan to do with that knowledge?